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 Kindwood and Gilt Bronze Side Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
Kingwood side table with two platforms and four elegantly curved legs with gilt bronze sabots. Stamped ‘Ruhlmann’ and with the Atelier ‘A’ mark. Reference number 1001NR in the Ruhl...
Bronze
Ruhlmann 'Tournecol' Tinted Oak Side Table
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Berlin, DE
“Tournecol” side table or nightstand in solid oak and oak veneer with an oblong shape, open compartment, and drawers resting on a roller base. Referenced under N° 1009AR and 1049N...
Oak
Oak Parquetry Round Side Table, Dark Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A dark oak parquetry round side table with tapered oak legs. This beautiful round two-tier side table has an arranged radial design on its oak parquetry top and shelf. Shown in dusk...
Wood
Louis XV-Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Mahogany and Marble-Top Side Table
By Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener
Located in New York, NY
A fine Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted mahogany and marble-top side table. Attributed to Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener (1848-1895) Origin: French Date: 19th century Dimension: H 2...
Marble, Bronze
$13,727 / set
H 23.5 in W 15.5 in D 15.5 in
A pair of side tables in oak and clear ebony tinted resin. by Jonathan Field
By Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
Bedside tables of ebonized oak and clear resin. Private commission for a pair of bedside tables for a couples London townhouse to reflect their differ...
Resin, Oak
White Oak Side Table
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
This white oak side table is made in the heart of Ohio with locally sourced wood. Each table is a hand-made mitered box from white oak veneer and ...
Oak
$8,875 / set
H 20.63 in W 23.75 in D 17.88 in
Pair of Modern Neoclassical Iron and Gilt Bronze End / Side Tables, J C Moreux
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical end or side tables attributed to Jean-Charles Moreux for Maison Jansen. The pieces have a rare, compelling energy as they balance moder...
Brass, Wrought Iron, Bronze
19th Century, French, Louis XV Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Table
By François Linke
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century, French, Louis XV mahogany and gilt bronze marble-top side table. Single drawer attributed to François Linke.
Bronze
Oak Plank Side Table
Located in Miami, FL
A geometric oak side table with a bold, architectural silhouette. Constructed from thick planks of solid oak, the design emphasizes clean lines and sturdy proportions. The top is for...
Oak
Handcrafted English Oak Side Table
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Elegant hand-crafted and turned side table with a modernist style in English oak. Beautifully formed concentric rippling circular base which is reflected underside of the upper surfa...
Oak
Pair of Neo-Classical Gilt Bronze and Marble Side Tables
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of Neo-Classical gilt bronze and marble side tables exudes elegance and sophistication. These beautiful tables make a stylish statement while maintaining a timeless and cla...
Marble, Bronze
Handcrafted Scorched Oak Side Table
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted scorched English oak side table. Taking inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement this striking contemporary design can inhabit many a style of interior space. The oa...
Oak, Yew
Domi Side Table 'Manner of Ruhlmann'
By Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Modernist Art Deco side table by DOMI, with macassar ebony soleil pattern top and mahogany legs with bronze mounts. Documented Mobilier & Decoration, 1934. 27.5” diameter x 22...
Bronze
Oak Geometric Side Table
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Tables / side tables Oak geometric side table By intersecting geometrical shapes and creating interaction, designer Alain van Havre found some...
Oak