Bonheur du jour, pronounced as bo-nuhr-duh-zhoor, is a French term that translates to "daytime happiness" or "daytime joy" in English. Literally, "bonheur" means happiness or joy, and "jour" means day. However, bonheur du jour has a more specific meaning in the context of furniture and interior design.
Bonheur du jour refers to a small, elegant writing desk or table that gained popularity in the 18th century. It is typically made of wood and features delicate, feminine designs such as intricate carvings, marquetry, or ormolu embellishments. The design often includes a hinged fall-front writing surface that conceals compartments and drawers for storing writing materials and other small items. Some bonheur du jour pieces also incorporate a small mirror that can be adjusted to different angles.
The bonheur du jour desk is typically designed for use during the daytime, hence the name. It was primarily used by women for writing letters, keeping correspondence, and performing other writing tasks. Its femininity and elegance made it a fashionable furniture piece in luxurious homes, and it often became a centerpiece in boudoirs or drawing rooms.
Today, the term bonheur du jour is still used in the world of antiques and interior design to describe similar small writing desks that replicate the style and features of the original 18th-century pieces. These desks are highly valued for their historical significance, intricate craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal.
