What is the meaning of the furniture term Semainier?

A semainier is a piece of furniture that originated in France in the 18th century. It is a tall and narrow chest or chiffonier, typically made of wood, with six or seven drawers stacked vertically. The term semainier comes from the French word semaine, which means week, indicating that this piece of furniture was designed to hold a weeks supply of personal linen.

The semainier is a functional and practical piece of furniture that allows for easy organization and storage of personal belongings. Each drawer is usually labeled with a day of the week, helping to keep the linen organized and easily accessible. In older designs, the drawers might even have locks to secure the contents.

Traditionally, the semainier was used to store items such as underwear, socks, and other personal linens. However, its narrow and vertical structure makes it suitable for various purposes, including storing jewelry, accessories, or even stationery and office supplies.

In terms of aesthetics, the semainier often features decorative elements and fine craftsmanship, making it a stylish addition to any room. It can come in different styles, from classical to contemporary, with various finishes and materials to suit different interior design preferences.

The semainier is a versatile and practical piece of furniture that offers both storage and organization solutions for daily personal belongings. A tall narrow chest or chiffonier with six or seven drawers, planned for daily supply of personal linen.