I've come to the conclusion that I'm a sucker for furniture and accessories described as "boudoir". What that says about me is anybody's guess, and I say let's not go there. But, if pressed to explain why I perk up when I see "boudoir" used as an adjective, I'd say that I just assume that it's going to be something glamorous, feminine, slight in size (no boudoir piece is ever very large), and evocative of the 20s or 30s. But don't let the moniker fool you- a lot of these pieces would work quite well in a powder room, an entry hall, even in the kitchen. Boudoir- it's not just for bedrooms anymore.
A pair of Rock Crystal Boudoir Lamps created by MJH Design Arts
Doesn't this boudoir chair from the 1940s look like something straight out of a Cedric Gibbons designed movie set? (Available from Venfield.)
More boudoir lamps, this time made of Murano glass. From Eric Appel.
Hickory Chair has this boudoir sofa by Marietta Himes Gomez. A great size for the bedroom of course, but it would also work well in a small living room or study.
I like these boudoir shams from Leontine Linens. I suppose you could put one in an armchair, but I do think that these shams are best left in the bedroom.
How about a boudoir candle?
Image at top: This still from the 1931 movie "Captivation" has nothing to do with this post; it was one heck of a boudoir, though. (Image from Screen Deco (Architecture and Film, 3.)
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
What's in a Name?
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I am totally in agreement. There is something about the look of things described as "boudoir" that is just very glamorous and sexy. It differs from the whole "Hollywood Glam" feeling, there is something more sophisticated about it, not just shiny.
ReplyDeleteYou must get a copy of The Frenchwoman's Bedroom if you have not already read it - a whole different concept and explains the history and evolution - and gives us a chance to see what same fabulous stylish French grande dames have done - Check it out!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post! I tried to pick one thing to comment on, but decided I loved everything. I have always loved monograms on a bed. Leontine Linens does such pretty things! [there, I did comment on one thing!]
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, I love your blog and can't wait to open it every morning...today was a huge surprise, when I looked at the first photo and it was my boudoir lamp!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for including me with those design legends. Have a wonderful week!
The 20's and 30's for fashion and furniture were my favorites.
ReplyDeleteA great look at the boudoir for today and there is something in the sound, evokes satin, skirted vanity, femininity. I think that is the fabulous Myrna Loy in the boudoir glam photo-whom I idolize. la
ReplyDeleteLove it all-it has that Hollywood glam thing going that I adore-very feminine but sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteI, too, am mad about the boudoir. Using the images from Dinner at 8, Wife v. Mistress, and The Thin Man, I tried to recreate one in my own home. Eventually, I realized that the scenes were generally windowless, as they were a stage set, and all were black and white. (Funny, how when watching a B&W film the lack of color doesn't register.)
ReplyDeleteI wonder what glamour looks like in color. Do you think even the black and white embraces lose their allure?
Gorgeous all - but I particularly like the shams.
ReplyDeleteHow I'd love to own the Hickory Sofa. The shams are terrific as well..ahhhh
ReplyDeleteBoudoir' gets me in every time too, xv.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the boudoir sofa by Marietta Himes Gomez. I am crazy about box pleats and the shape is dear.
ReplyDeleteThe sofa at the foot of my luxe bed definitely. Now all thats left is a stain penoir set with a bit of Gershwin playing.
ReplyDeleteI left a comment for your boudoir post in the wrong place!!
ReplyDeleteDo you like our just finished contemporary take on the boudoir?
http://moregeous.blogspot.com/2009/04/photo-shoot-for-didsbury-magazine.html
Sian UK
x
Where did you go to school and where did you work to get all this knowledge :-)
ReplyDeleteAnon- It's the school of too much free time on my hands! ;)
ReplyDelete