The Dutch-born Jean-Henri Jansen (1854–1928) was only in his mid-20s when he set up his Parisian design business in 1880. By the time he died, Maison Jansen had become the world’s first international decorating firm. Today, it is still regarded as one of the most notable firms and period furniture manufacturers in history, with its vintage floor lamps, tables, dressers and other furnishings remaining in demand.
Maison Jansen initially came to international prominence in 1883 when the young Jean-Henri Jansen traveled to Amsterdam to participate in the International Colonial Exposition, an event that featured presentations by 28 different nations and was attended by over a million visitors. There he exhibited as part of the French pavilion and won the silver medal. This led to two prominent new clients: King William III of the Netherlands and King Alfonso XII of Spain.
Next was King Leopold II of Belgium for the interiors of the Château du Laeken, as well as commissions for Egypt’s King Farouk and Great Britain’s King Edward VII. Thanks to his participation in global expositions and fairs, Jansen expanded the renown of the firm so that its studios would reign in such major cities as London, New York, Buenos Aires, Cairo and many more.
Jansen was not only sought after for his taste but also for his custom period-inspired pieces. For example, in the Count and Countess de Revilla de Camargo’s Havana mansion, Jansen designed Louis XV–style furniture crafted from Cuban mahogany, enhancing Maison Jansen’s reputation as an expert maker. His custom furniture business was so successful that by 1900 he had opened his own atelier and employed around 700 artisans.
In the 1960s, the firm, then led by Stéphane Boudin, worked with Jacqueline Kennedy on the refurbishment of rooms in the White House, including such spaces as the Queens’ Sitting Room, which featured bright blue fabric and neoclassical details. In the 1970s, legendary French actor Alain Delon brought his sense of style to bear on the world of furniture design, when he created a series of pieces for Maison Jansen.
Maison Jansen continued to produce furniture designs through the 20th century, responding to shifting tastes from Art Nouveau to Modern Regency. The atelier and studio officially closed its doors in 1989.
Find authentic Maison Jansen sofas, lighting and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
French Modern Neoclassical Louis XVI Game Table or Writing Desk by Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in New York, NY
A distinguished French Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical table in the Style of Louis XVI by Maison Jansen from the Midcentury featuring a parquetry top made for chess and flip top mad...
Brass
Rare Maison Jansen Backgammon Game Table & Chairs, Signed
By Maison Jansen, Alain Delon
Located in North Miami, FL
Alain Delon for Jansen Collection - Made in 1972. Made with brass, chrome and steel backgammon table and matching pair of armchairs with original leather/suede fabric. Smoked glass...
Brass, Copper, Nickel
Parson's Style Backgammon Table
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Parson's style backgammon table newly produced and refinished in a medium walnut. The game board features hand inlaid mahogany and beech wood. Playing surface flips to reveal a solid...
Mahogany, Walnut
Antique Leather Top French Louis XVI Style Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
This antique French Louis XVI style writing desk, crafted in France circa 1940s, exudes timeless elegance and classical refinement. Made from walnut with a light natural finish, it f...
Brass
$4,800
H 29.53 in W 21.26 in D 16.15 in
Game Table with Backgammon and Chess Board, France 19th century
Located in Belmont, MA
Discover an exceptional Victorian Game Table, originating from the 1860s. This rectangular table stands on four beautifully twisted legs, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The top ...
Kingwood
$4,057
H 28.75 in W 54.73 in D 31.11 in
Mid Century Maison Jansen Manner Brass & Leather Top Desk Writing Table 1950s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Norwich, England
Elegant Mid Century brass and ebonised three drawer desk with leather inset, in the Maison Jansen manner. French - Circa 1950. This Directoire style desk is made in bright solid bra...
Brass
Louis XVI Style French Writing Desk
Located in Pomona, CA
A fine French writing desk of ormolu mounted walnut and mahogany, in the Louis XVI style, featuring an inlaid pattern of mahogany, with brass trim around the edge, with five drawers ...
Brass
Backgammon Table by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The limited edition backgammon games table is made with exquisite, multicolor stone marquetry of green, cream and amber onyx. Supported by cylindrical plexiglas legs adorned with bra...
Onyx, Travertine, Marble
$6,540
H 29 in W 26 in D 20 in
Lacquer Blue High Gloss Backgammon Game Table with Removable Top, Made to order
Located in New York, NY
Lacquer blue table that coverts to a backgammon game table. New production. Designed and made in NYC, each table is handcrafted within NYC and has unique attributes. One-day delivery...
Burl, Lacquer
Sold|$3,508
H 27.96 in W 35.83 in D 23.63 in
Antique French 19th Game Table, Chess, Backgammon & Cards
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique 19th game table or side table, perfect in a living room or office. The table can be divided in three ways: the first with a chess board, the second with a read leather board ...
Walnut
Antique French Louis XVI Writing Desk Cognac Leather
Located in Senonches, Centre-Val de Loire
Antique Louis XVI style desk with cognac leather top and gold embossed frieze. The front of the piece has three dovetail drawers with bronze details and keys. The locks work perfectl...
Leather, Wood
Attributed Karl Springer 1977 Goatskin Backgammon Game Table
By Karl Springer
Located in Miami, FL
Extremely rare goatskin backgammon game table including bakelite game pieces. All Original Condition Beautiful Table with Top that pops out to display the backgammon game board. Mi...
Wood, Goatskin
$2,995
H 27 in W 38 in D 24 in
Petite Ebonized Child Size or Ladies Writing Desk attributed to Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Refined and compact, this Maison Jansen–attributed Directoire-style desk from the 1950s showcases timeless French elegance in a scaled-down form ideal for a lady’s writing table or c...
Brass
Custom Walnut Game Table with Ebony Backgammon and Chess Table
Located in New York, NY
Custom walnut and mahogany backgammon table that converts to chess with a slide out board. New production. Made to order in walnut and mahogany. Designed and made in NYC, each tab...
Walnut
Sold
H 28.75 in W 31.75 in D 31.75 in
Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen Game Table with Drawers, 1970s, France
By Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This refined game table, which also works as a smaller dining table or center table, is by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, circa 1970s France. Featuring a square leather top over lacquered brown case with brushed steel trim, legs and drawer rings, each side has one drawer outfitted with an ashtray and cupholder cut-out. Lacquered portions were refinished and newly lacquered. Ideal as a game table but can also be used as a dining table, cafe table, center table, lobby table, entry table, hosting table, Zoom...
Steel
Signed Maison Jansen Leather Top Backgammon Game Table
By Maison Jansen
Located in North Miami, FL
Stamped Jansen, this chromed steel and black and red leather backgammon games table, circa 1975, provenance: Malmaison, Roger Prigent Enterprises. This b...
Chrome, Steel
Stamped JANSEN Flip Top Ebony Card, Sofa or Game Table
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
Stamped JANSEN flip top ebony card, sofa or game table. This fine example of Maison Jansen's dedication to quality is seen in this flip top table that sits on bracket column support ...
Wood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Game Table Guy Lefevre Maison Jansen Black Lacquer Steel Leather Top, 1970s
By Guy Lefevre, Maison Jansen
Located in Paris, IDF
A rare Maison Jansen game table designed by Guy Lefevre, it features a simple side leather top surface and four drawers with cup holders. Following the glamorous French midcentury lo...
Brass, Steel
Maison Jansen Card/Game Table
By Maison Jansen
Located in East Hampton, NY
Very stylish Maison Jansen card/game table with red leather and gold tooled top on a fabulous brass base......a real show stopper.....
Brass