An étagère is a freestanding, open-shelf furniture piece designed to display decorative objects, collectibles, or books, often with multiple tiers and an elegant, airy design. It often lacks a back or sides, allowing the articles on display to shine.  There are nice touches of Chippendale fretwork (intricate, ornate wood carving and lattice work characteristic of the Chippendale style) on the shelves, crown and sides.