In 1974, Roche Bobois opened its first showroom in the United States on Madison Avenue in New York City. The celebrated luxury French furniture brand is now in 50 countries with more than 200 stores.
The Roche Bobois story has origins in 1950, when entrepreneur Jacques Roche converted an old Paris theater into two contemporary furniture boutiques so that his sons could help usher stunning Bauhaus-inspired work out of the shops and into French homes nearby.
At another showroom called Au Beau Bois, also in the French capital city, the Chouchan family was simultaneously selling home furnishings. The families met later, when Philippe and François Roche convened with Patrick and Jean-Claude Chouchan at a furniture exhibition in Copenhagen in 1960 and afterward produced a catalog announcing their partnership.
Minimal and modernist Scandinavian design had gained prominence in the furniture industry by 1960, rendering designers such as Kaare Klint and Poul Henningsen marquee names — and Roche Bobois's principals had taken notice. Following a national advertising campaign in Elle magazine a year later, the Scandinavian furniture that the newly minted Roche Bobois was importing to Paris became a huge success. Early promotional material from the firm likely included the sleek modular wall units crafted in rosewood by Danish furniture maker Poul Cadovius. It didn’t take long for Roche Bobois to shift toward producing its own contemporary furniture line.
When the popularity of cable television took hold in more major American cities during the 1970s, sofas and other seating became integral to contemporary living-room decor. Roche Bobois’s newly launched Les Contemporains series positioned its own sofas front and center, and it also offered plush lounge chairs designed by Mario Bellini.
Bold works from the company during the decade included Marc Berthier’s Pop Art–colored tubular metal desks and chairs — the latter covered with braided fabric — as well as one of Roche Bobois’s most enduring and well-known pieces, the Mah Jong sectional sofa created by sculptor, painter and designer Hans Hopfer. Anchored by few central elements, this modular lounge sofa can be combined or stacked, giving the buyer total freedom over its appearance and the ability to maximize comfort.
Since its inception, Roche Bobois has worked with many internationally renowned architects and designers on its collections, among them Paola Navone and Vladimir Kagan. Even fashion designers such as Missoni and Emanuel Ungaro have made contributions to the company’s lineup.
In 2010, Roche Bobois marked its 50-year anniversary by debuting a partnership with French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier. A decade later, Roche Bobois teamed up with Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, who designed a collection of organically shaped sofas as well as vibrant, colorful accent pillows and rugs.
Roche Bobois’s offerings over the years have included everything from mid-century modern armchairs to Art Deco case pieces to sculptural outdoor cocktail tables framed in metal wire — shop these classics now on 1stDibs.
Roche Bobois Sideboard by Alain Richard, Rio Rosewood, 1960s Design
By Roche Bobois, Alain Richard
Located in London, England
The Roche Bobois sideboard, created by Alain Richard, is carefully designed in Rio rosewood, a precious wood known for its beauty and durability, with a robust steel base that gives ...
Metal, Chrome
French Rattan & Elm Buffet Cabinet, circa 1970
By Roche Bobois
Located in Labrit, Landes
French rattan and elm credenza buffet. Two doors and two drawers. Typical design of the 1970's, this side cabinet has been made by Maugrion for Roche-Bobois. Maugrion "Le Rotin Prest...
Rattan, Elm
$15,535Sale Price|20% Off
H 46.46 in W 48.04 in D 18.12 in
Pierre Chapo, Cabinet, Model R18A Solid Elm, France, circa 1960
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Genève, GE
Pierre Chapo, Cabinet, Model 'R18A', Solid Elm, France, circa 1960 This model is a first edition, created according to Pierre Chapo's original artisanal methodology. The "R18" sideb...
Elm
$9,824
H 30.71 in W 18.51 in D 90.56 in
Elanta Sideboard attr. to Patrick Forget for Roche Bobois, 1990s
By Roche Bobois
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Elanta Sideboard attributed to Patrick Forget for Roche Bobois in 1990s. Externat suede panels with internal wooden drawers and metal finishes. Excellent condition.
Wood
Mid-century bamboo and cane Buffet - sideboard - 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage bamboo and cane furniture Measures : 117x56cm H:89cm Materials : Wood - cane - bamboo - smoked glass This vintage 1960s sideboard, crafted from rattan and woven cane, appeal...
Bamboo, Cane, Smoked Glass, Wood
Circa 1970 French Brutalist Oak Buffet with Iron Hardware
Located in High Point, NC
A circa 1970 French Brutalist buffet crafted in oak, featuring iron hardware and a low, horizontal profile. The design emphasizes strong geometric lines and a grounded, architectural...
