A designer and ensemblier, Jules Leleu was one of the key authors of the Art Deco movement. While he did not win the fame of such contemporaries as Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jean-Michel Frank, Leleu had a longer career and was easily their peer in the conception of trim, refined furniture forms and in the use of the opulent materials — from lacquer and ivory to sharkskin and exotic woods — that were a keynote of haute Art Deco design.
Leleu was born into a family of artisans and decorators. Their firm, Maison Leleu, had existed since the 18th century and Jules would guide it through much of the 20th. (The business lasted until 1973, headed at the end by Jules's children.) He studied architecture, served as an aviator in World War I, and after the conflict took up design full-time.
Leleu presented work at the 1925 exposition in Paris that gave us the term Art Deco, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York purchased a burl amboyna wood commode by Leleu directly from the show.
As the desks, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs show, Leleu was a stickler for precision craft and preferred to let his materials do the talking — his furniture is generally spare and sleek; its presence is established by figuring (or patterning/graining) in the wood and the occasional marquetry medallion. He had a keen eye for currents in design and an adaptable sensibility.
Maison Leleu would embrace many of the starker forms of modernism after the 1940s, as well as new materials such as artificial lacquer and plastics (then considered cutting-edge rather than cheap). Jules Leleu is a guiding light of 20th-century modernism: a man whose work represents both a devotion to traditional handiwork and an appreciation for the next wave in design.
Find Jules Leleu tables, sideboards, dining chairs and other furniture on 1stDibs.
French Art Deco Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Butterfly Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Stunning French Art Deco credenza is designed by famous artisan Jules Leleu. It is comprised of mother-of-pearl inlay forming a butterfly motif with gold hardware, which accents the ...
Elegant Art Deco Period Inlaid Walnut Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Art Deco Period inlaid walnut buffet by Jules Leleu inset with gilded bronze hoof feet
Walnut
Fine Art Deco Mahogany and Rosewood Sideboard Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Rare and elegant mahogany and rosewood Art Deco buffet by Jules Leleu inset with mother of pearl floral motifs and gilt-bronze mounts. Impressed mark and number to reverse 'C A' an...
Mahogany
Two Shagreen Buffets
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
Melting buffet & Arianne buffet All R & Y Augousti pieces are handmade by artisans, ultimately making each piece unique. Custom color/sizing available on request. Wipe c...
Brass
Fine Art Deco Sideboard by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Bridgewater, CT
Jules Leleu (1883-1961). An important rosewood cabinet, decorated with a spray of inlay mother-of-pearl flowers and butterflies, legs with gilded bronze sabots. With the original ...
Bronze
French Art Deco Buffet in the Style of Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous details on this French Art Deco buffet in the style of Jules Leleu in palisander wood with marquetry, mother-of-pearl, nacre and bronze inlay designs. The bronze caps, rings...
Palisander
$75,000
H 36 in W 71 in D 19 in
Jules Leleu (1883-1961) Floral Mother of Pearl and Ebony Inlay Sideboard 1939
By Jules Leleu
Located in CA, CA
Jules Leleu (1883-1961) sideboard In Macassar ebony veneer, opening with two doors. Inlaid decoration of butterflies, flowers and foliage in mother-of-pearl and ebony. Curved upright...
Mother-of-Pearl
$10,540
H 36 in W 120 in D 22 in
Ca 1940 Art Deco 5 Door French Rosewood. Buffet in the Style of Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Exceptional piece, French Art Deco buffet in Macassar ebony diamond inlay, and rosewood, circa 1940. Bronze details on legs, stand and lower middle - middle door reveals six lin...
Ebony, Macassar
French Art Deco Signed Jules Leleu Cabinet
By Jules Leleu
Located in North Bergen, NJ
This sunning French Art Deco cabinet is designed by famous artisan Jules Leleu. The cabinet reflects the craftsmanship and quality of the Art Deco period. The bronze trim is pictured...
Brass
French Art Deco Rosewood + Leather Desk by Jules Leleu, 1940s
By Jules Leleu
Located in Chicago, IL
Jules-Emile Leleu wasn’t simply a furniture maker — he was one of the architects of French Art Deco refinement. Born just outside Paris in 1883, Leleu came from a family of decorati...
Rosewood
French Art Deco Six-Door Buffet in the Style of Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Gorgeous French Art Deco six-door buffet in the style of Jules Leleu. With beautiful Rosewood and mother-of-pearl inlay along with stunning marquetry. The middle doors open to reveal...
Mahogany
$25,714
H 48.82 in W 72.05 in D 16.54 in
Fine Art Deco Mahogany Cabinet, attributed to Jules Leleu, circa 1925
By Jules Leleu
Located in Roma, IT
Important Art Déco cabinet, attributed to Jules Leleu, realized between 1925 and 1930. Executed in mahogany veneer with subtle figuring and a warm, satin finish, the cabinet showcas...
Mahogany, Ivory
French Art Deco Six-Door Buffet in the Style of Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Gorgeous French Art Deco six-door buffet in the style of Jules Leleu. With beautiful rosewood and mother-of-pearl inlay along with stunning marquetry. The middle doors open to reveal...
Wood, Mother-of-Pearl, Rosewood
Jules Leleu Art Deco cabinet in amboyna with inlaid medallion
By Jules Leleu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Classic French Art Deco cabinet (documented), by Jules Leleu (signed), in amboyna with inlaid medallion and original Breche marble top. Completely and correctly restored and refinish...
