Furniture 101: Demilunes

February 22, 2012 No Comments by Peggy Pardo

From the keypad of Peggy Pardo…

Do you have a foyer or hallway that is screaming for a piece of furniture, but you’re not sure one will fit? Then how about half a piece of furniture?

A demilune may be just what you need. “Demilune” is a French term that literally means “half moon”. In furniture, demilune applies to crescent-shaped or semicircular-shaped consoles, tables and cabinets that are usually placed against a wall.

I’ll start with one of my favorites! I love the curved lines of the scroll overlay and the slight curve of the legs…

Source: Scroll Demilune Chest, Neiman Marcus

This demilune has bent mirrored beveled facings and antique silver accents…

Source: Demilune Mirrored Chest, ZGallerie

The mirrors on the next demilune were done in a process called reverse painting. Verre églomisé is from the French term meaning glass gilded, it’s a process in which the back side of glass is gilded with gold or metal leaf. The style is Louis XVI Neo-Classical…

Source: Salon of Fine Things

This one was hand painted, but you could easily create the look using stencils…

Source: Inviting Home

Here’s a demilune that has a great sense of whimsy…

Source: D Magazine
Photographer: Danny Piassick

Chinoiserie is a classic design. I recently did a post on it. It lends itself beautifully to this demilune…

Source: Inviting Home

Demilunes come in all shapes including kidney-shape…

Source: Satinwood Kidney-Shaped Demilune, Richard Rothstein Classic Interiors

Demilunes are great for foyers, hallways or most any small space. I once used a pair as bedside tables. I needed something tall but without a lot of weight, so I chose one that had an open base. It looked fabulous. Have you used a demilune in an unexpected place?

Cheers to all,
Peggy

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