What's in a Name?

I've come to the conclusion that I'm a sucker for furniture and accessories described as "boudoir". What that says about me is anybody's guess, and I say let's not go there. But, if pressed to explain why I perk up when I see "boudoir" used as an adjective, I'd say that I just assume that it's going to be something glamorous, feminine, slight in size (no boudoir piece is ever very large), and evocative of the 20s or 30s. But don't let the moniker fool you- a lot of these pieces would work quite well in a powder room, an entry hall, even in the kitchen. Boudoir- it's not just for bedrooms anymore.


A pair of Rock Crystal Boudoir Lamps created by MJH Design Arts


Doesn't this boudoir chair from the 1940s look like something straight out of a Cedric Gibbons designed movie set? (Available from Venfield.)


More boudoir lamps, this time made of Murano glass. From Eric Appel.


Hickory Chair has this boudoir sofa by Marietta Himes Gomez. A great size for the bedroom of course, but it would also work well in a small living room or study.




I like these boudoir shams from Leontine Linens. I suppose you could put one in an armchair, but I do think that these shams are best left in the bedroom.


How about a boudoir candle?

Image at top: This still from the 1931 movie "Captivation" has nothing to do with this post; it was one heck of a boudoir, though. (Image from Screen Deco (Architecture and Film, 3.))