If you love furniture, styling rooms, or just want to sound more French at the next dinner party, you need a handy list of the words that actually get used in homes. Below you’ll find the most common French terms for pieces you see every day – from sofas to bookshelves – plus a few tips on pronunciation and usage.
Le canapé – the sofa. Whether it’s a canapé d’angle (corner sofa) or a canapé convertible (sofa‑bed), this is the go‑to word for any seating that fills a living space.
Le fauteuil – armchair. Perfect for a single‑person seat that isn’t a recliner. You’ll hear fauteuil de lecture for a reading chair.
La table basse – coffee table. Small, low, often placed in front of the sofa. If you need a round version, call it table basse ronde.
Le téléviseur – TV. Pair it with le meuble TV (TV stand) or le support mural (wall mount) when you talk about placement.
Le tapis – rug. Use tapis sous la table basse when discussing whether to put a rug under the coffee table.
Le lit – bed. Add descriptors like lit king‑size, lit pliant (fold‑away/sofa bed) or lit futon if you want to talk about Japanese‑style beds.
Le matelas – mattress. When you compare matelas à ressorts (spring mattress) with memory foam, this word shows up a lot.
Le coffre – storage chest. Often used for a coffre sous le lit (under‑bed storage) or a decorative coffre à jouets.
L’armoire – wardrobe. For a built‑in closet you might say armoire encastrée. The word dressage also appears for a dressing room.
La bibliothèque – bookshelf or bookcase. If you’re dealing with a small space, say bibliothèque d’angle or étagère murale (wall shelf).
Le mobilier de jardin – garden furniture. Includes chaise en rotin (wicker chair), table de patio, and fauteuil de détente (relaxation chair).
Le parasol – sun umbrella. Handy when discussing weather‑resistant patio setups.
Le bois de teck – teak wood, a popular material for outdoor tables that can handle rain and sun.
French pronunciation can trip up English speakers. Remember that the “e” in canapé sounds like “ay” and the “r” is soft, almost at the back of the throat. In bibliothèque, the “th” is pronounced like a soft “t”. Practicing each word out loud will make you sound natural faster.
Now you’ve got a solid list of French words to describe any piece of furniture or décor. Use them when you shop online, talk to a designer, or label items in your home. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Bonne chance ! (Good luck!)
Curious what the French call a wardrobe? It's more than just a translation—'armoire' has a story and design all its own. This article explains what makes the French term special, the differences from other storage furniture, and how to spot an authentic armoire. You'll also pick up tips on adding a bit of French flair to your own bedroom. Get clear answers and useful advice, no matter how much French you know.
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