wooden Bahuts
French high-end artisanal furniture manufacturing
The origin and characteristics of French Bahuts
The term ‘bahut’ has its origins in the Middle Ages, initially designating in France a solid wooden chest with a domed lid, used by lords to carry their personal belongings when travelling. Over time, the bahut evolved into a fixed piece of storage furniture, generally long and low, with either no legs or very short legs. This evolution distinguishes it from the sideboard, which also appeared in the Middle Ages, but was mainly used in the dining room to store crockery and table utensils. The sideboard is often taller and has longer legs, reflecting its different use. Today, the words "bahut" and sideboard often refer to the same piece of furniture.
Different styles of sideboards or bahuts
Solid wood sideboards offer many advantages. Wood is a durable and robust material, guaranteeing a long life for the furniture. What's more, it brings a natural warmth and timeless aesthetic to any interior. Wood species such as oak, cherry or walnut give the sideboard a particular solidity and elegance. What's more, wood is an environmentally-friendly material, especially when it comes from sustainably managed forests. A wooden sideboard can also be restored or customised, offering great flexibility when it comes to interior design.
Solid wood sideboards come in a variety of styles. The rustic style features robust lines and rough finishes, recalling the charm of country homes. GONTIER offers the TRADITION and RIVE GAUCHE collections in this style. The Scandinavian style, meanwhile, favours clean sleek lines and light colours, adding a touch of modernity and lightness. You'll find these stylish sideboards at our sister brand Mon Petit Meuble Français.
The industrial style combines solid wood with metal elements, offering an urban, contemporary look.
Finally, the classic style offers more ornate designs, with carved details and meticulous finishes, reflecting traditional elegance. This antique style is echoed by GONTIER in a number of different collections, such as DIRECTOIRE, FLAUBERT and MELANIE, which take their inspiration from the shapes and designs of the Louis Philippe, Directoire and Louis XVI eras. The roundness of Louis Philippe and the purity of Louis XVI appeal to a demanding public in France and abroad, lovers of fine furniture.
Our contemporary sideboards can be seen in the SIENNA and STELLA collections, designed by Christophe Lecomte. These new collections perpetuate a plush, durable design without being ostentatious, while adding a modern touch and opening/closing functions that are unheard of on old sideboards.
The most recently developed sideboard reflects today's French art of living. You'll find it in the CANNES collection, in walnut and equipped with the latest lighting, protective glass, metal legs... the ultimate.
The wood and advantages of our sideboards
Maison GONTIER utilises solid wood and, for contemporary collections, wood veneer.
The wood is sourced from sustainably managed and PEFC-certified French forests. We exclusively utilise the flagship species of French cabinet-making: oak, ash, wild cherry and walnut.
French oak is characterised by its natural greyish colour, prominent grain, texture and sapwood. Renowned for its strength and durability, French oak is a highly sought-after export.
Cherry, on the other hand, is softer with a more subtle natural pinkish-grey grain. In antique-style furniture, it is often finished with a brown tinge that can be mistaken for the cherry wood itself.
Walnut, with its distinctive grain and natural colour, is a popular choice for our sideboards.
Our solid wood sideboards offer a blend of traditional craftsmanship, classic style and contemporary design. Our furniture is distinguished by its diversity, customisation options, in-room delivery, and an extended 5-year warranty, all of which are underpinned by the use of premium wood to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
Our customisation options allow customers to choose from various dimensions, finishes and wood species, ensuring a piece of furniture tailored to their specific needs and interior.
By choosing a Maison GONTIER sideboard, you can be confident of purchasing a product made in France, supporting local craftsmanship and benefitting from unparalleled quality.