Bombay is a city in India. Bombe is an adjective that describes how something curves or swells outward. A wooden chest that has drawers or curved sides would be considered a bombe chest.
Originally, the French monarch Louis XIV, who was extremely strict with the artistic standards of French furniture in the early 18th century, held in high regard classic and ornate designs that would be overly ornate and show off too many mythological images for most homes. from today. . After his death, his successor took a much more relaxed approach to design standards and allowed artisans the freedom to be a little more “savage” in their work. This new style of woodworking was called the Rococo style during the Regency period of French history.
The curves of the bombe chests became popular during this period and this type of furniture has been regarded as the highlight of the history of French furniture. In fact, after Charles II of England returned from exile in France, he introduced some of these same styles to the English woodworking trade, transforming furniture designs that were previously uncomplicated in England at the time. The successor to Louis XIV (Louis XV) and the regent who ruled until Louis XV came of age (Philip, the Duke of Orleans) were the rulers at the time of this creative boom, so some styles of furniture were today they call the Luis Felipe Style.
The decorative style of furniture during this period used many artistic techniques and cues from Chinese art. The asymmetrical decorations of flowers, plants, and cockleshells were carved out of wood or painted with a Chinese technique called lacquering. The period also ushered in additional creativity from carpenters who created drawers with drop fronts, secret compartments, and drawers that opened mechanically at the touch of a button. Another popular feature of all Regency furniture was cabriolet legs, which were curved and ended with a scroll at the bottom.
Furniture making in this period was also influenced by the fact that the wealth stores of the middle class were on the rise, which inspired them to create larger houses that required furniture. Since the real trend of hosting numerous social gatherings in the living room (a reception room in a large house) was growing among middle-class people who were well enough to entertain, they start looking for chairs, sofas and other furniture. smaller, wishing that many of the furniture in a room match and be comfortable and convenient while remaining stylish.
These ideals are still valid today, as many people live to match the style and even the intricate carvings on the furniture, they want it to also be comfortable and functional for their guests, while offering the convenience of saving space in a smaller item or offer hidden storage space. . Although many homes today would not furnish their home with the level of complexity of furniture made during the Regency period in France, many bomb chests today still retain a subtle influence of that ornate nature that would dominate a modern home. So don’t be afraid to add a little class to your home. Find a room that thematically can handle more classic and ornate furniture, like a bombe chest, that will add culture and convenience to your room.