After you have viewed the following images I know you will agree with me ......you just can't go wrong by adding an elegantly curved demilune chest or table to you interior. Pronounced "dem-ee-loon", which translates as half moon in French, these lovely tables and chests are designed withe curved sides and a top that is shaped in a half circle. A typical demilune chest has four legs, and the demilune table can have three to four legs depending upon the design. The way they are made allows them to be flush with the wall.
The Demilune table and chest reached a height of popularity in France during the 1700’s. Originally carved from mahogany, satinwood or walnut, these ‘half-moon’ tables and chests were painted or left natural featuring stunning inlaid patterns.
Classic French demilune furniture with clean, smooth lines, is the perfect example of how a piece can be functional, yet graceful and stylish at the same time.
The French definitely do have a way with elegant, refined furniture as you can see by these stunning painted demilune chests. The demilune form is feminine and can really add romance to your interiors. Let's start with demilune chests and then take a look at the tables.
George III Demi-Lune Jardiniere Cabinet, C. 1775 - Attributed to Mayhew & Ince via invaluable.com
You can also count on a demiune table or chest to add instant old-world charm to any room you place it.
Lyons Demesne, country house and estate in Lyons Hill, County Kildare, Ireland
Demilune pieces are especially pretty when placed under a large wall mirror or piece of art.
The size and shape of a demilune chest or table makes it the perfect piece to fit between two windows.
The demilune's half size top has just enough space for a few of your favorite objects.
This demilune chest is the center of an intimate little seating area.
Louis XVI demilune dresser via Parino Antiques
These painted chests and tables usually have the most exquisitely minute and detailed accents.
via Pinterest
The eye-catching side silhouette of the demilune chest shows it's shallow profile and lack of sharp corners. This makes it the perfect choice for a small hallway or entry.
You might want to try a demilune chest in your bedroom. It takes up less space than a traditional dresser and I love that it is designed with no hard corners to bump into. Flank it with a couple of pretty chairs for a soft elegant look.
Two chairs on either side of a demilune adds symmetry.
A lovely demilune chest in your entry will assure you of a great first impression.
Antique Hand-Painted Adams Style Demi Lune Commode Cabinet | 1stdibs.com
In 1748, the discovery of the ancient city of Pompeii caused a resurgence of the popularity of Greco-Roman antiquities which carried over into the Louis XV period and made the transition to Louis XVI. The resulting style is known as neo-classicism and demilunes as well as other pieced were decorated with landscapes, scenic ruins, and architectural elements as well as more Grecian style figures.
During the reign of Louis XVI console shapes became more bowed and round so it was a perfect fit for demilune furniture. Also a typical feature was the medallion motif.
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Since this style of the demilune chest did not have drawers and compartments it was easier to paint these lovely scenes.
A floral marquetry demilune commode, Louis XVI
When left unpainted the demilune chests and tables were often embellished with veneers of precious woods and inlay.
via Pinterest
Even with their marble tops demilunes seem to carry a light petite elegance.
Cathy Kincaid Interiors
These distinctive pieces bring graceful style and can be used in so may ways in every room of the house.
Yes, even in the kitchen. I love the demilune shaped island!
Since a demilune chest is so valuable at providing style within a limited space, they are a good choice for the bathroom.
NOW FOR THE TABLES!!
Add one or two shallow demilune tables about midway down the hall to break up the space a bit. Plus look what pretty flower arrangement stands they make.
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Or a demilune table can add just the right finish to the end of a hallway.
The shape of the demilune table works perfect in smaller spaces where a round table might not. Try using them in the bedroom as a nightstand or as a petite writing desk.
via Pinterest
via Pinterest
During the reign of Louis XV the salon became the social gathering place and people became far more concerned with convenience and comfort. This resulted in the demand for smaller armchairs, sofas, and portable tables. The demilune table was light and easily moved about.
Demilune tables were usually made of mahogany or satinwood and were left natural, painted, or gilded. Fine examples would also include beautiful marble tops.
I love how the light and airy demilune tables can be decorated in such a feminine manner.
Lisa Farmer-Eye For Design
Have a look around your house and I am sure you will find a small space just begging for a demilune table. I have one in this little nook by my living room window.
They are so lovely tucked into a space in the foyer. Ornate and gilded demilune tables adorned entry halls in 18th century France. In fact the foyer is the spot where demilunes first earned their name.
If you are fortunate enough to have two matching demilune tables you can have the best of both worlds. These can be used separately or pushed together to create a circle.
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An ornately painted and partial gilt George III demilune table via Hyde Park Antiques, Ltd.
A demilune table can double as a sideboard, especially in a dining room that is limited to space. Plus it's pretty and different.
Carolina Herrera
A pretty painted demilune table flanked by chairs in this Chinoiserie style foyer. These pieces work well with any style.
Even a more rustic demilune console gives a wall presence. Add in a couple of chairs, if your space allows, for a conversation area.
A simple style painted demilune table that looks amazing in a Gustavian or French Nordic interior.
The design of the demilune chest and table is timeless and is an ongoing decorating element that continues to enhance interiors even today.
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer
