Glossary of French Vintage Furniture Terms

Armoire

Banc: Bench.

Banc

Bonnetière: French cupboard or armoire with a single door.

Bonnetiere

Buffet:  French sideboard with 2 doors and sometimes drawers.

Buffet

Buffet 2 corps: Similar to a buffet but with doors above.

Buffet 2 corps

Canape: French sofa normally part or fully upholstered.

Canape

Chaise: Chair

Chaise

Chevet: Small side cupboard or bed side table.

Chevet

Coffre: Coffer

Coffre

Commode: A French chest of drawers.

Commode

Enfilade: A French sideboard with 3 or moor doors and possibly drawers.

Enfilade

Fauteuil: A French upholstered chair with arms.

Fauteille

Homme debut: A bonnetiere with 2 doors with a drawer in the centre. It means ” Standing Man”.

Homme debut

Horlage: Clock.

Horloge

Lit. Lit clos. Lit coin: Bed Enclosed bed or corner bed.

Lit

Siege: Bench with a back, or settle.

Siege

Table or Table double: Table or double extending table.

Table

Table avec 2, 3 tiroirs: A French server or dresser base, with 2 or more drawers.

Table avec tiroirs

Vaisselier: A French dresser. Normally a buffet with a plate rack above.Vaisselier