An étagère is a small piece of furniture with open shelves that is most often used for displaying small items, like ornaments or other decorative objects. It is a light piece of furniture that is very similar to the what-not: a piece of furniture that was derived from the French and exceedingly popular in England during most of the 19th century. Like the what-not, the étagère is a graceful and elegant piece of furniture, historically made from exotic woods.

The modern étagère is more practicable. It combines the functionality of a bakers rack with decorative shelving, making it useful for a variety of purposes. The most common purpose, however, is for storage and organization. The étagère serves as an ideal bookcase, or it can showcase decorative items. It is tremendously useful for extra storage as well. With the wide range of styles and designs available, the étagère has unlimited capabilities.

There are two very popular designs of étagère. The first is the black matrix étagère. It is a versatile design, transitional, and has three open shelves. It is made of metal, usually metal mesh or some other form of intricate metalworking. It easily blends with any contemporary room décor. The second design is the three tier ladder étagère. This design is also contemporary and suitable for any house or apartment. It is an ideal bookcase, though its three tiered shelves are great for displaying decorations or ornaments as well.

Other styles of étagère include corner style pieces as well. This is the style that most closely resembles the French what-not, as it was a cornerwise shaped piece of furniture. There are also traditional pieces and those designed in French Country themes. There is even an étagère designed for commercial purposes. Shelving for the étagère is available in wood, glass and metal (particularly stainless steel).

The étagère is so versatile that it is useful throughout the home, including the kitchen. Although typically used outside the kitchen, it can be used there as well. One of the greatest things about an étagère is its provision of additional shelf space. Like a kitchen hutch, this piece of furniture allows you to store the appliances and cooking ware that aren't commonly used but should still be accessible for when they are needed. The étagère is useful in kitchen particularly when a baker's rack or kitchen hutch is unavailable or ill-suited. Simply put, the étagère is great for additional storage and decoration. So whether it's a corner unit, or a flat wall unit with full-size shelves, the étagère is bound to suit any room with any décor.