Endeavoring to create exquisite work that would endure forever, designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann defined the grandeur of the French Art Deco movement of the 1920s. His luxurious storage cabinets, seating, other furniture and interiors garnered considerable popularity alongside the growth in post–World War I Paris’s population of newly wealthy residents.
The Paris-born Ruhlmann was the son of a decorating contractor, a business he took over in the early 1900s and expanded into furniture and interior design. But by the end of his career, he was best known for being a skilled ensemblier, a term for a designer who not only makes furniture and decorates spaces but rather personally crafts each and every piece required in the space, from doorknobs to sofas. This practice ensured that the space was harmonious and consistent with Ruhlmann’s vision, and it contributed to the lasting popularity of his designs.
Ruhlmann enjoyed the patronage of the newly affluent and was encouraged by the popularity of Art Deco. While the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements were early influences, he is renowned for the modernity of his Art Deco–era designs, which reflected the celebratory nature of the times, including an integration of opulent flourishes; luxurious materials like Macassar ebony, amboyna burl, ivory and precious metals; and skilled craftsmanship and construction techniques.
Renowned all over the world, Ruhlmann was commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to design a cabinet in 1925, embellishing its curved door with a sophisticated floral motif by way of an ornate marriage of wood and ivory veneer. Also in 1925, at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, arguably the exhibition that introduced Art Deco on an international level, his pavilion was the most popular.
By the time the economic depression of the 1930s materialized, Ruhlmann’s exorbitantly expensive designs were no longer viable. But the majesty and elegance of the ’20s remain an important part of design history, and Ruhlmann has been described as “perhaps its finest exponent.”
Find a collection of authentic Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann furniture on 1stDibs.
Ruhlmann Rare Two-Tier Macassar Ebony Console
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare two-tier console in Macassar ebony, a variation of the console originally created by Ruhlmann in 1915. The rectangular top, framed by an elegant gadroon, rests on four tall, sli...
Ebony, Macassar
Ruhlmann 'Consolette' Mahogany and Marble Console Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Console table known as 'Consolette’ in mahogany with a black marble top and elegantly curved leg. Referenced in the Ruhlmann Archives under nos. 4002 NR t 1034 AR. The model exhibite...
Marble
Pair of French 1940’s Walnut Burl and Ebonized Consoles
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of French 1940’s walnut burl and Ebonized consoles with incorporated mirrors attributed to Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
Mirror, Wood, Walnut, Burl
$2,960
H 35.5 in W 38.5 in D 14 in
19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Marble Console Table
Located in Houston, TX
A refined 19th-century French Louis XVI style mahogany console table (or console desserte), perfect for an entryway, hallway, or sophisticated living space. The piece features a classic, elegant demilune silhouette with a white Carrara marble top. The marble is framed by an openwork pierced brass gallery that elegantly follows the contoured shape of the table. Design & Construction Details Frieze Drawer: The front is fitted with a single paneled frieze drawer outlined in delicate brass beading It retains its original working lock and an antique iron skeleton key...
Marble, Brass
$13,572 / item
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 15.75 in
Art Deco Fontaine Console Table, Macassar Ebony, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Art Deco Fontaine Console Table, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Fontaine console table is named after Jean de La Fontaine, the renowned Frenc...
Onyx, Marble, Travertine, Brass, Stainless Steel, Gold Leaf
$6,845
H 31.11 in W 63 in D 17.33 in
Italian 1940s Art Deco Console in Black Lacquer, Walnut and Maple Burl
Located in Meda, MB
Elegant Italian Art Deco console, 1940s. The structure is finished in glossy black lacquer, enriched by solid walnut profiles that add warmth and contrast. The top features maple bur...
Maple, Walnut
Pair of Ebonized Console Tables Early 19th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Pair of Ebonized Console Tables Early 19th Century A stunning pair of early 19th century ebonized console tables in solid wood. Probably French. A very desirable find, these consol...
Wood, Oak
Custom English Walnut Burl Demilune / Console
Located in Woodbury, CT
Custom made for us in England by our talented craftsmen this table features a segmented, bookmatched top with boxwood inlays, a deep apron and tapered legs. A classic look that offer...
Walnut, Boxwood, Olive, Satinwood
French Art Deco Macassar Ebony Console Table
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Stunning French Art Deco Macassar ebony accent table / Console table. Perfect for any room in your home and adds a nice touch of decor.
Macassar
19th Century French Empire Console Table with Mahogany & Marble
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A French 19th century mahogany console in the Empire style with dark stone top. The gray, Saint Anne-type marble is in wonderful ...
Marble
John Richard Two-Tiered Inlaid Console Table
By John Richard
Located in Dallas, TX
A John Richard "European Crossroads" two-tiered console table with full gallery tops on both tiers and banded and marquetry inlaid wood shelves. 36in tall x 43in wide x 17-3/4in deep.
Brass
$8,610Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 73.23 in D 30.32 in
Art Deco Rosewood Desk in the Style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, 1920s
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An impressive 1920s Art Deco rectangular writing desk, crafted in richly figured rosewood and retaining its original chrome-finished fittings. The streamlined design features a broa...
Stainless Steel
$6,750 / item
H 32.25 in W 42 in D 17.38 in
French Art Deco Ebonised Wood & Nickel Steel Console, Emile-Jacques Ruhlmann
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant French Art Deco ebonised mahogany consoles in the style of the French master designer and furniture maker, Emile Jacques Ruhlmann. The tops are in a pentagonal pattern re...
Steel
Mahogany Console Table
Located in Tyrone, Northern Ireland
A George III period mahogany side table in the neo-classical Adam style. The moulded serpentine top raised over a carved frieze of classical decoration, the long central drawer finel...
Mahogany
French Art Deco 1930's Macassar Ebony Giltwood Console Table
Located in Carmine, TX
Spectacular long French Art Deco exotic Macassar ebony carved giltwood twin dolphin console table circa 1930s, Carved giltwood, the console table has been professionally finished wit...
Ebony, Macassar, Giltwood