Endeavoring to create exquisite work that would endure forever, designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann defined the grandeur of the French Art Deco movement of the 1920s. His luxurious storage cabinets, seating, other furniture and interiors garnered considerable popularity alongside the growth in post–World War I Paris’s population of newly wealthy residents.
The Paris-born Ruhlmann was the son of a decorating contractor, a business he took over in the early 1900s and expanded into furniture and interior design. But by the end of his career, he was best known for being a skilled ensemblier, a term for a designer who not only makes furniture and decorates spaces but rather personally crafts each and every piece required in the space, from doorknobs to sofas. This practice ensured that the space was harmonious and consistent with Ruhlmann’s vision, and it contributed to the lasting popularity of his designs.
Ruhlmann enjoyed the patronage of the newly affluent and was encouraged by the popularity of Art Deco. While the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements were early influences, he is renowned for the modernity of his Art Deco–era designs, which reflected the celebratory nature of the times, including an integration of opulent flourishes; luxurious materials like Macassar ebony, amboyna burl, ivory and precious metals; and skilled craftsmanship and construction techniques.
Renowned all over the world, Ruhlmann was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to design a cabinet in 1925, embellishing its curved door with a sophisticated floral motif by way of an ornate marriage of wood and ivory veneer. Also in 1925, at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, arguably the exhibition that introduced Art Deco on an international level, his pavilion was the most popular.
By the time the economic depression of the 1930s materialized, Ruhlmann’s exorbitantly expensive designs were no longer viable. But the majesty and elegance of the ’20s remain an important part of design history, and Ruhlmann has been described as “perhaps its finest exponent.”
Find a collection of authentic Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann furniture on 1stDibs.
$24,000
H 23 in W 31 in D 11 in
Art Deco Wall Console by Jules Leleu, Signed, Wood and Thick Glass, circa 1935
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant wall-mounted console by Jules Leleu, combining a streamlined architectural silhouette with luxurious materials typical of French Art Deco. The design features two substantial...
Glass, Fruitwood
Art Deco Wall Console with a Marble Top, USA, 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite Art Deco Wall Console With a Marble Top, proudly made in the USA during the 1940s. This stunning piece of furniture is sure to elevate your home décor with its vintage charm and timeless elegance. Crafted from high-quality materials, this wall-mounted shelf features a beautiful gold gilt finish and an intricate carved base that adds a touch of luxury to any room. The marble top adds a touch of sophistication and serves as a perfect spot to display your favorite photos, vases or other decorative items. This Art Deco Wall Console is not only a beautiful addition to your space, but it is also functional. It provides ample storage space for your everyday items, such as keys...
Marble
Art Deco Shop Display Console, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Beautiful Art Deco style shop console, in veneer of wood and beveled mirrors. Good general condition, some losses, wear and scratches on the top, 1 chip in angle. Height 92cm....
Mirror, Wood
$17,611
H 37.41 in W 98.43 in D 23.63 in
Monumental Art Deco Counter Attributed to De Coene, Belgium 1920s
Located in Meulebeke, BE
A commanding example of early 20th-century Belgian craftsmanship, this large Art Deco counter, attributed to the esteemed De Coene Frères atelier. This piece embodies the grandeur an...
Glass, Oak
1930's Side Cabinet / Bar
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco bar cabinet and side table. Rosewood and Saint Gobain glass. Two swivelling doors and open top compartment with original lining. C1930, France.
Glass, Rosewood
High Style Art Deco English Console Table, circa 1932
Located in Devon, England
This is a very rare and one off opportunity to acquire not only a wonderful and stylish piece of furniture but something that is unique and a piece of English history. For your consi...
Mirror, Maple, Walnut
$3,200 / item
H 33 in W 33.25 in D 16.25 in
French Art Deco Wall-Mounted Console with Black Marble Top, 1940s - 2 Available
Located in Chicago, IL
Sold and priced individually. This console table features a streamlined Art Deco design, characterized by its sleek, minimalist form and the use of high-quality material of marble. ...
Marble, Chrome
French Art Deco Bar Cabinet, circa 1930
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A charming bar cabinet with a place for the storage, with key (bottles and glasses) and a retractable tablet for drinks. (can be used as side table as well.) Excellent condition. ...
Wood
Rorimer Brooks Cleveland Art Deco Moderne sideboard or Credenza
Located in Ferndale, MI
Period Art Deco credenza stepped form skyscraper style in cream and matte black lacquer finish . Center section holds three shelves behind lacquered doors with white pulls mounted on round aluminum motifs . Either side cabinets have three drawers over a door in similar decoration . Rorimer Brooks...
Wood
French Art Deco Sideboard by Michel Dufet, 1925
By Michel Dufet
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
A rare and striking French Art Deco sideboard by acclaimed designer Michel Dufet, crafted in birdseye maple and rosewood, circa 1925. With its bold stepped silhouette and luxurious m...
Birdseye Maple
