The Buffet Family: History, Functionality, and Elegance

Buffets, the centerpiece of our dining rooms, are furniture pieces steeped in history, with uses that have evolved over the centuries. Positioned in our dining spaces, they reflect a way of life and serve as a testament to the history of French furniture. Their evolution is characterized by a blend of functional necessity and artistic expression.

The Origins of Buffets

Originally known as dressers or cabinets, buffets have roots in French social traditions. Once a symbol of social status, they were intricately crafted and used to store and display fine dishes and other precious items. Initially, these sturdy and functional pieces were reserved for reception rooms. During the Louis-Philippe and Louis XVI-Directoire periods, they evolved into long, imposing pieces often called enfilades. French regions also adapted these royal buffets to a more rustic or charming country style, incorporating soft color accents to enhance the finish.

Classic, Contemporary, or Designer Buffets: Distinct Styles

Our sister brand, Maison GONTIER, has been crafting reproductions of antique buffets since 1920, producing each piece individually and exclusively from solid wood. You can select your preferred wood finish and choose between 2, 3, or 4-door options, as well as tall buffets or support cabinets.

Their catalog also includes more contemporary buffets in oak, cherry, and walnut, with the CANNES collection. Both Mon Petit Meuble Français and GONTIER exclusively use sustainably managed French wood, never melamine or laminate panels.

Wood is sometimes combined with metal, such as with the matte black lacquered steel legs on the walnut buffet. Black iron handles are featured on the oak buffet to the right.

In Contrast, Mon Petit Meuble Français Offers Only Designer Buffets

Mon Petit Meuble Français focuses exclusively on designer buffets with a sleek, trendy look, embracing a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. The ÉGÉE collection features refined lines, highlighted by beautifully muted colors for a contemporary touch.

The New Buffets: Design and Functionality

Today, the buffet has been propelled to the forefront of modern home trends. The classic sideboard now adapts to smaller, varied spaces, from the kitchen to the bedroom, adjusting in size and dimensions for each room and purpose.

In response to contemporary demands, buffets have evolved with added technical innovations. At Mon Petit Meuble Français, Eric Gizard’s designs bring an array of new functionalities.

You can choose buffets with only doors or a mix of doors and drawers to suit your needs. The doors are handle-free, opening with a simple push thanks to "push-release" hinges—ideal when your hands are full.

Drawer fronts are also handle-free, opening with a single press anywhere along the drawer face, thanks to two specialized slides. The top drawer is shallower than the others and includes removable dividers, perfect for organizing cutlery or placemats.

Customization is extensive; you can select the length and height that best fits your needs. For each buffet, you can view the furniture photo with 11 color options and choose your favorite.

This offers hundreds of possible combinations to create a piece perfectly suited to your storage needs and space.

All buffet tops are crafted from ash, showcasing the beautiful wood grain daily and providing an elegant surface for display.

Customized Finishes

To help you select your color, you can view our color chart or request a wood sample in your preferred color before finalizing your project. Simply let us know your chosen color and your contact details in the contact form.

If desired, we can create a custom color match based on a RAL reference, for example. This service costs €140 (including tax) and allows you to receive a unique piece of furniture that integrates seamlessly into your home.