Etagere is an elegant, open-shelved furniture piece characterized by its tiered structure and decorative nature, originating from French design traditions of the 18th century. This sophisticated storage and display solution typically features multiple horizontal shelves supported by vertical elements, often incorporating ornamental details that reflect various design movements from rococo to contemporary minimalism. The design evolved from simple wall-mounted shelving to become a statement piece of furniture, traditionally crafted from fine materials such as mahogany, rosewood, or gilt bronze, though modern interpretations may employ glass, steel, or other contemporary materials. In retail environments, etageres serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, offering versatile merchandising opportunities while maintaining visual lightness through their open construction. The furniture piece's ability to showcase products while maintaining spatial flow makes it particularly valuable in store design, where it can create engaging product presentations without overwhelming the space. Contemporary retail designers often incorporate etageres into visual merchandising strategies, utilizing their architectural qualities to create dynamic displays that can be easily modified. The A' Design Award competition has recognized numerous innovative interpretations of etageres in retail design, highlighting how this classical furniture type continues to evolve through modern design approaches. The distinctive characteristic of an etagere lies in its combination of practical storage with decorative elements, making it an essential component in both traditional and contemporary retail environments where it serves to elevate the presentation of merchandise while contributing to the overall aesthetic atmosphere of the space.
retail furniture, display shelving, merchandising fixture, French design, tiered storage, decorative shelving, visual merchandising, store fixture, open shelving
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Etagere.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=474588 (Accessed on July 01, 2025)"
An étagère is a type of furniture that originated in France during the 18th century. It is a tall, open shelving unit that is typically used for displaying decorative objects, such as figurines, vases, and books. The word étagère is derived from the French word étage, which means floor or level. The design of an étagère typically consists of a series of open shelves that are supported by a framework of vertical columns and horizontal crossbars. Étagères can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and glass. They can be designed in a range of styles, from traditional to modern, and can be used in a variety of settings, from living rooms to bedrooms to offices. Some étagères are designed to be freestanding, while others can be mounted on a wall. Étagères are often used as a decorative accent in a room, as they can add visual interest and provide a place to display treasured objects. They can also be used to organize and store items, such as books, magazines, and collectibles. In addition, étagères can be used to divide a room or create a visual barrier between different areas. Overall, the étagère is a versatile piece of furniture that can add both style and function to a room. Its open design allows for easy access to displayed items, while its vertical structure can add height and visual interest to a space.
furniture, display, shelves, decorative, versatile
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