Breccia Marble
$19,074
H 37.01 in W 98.43 in D 21.26 in
Jules Leleu French Rosewood Diamond Marquetry Art Deco Sideboard, 1940's
By Jules Leleu
Located in Sofia, BG
Jules Leleu French rosewood diamond Marquetry Art Deco sideboard, 1940's This French Art Deco sideboard originates from the 1940s, It was produced by ...
Rosewood
$27,428
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 19.3 in
Art Deco Console by Jules Leleu, Mahogany & Amboyna, France, 1923
By Jules Leleu
Located in Roma, IT
An exceptional and early Art Deco console by Jules Leleu, dating from the early 1920s — a period marking the full emergence of Leleu’s mature decorative style. Presented at a time wh...
Mahogany, Amboyna
French Art Deco 1930's Rosewood Sideboard Sign By Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Carmine, TX
Masterpiece French art deco sideboard sign by Jules Leleu 1930s with extensive wood each side of this piece features a cabinet that opens to storage with a single internal shelf. The...
Bronze
$25,142
H 37.41 in W 99.22 in D 20.48 in
Jules Leleu , very large and elegant sycamore art deco sideboard circa 1935
By Jules Leleu
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Jules Leleu ,very large and elegant sycamore art deco sideboard circa 1935
Bronze
Sycamore Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
JULES LELEU (1883-1961) Sycamore veneer sideboard inlaid, with a quadrangular body opening with four solid doors adorned with wood and Pinctada maxima marquetry decor. Ovoid-shaped g...
Sycamore
Fine French Art Deco Rosewood sideboard by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu (1883 – 1961) A fine French 1930s four doors rosewood buffet with gilded bronze details. Interiors with shelves and drawers. Signed Overall depth with handles is 21"
Metal
Sold
H 37.8 in W 90.56 in D 22.05 in
French Art Deco Rosewood Sideboard Buffet Maison Jules Leleu, 1940's
By Jules Leleu
Located in Sofia, BG
This sideboard was made in France in the 1940s in the famous furniture house of Art Deco designer - Jules Leleu. The decorative elements on the doors are executed in the typical diam...
Rosewood
Elegant Art Deco Period Walnut Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Important Art Deco period walnut buffet by Jules Leleu inlaid with mother of pearl and various woods to form a floral motifs , fitted with gilt-bronze mounts. Bearing label: "Ce m...
Palisander
Sold
H 36.23 in W 95.28 in D 20.08 in
Jules Leleu French Art Deco Walnut Parquetry Buffet Sideboard Signed Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Benington, Herts
An exceptional three-door walnut and bronze French Art Deco buffet or sideboard designed and signed by Jules Leleu (1883-1961). French - Paris, circa 1940 Extremely well constr...
Walnut
Very Fine Mahogany Art Deco Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Very fine mahogany Art Deco buffet by Jules Leleu. Two fronts doors intricately decorated with marquetry fitted with fine cast gilded bronze ...
Mahogany
Sold
H 35.5 in W 55 in D 17.25 in
French Late Art Deco / Modern Neoclassical Sideboard / Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
Elegant French late Art Deco / modern neoclassical sideboard / buffet by Jules Leleu, A 2-door cabinet composed in mahogany with the doors in a herringbone wood inlay and inset br...
Brass
Sold
H 33.27 in W 50.91 in D 17.45 in
Fine French Art Deco Palisander and Marquetry Buffet / Commode by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jules Leleu: A fine French Art Deco Palisander and marquetry buffet / commode with bronze details. Signed.
Bronze
Jules Leleu Art Deco Cabinet, 1930
By Jules Leleu
Located in Encino, CA
Jules Leleu, Amazing cabinet in rosewood veneer, France, circa 1930 Three doors and two drawers Nickel-plated bronze hardware, and handles in glass. Excellent condition, refinished. ...
Rosewood
Extremely Rare Art Deco Sideboard Buffet of Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Sofia, BG
Extremely rare and precious buffet sideboard of French top designer Jules Leleu Art Deco from 1940's, signed by himself. Roundings at the corners, metal edges all-over. Very fine mar...
Sycamore
Sold
H 33.5 in W 56.25 in D 17.75 in
Fine French Art Deco Sycamore and Marquetry Buffet / Commode by Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fine French Art Deco sycamore and marquetry buffet / commode by Leleu. Signed and documented page 55 of the book: Leleu, decorateurs ensembliers by Francoise Siriex. Editions Monelle...
Jules Leleu French Art Deco Buffet/Sideboard
By Jules Leleu
Located in Houston, TX
A beautiful Jules Leleu French Art Deco buffet/sideboard with diamond patterned rosewood, walnut supports, satinwood and mother-of-pearl inlay, giltwood edging and raised on bronze s...
Ormolu, Bronze
Stylish Sycamore Sideboard by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Montreal, QC
Stylish sycamore marquetry and inlaid two door buffet by Jules Leleu. Classically designed with a Directoire inspiration, this piece is a perfect example of Leleu's mastery of style ...
Sycamore
Fine French Buffet by Jules Leleu
By Jules Leleu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fine French 1950s four doors buffet by Jules Leleu with bronze details. A matching table and a set of six chairs are available.
Jules Leleu Buffet
By Jules Leleu
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional rosewood and bronze buffet was designed and signed by Jules Leleu, the legendary French furniture designer of the last century. The buffet features three slightly cu...
Bronze