French Bistro shelves brass up the look of kitchen islands and counters.
French Bistro shelves brass up the look of kitchen islands and counters.Like most shelving in the kitchen, traditional French bistro shelves have a specific character which make them a great accessory. Long used in restaurants for displaying food, wines or collectibles they also worked as partial screens to block certain lines of sight while at the same time revving up appetites.
In home kitchens — particularly on an island — bistro shelves may be focal points if not conversation pieces. The glass shelving is transparent, so what goes on the shelves is showcased by the metal support posts. The bottoms can be separate metal disks like the lightly scaled set in a Florida estate kitchen decorated by Yawn Design [top]. This kitchen has a Belgian feel, especially with the taupe woodwork. On the marble island, the small freestanding set of shelves, in a patinated pewter-like finish, plays into the neutral color scheme and is used to display small objects.
The shelf unit also can be anchored into the counter. This happens to be a beautifully worked zinc island top in a kitchen by Bay Area designer Linda Floyd. The counter and shelves are natural partners.
Oh my, how I covet this set of vintage brass shelves — look to the right of the range. Complete with cup hooks, here is an exceptionally elegant way to store everyday dishes. Larger plates help anchor the bottom and rest on a marble slab. So unusual and authentic — what a treasure.
A set of antique reproduction shelves shows the basic structure. It’s interesting to note that the glass does not surround the posts — there is a shelf on each side. This one has marble inset in a wooden frame at the bottom, with brass feet.
The catalog house Frontgate, which caters to the luxury market, is also doing replicas. Their shelf is marketed as an “Entertaining Etagère” They’ve done a great job of styling it with such delicious looking pastries. This shelf comes in two sizes (24” and 31”), and stands nearly 3-feet high. These are crazy expensive (at least I think so) and require assembly since the glass shelves straddle the posts.
Given the trend I’m seeing towards open shelving and fewer upper cabinets, I suspect these few examples of French bistro shelves are early days examples. I can’t want to see how the idea develops as designers pick up the idea and the size increases.
(Sources: Yawn Design, Linda Floyd, denman bennett, Fireside Antiques, Frontgate)
See Glass Ceiling Kitchen for another look at French bistro shelves.
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Where can I buy this bristro glass shelves
Where can I purchase the brass and glass bistro shelves?
Hi Jackie,
The links are just below the article. If there’s no link for the shelf that interests you it’s custom.
Jane
Pottery Barn. Mine just arrived.
Restoration Hardware has the nickel, and The High Boy has a really expensive nickel repro. Good luck.
So Susan, can you post a pic? Would love to see your PB shelves. They are very quick to pick up on things. Thanks for posting!