Furniture history guide

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: These 5 Iconic Pieces That Capture the Soul of Paris

You pass by them without always noticing, yet Paris wouldn’t quite be itself without their familiar presence. From the natural curves of the Metro stations to the chipped domes of newspaper kiosks, urban fixtures have been shaping the city’s character since the 19th century. Dive into the story of these everyday icons that keep the heart and soul of Paris beating.

The Little History of Parisian Street Furniture: The Newsstand, a Corner to Read the News Outdoors

It's a familiar silhouette, crowned with a scaled dome, that seems to watch over our news. The newsstand is much more than a simple point of sale: it’s a Parisian institution. Once adorned with ornate cast iron, and now reinvented, it remains the last stronghold of print in a digital world—a place where Parisians connect and gauge the pulse of the city.

The Little History of Parisian Design: The Guimard Entrance, an Art Nouveau Metro Icon

Like a forged iron vine bursting from the sidewalk, the entrance to the Paris Métro is an open-air work of art. Designed by Hector Guimard, it revolutionized the way we access the underground world. Delve into the history of these metro entrances, with their flowing, plant-like curves—silent witnesses to an era when industrial progress and poetic elegance went hand in hand.

The little story of Parisian furniture: the Davioud Bench, an invitation to stroll through Paris

You sit on it to rest or watch the world go by—the Davioud bench, with its polished wooden slats and ornate cast-iron legs, is the silent companion of our urban respites. Originally designed to turn Paris into a sprawling open-air living room, it has, over 150 years, become a universal emblem of leisure in the city.

The little history of Parisian furniture: the Wallace Fountain, a gift that saved the city from thirst

Silhouette of a green cast-iron fountain, an iconic fixture of Parisian squares, the Wallace fountain is much more than a free water source. It stands as a monument to philanthropy and a masterpiece of sculpture, reminding us that in Paris, even drinking water is a moment of beauty. Discover the story of these guardians of thirst, serving life at street corners for over 150 years.

The Little History of Parisian Furniture: The Morris Column, a Beautiful Showcase for Advertising in Paris

A familiar silhouette of the city landscape, the Morris column is much more than just an advertising pillar. A true beacon of cultural life, it has adorned the sidewalks of the capital with its deep green hue and vibrant posters since the 19th century. Let’s take a look back at the history of a piece of urban furniture that has outlived countless city transformations to remain a cherished link between Parisians and live entertainment.