Etagere

All about the etagere

The etagere is a piece of furniture with compartments or shelves for storage. These pieces come in various sizes and can be made from different materials. They may feature open shelves or a combination of open shelves with a closed cabinet. In this article, you'll discover more about the etagere and the different ways it can be used.

What are etageres used for?

Etageres are often used to display decorative items. Another popular use is in the toilet. Here, an etagere can make the space more attractive by adding a decorative touch. It's also practical for storing toilet essentials like towels, toilet rolls, cleaning products, or face cloths.
In the bathroom, a corner etagere is often preferred. The corner etagere is extremely practical because it makes use of unused space in the corner of the bathroom, providing extra storage.

Where does the etagere come from?

The first examples were made in France in the second half of the 18th century. At that time, French decorative styles were very popular and were characterized by metal or exotic wood embellishments with detailed craftsmanship.

What are the benefits?

Because an etagere is an open piece of furniture, it gives the impression of taking up much less space than a drawer unit or bookcase. They're also practical because they're lightweight, easy to move, and simple to pack when you're moving house. You'll find them in every price range and in a wide variety of designs and styles.

Materials and styles

Etageres are available in a variety of metals as well as wood. Prefer a metal one? You can choose from bronze, steel, or chrome. Wooden versions are usually made from oak, bamboo, cherry wood, or wicker. A tall model for the toilet or bathroom is ideal for making the most of the available wall space. However, there are also shorter versions, which are perfect if, for example, the toilet is under a window and a taller unit won't fit. They always feature fully or partially open shelves, or a combination of a small cabinet with open shelves. The sides can be either open or closed.