Wood
"SE3" Sideboard by Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, Italy, 1960s
By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden sideboard with black metal base and two sliding doors containing 6 shelves. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Metal
Luigi Gorgoni for Roche Bobois Sideboard in Solid Elm
By Luigi Gorgoni, Roche Bobois
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Luigi Gorgoni for Roche Bobois, sideboard, solid elm, France, 1980s The Italian designer and architect Luigi Gorgoni designed furniture pieces for Roche Bobois since the mid 1970s. ...
Elm
$11,760Sale Price|30% Off
H 4.34 in W 45.28 in D 11.82 in
Wall Cabinet by Celina Decorações, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by Celina Decorações, this wall cabinet is made of plywood with rosewood veneers, with beautiful grains and color variation. It has two drawers connected by a s...
Rosewood
Armoire Roche Bobois
By Roche Bobois
Located in Moutier, CH
Cette armoire signée Roche Bobois témoigne du savoir-faire d’exception de la maison française, réputée pour son mobilier haut de gamme alliant design et élégance. Conçue en merisier ...
Fruitwood
$7,882
H 38.59 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in
1960s Sideboard by the French Designer Alain Richard Edited by Meuble TV
By Alain Richard
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Sideboard designed in 1958 by the French designer Alain Richard for Meuble TV. Excellent workmanship in rosewood resting on a chromed steel frame. Composed of a column of four dr...
Steel
$4,995
H 51.9 in W 62 in D 24.4 in
Bleached Oak French Provincial Buffet, Antique Cabinet, 1800s, France
Located in High Point, NC
This cabinet carries genuine presence, its natural bleached oak, 2 doors immediately setting the tone for the piece. The piece dates to 1800s, sourced from France, and carries the ha...
Oak
$5,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 36.25 in W 42 in D 21 in
Pair Mid-Century Modern Gilded Mahogany Buffets Cabinets, circa 1950
By Alberto Mastroianni
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of Mid-Century Modern gilded mahogany buffets cabinets, circa 1950, perfectly embodies the bold yet elegant aesthetic of the era. Each cabinet is constructed with a rich ma...
Gold Leaf
pine buffet cabinet, circa 1850
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
This 19th-century pine buffet cabinet exudes timeless elegance and artisanal craftsmanship. The upper cabinet features open shelves, ideal for displaying tableware, glassware, or dec...
Pine
$2,912Sale Price|25% Off
H 37.41 in W 79.93 in D 19.69 in
Walnut Sideboard by Silvio Coppola for Bernini, Italy, 1960s
By Silvio Coppola, Bernini
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This walnut veneered sideboard was designed by Silvio Coppola for Bernini in Italy in the 1960s. A nice detail is that the 2 outer drawers open in a rounding. Because of its shape it...
Walnut
$5,995
H 39.4 in W 70.2 in D 19.5 in
Brutalist Buffet Cabinet, Honey Oak, French Design, 1970s Vintage
Located in High Point, NC
Here is a cabinet, its natural honey oak, paneled door the first thing to catch the eye. It was made in France during 1970s, a lineage that shows clearly in its detailing. Its wood f...
Oak
French Provincial Rustic Buffet Cabinet in Solid Wood, Circa 1900
Located in Houston, TX
A charming French Provincial buffet crafted circa 1900, showcasing the honest character and understated beauty of rural French furniture. Constructed from solid wood with a richly ag...
Iron
Sold
H 22.45 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Buffet bas 2 portes Roche Bobois en loupe d'érable Jean-Claude MAHEY 1970's
By Jean Claude Mahey, Roche Bobois
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Buffet bas 2 portes Roche Bobois en loupe d'érable Jean-Claude MAHEY 1970's
Brass
Sold
H 38.59 in W 44.89 in D 23.63 in
70s Roche Bobois off White Chest of Drawers Commode, Buffet, Wood, Bronze
By Roche Bobois
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous Chest of drawers or commode in off white wood in the Provencal style, Louis XV, , with aged bronzes in the corners . Front bulge and corrugated inner skirt. With 2 doors an...
Bronze
Sold
H 38.19 in W 55.12 in D 17.72 in
Jean-Claude Mahey, Burl Wood and Brass Dry Bar for Roche Bobois, 1978
By Jean Claude Mahey, Roche Bobois
Located in Munster, NRW
Exceptional dry bar in burl wood enhanced with brass, by designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois. Opening by 3 doors on the front revealing shelf, and two flaps opening on a b...
Brass