Brussels is largely characterized by late 19th-century mansions, known as maisons de maître. These are narrow, deep, tall, and organized over several half-floors. This unique layout demands a specific furniture logic.
Narrow and Deep
A typical house is six to eight meters wide and significantly deeper, with two to three rooms in succession and a staircase to the side. Rooms are thus longer than they are wide. Furniture placed along the long wall makes the room appear even narrower. It works better to divide the room crosswise: a seating area in the front part towards the window, a dining table in the back towards the garden, and a console table or a sofa with its back serving as a divider in between.
Bel étage and Ceiling Height
The bel étage is located half a floor above street level and features the highest rooms, often over three meters, with stucco and a ceiling rosette. This is precisely where a grand light fixture belongs: a chandelier with volume, aligned with the existing rosette. On the upper floors, the height decreases significantly, making flat ceiling lights the appropriate choice.
The Light is Grey
Belgium experiences few clear days. North-facing rooms feel cool throughout the year. Warm materials compensate for this: brass instead of chrome, velvet in muted tones instead of cool smooth fabrics, complemented by wall art and mirrors that cast light into the deeper parts of the room. Very bright white can quickly appear pale in this light.
Delivery
These houses have narrow entrances, often a step up from the street, and rarely an elevator. The internal staircase usually turns tightly. As in Amsterdam, disassembled pieces are advantageous, and a furniture lift is common for upper floors, requiring a permit for the sidewalk. In the narrow streets of the municipalities surrounding the core, a parking space must be registered in advance.
Shipping to Brussels
We deliver to Brussels. The price depends on the shipping weight, which for furniture is calculated based on dimensions and packaging. Zone: EU. The prices stated are gross prices.
| Shipment | Shipping Costs |
|---|---|
| Parcel up to 31.5 kg | 34.90 € |
| Freight forwarding up to 150 kg | 169.90 € |
| Freight forwarding up to 300 kg | 210.00 € |
| Freight forwarding up to 600 kg | 280.00 € |
Freight forwarding goods are delivered curbside. This means: to the curb in front of the address, not into the apartment and not into the designated room. If you require delivery to an upper floor, please arrange this locally; this page provides information on what to consider.
The complete table with all weight categories can be found under Shipping and Delivery, and the timeframes under Delivery Time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you furnish a long, narrow room?
Divide crosswise instead of furnishing lengthwise. A seating area by the window, a dining area in the back, and a console or a sofa with its back as a divider in between.
Where should the main light fixture be placed in a mansion?
On the bel étage, aligned with the existing ceiling rosette. These rooms have the highest ceilings. On the upper floors, flat ceiling lights are more suitable.
Which materials suit Belgian light?
Warm ones. Brass instead of chrome, velvet in muted tones, complemented by mirrors and pictures that cast light into the depth of the room. Very bright white can quickly appear pale here.
Personal advice
We advise you personally and online. Send us your room dimensions or a photo at info@casa-luxury.de and we will put together a suitable selection for you.
Luxury Furniture for Brussels: Maison de maître and Light: Models from the Collection
A selection from the categories discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Continue in the guide: Luxury Furniture Overview · Paris · Amsterdam · Brass