Chareau came from a family of shipbuilders and studied architecture at the Ecole des Baeaux- Arts in Paris (from 1900-1908). Upon the completion of his degree, he worked for the British firm of Waring and Gillow Furnishings in Paris from 1908-1913. One of his first interiors projects came in 1919 when, while on leave from the army during the First World War, he designed a study/ bedroom for his friend Dr. Jean Dalsace. That same year, the Salon d' Automne exhibited the design of this room. These projects prompted Chareau to continue designing furniture and lighting fixtures and he only occasionally accepted architectural commissions. Although when he did, they were significant. From 1918 until 1940, when he relocated to the United States of America, he worked for himself.