What characterises Louis XV style furniture?

Originating in 18th-century France, Louis XV style furniture is recognised by its curvilinear forms, asymmetrical balance, and decorative elegance. Signature features include slender cabriole legs, serpentine outlines, and subtle hand-carved detailing.

What materials were traditionally used in 19th-century French writing tables?

19th-century French writing tables were predominantly constructed from dense European hardwoods such as walnut, oak, or mahogany. Writing surfaces were frequently inset with gold-tooled animal hide leather, providing a resilient working plane.

How do you identify authentic 19th-century French revival desks?

Authentic 19th-century pieces display signs of period craftsmanship, including hand-sawn timber marks, dovetail joinery in drawer construction, and natural patination on the timber. Metal fittings or lock plates often show hand-finishing consistent with the era.

How can a French writing table be styled in a contemporary home?

A French writing table serves effectively as a compact work desk in a modern home office, or as an occasional console table in a hallway or drawing room. Pairing the warm timber tones with neutral wall palettes creates an effective visual contrast.

How should an antique leather-topped walnut table be maintained?

Keep the table away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent the walnut from cracking or fading. Treat the timber periodically with high-quality beeswax, and clean the leather inset with a soft dry cloth, using dedicated leather conditioner when necessary.

for sale €638 $692

£545

Yolanda Gray Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2010

View Dealers Stock Page

Trade Associations

Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

French Walnut Furniture

Id #SA906890

PDF

SAVE

Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

Name: Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA906890
Price: 545 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Yolanda Gray Antiques

Description

This is a fine quality antique French Louis XV style French walnut writing table, of serpentine shape, with a stunning burgundy red inset leather, circa 1870, in excellent condition. The French walnut writing table boasts a new inset burgundy red leather, decorated with a gold tool border. The serpentine shaped frieze contains a blind side drawer, accessible by pulling the underside of the frieze below the drawer outwards. The drawer retains its original pine lining and is constructed with fine hand-dovetailed joints. The French walnut writing table stands on elegant cabriole legs. This is a lovely French table which has several uses, from a decorative occasional table to a practical writing desk. Ideal for small rooms, where space is at a premium

This French walnut writing table boasts a warm rich walnut colour, having been cleaned and French polished in our workshop to a professional standard; along with the years of care and cleaning it has received.

This French walnut writing table would look superb in a variety of rooms, especially the office, library or living room. It would certainly grace any home in either a contemporary or traditional setting; it is a great investment, as its’s an extremely functional item. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique French Louis XV style French walnut writing table, of serpentine shape, with a stunning burgundy red inset leather, circa 1860, in excellent condition. The French walnut writing table boasts a new inset burgundy red leather, decorated with a gold tool border, therefore the leather is in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The side drawer closes flush to the frame and retains its original drawer linings. The French walnut writing table has been cleaned and French polished by hand, to a professional standard, in our workshop. Therefore, the colour and patination are of an excellent standard. The table is solid in joint, it does not wobble and is ready to use.

Dimensions:

Height = 73.3cm / 28” / 2t 4?”

Width = 72.3cm / 28½” / 2ft 4½”

Depth = 49cm / 19¼” / 1ft 7¼”

Knee Height = 60.8cm / 24” / 2ft

Price:

The price of this item has been reduced from £895 down to £545 which is a reduction of £350, in order to make space for new stock. The price also includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland and 14-day free UK returns.

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time. The shipping quote provided is a global estimate only. The actual shipping cost will vary by country and postcode.

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA (the UK’s largest Trade Association of Professional Art and Antique Dealers) and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 63347

Physical Dimensions

Height

73.3cm (28.86")

Width

72.3cm (28.46")

Depth

49cm (19.29")

Declaration

Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this French Walnut Writing Desk to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA906890

Dealers Internal Reference

63347

Dealers Notes

Please contact us on 01829 458 070 or 07960 738 212 to arrange a viewing. Alternatively, please email: info@yolagray.com

Description

This is a fine quality antique French Louis XV style French walnut writing table, of serpentine shape, with a stunning burgundy red inset leather, circa 1870, in excellent condition.

“

The French walnut writing table boasts a new inset burgundy red leather, decorated with a gold tool border.

Yolanda Gray Antiques

The serpentine shaped frieze contains a blind side drawer, accessible by pulling the underside of the frieze below the drawer outwards. The drawer retains its original pine lining and is constructed with fine hand-dovetailed joints. The French walnut writing table stands on elegant cabriole legs. This is a lovely French table which has several uses, from a decorative occasional table to a practical writing desk. Ideal for small rooms, where space is at a premium

fig 1. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 1. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

This French walnut writing table boasts a warm rich walnut colour, having been cleaned and French polished in our workshop to a professional standard; along with the years of care and cleaning it has received.

fig 2. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 2. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

This French walnut writing table would look superb in a variety of rooms, especially the office, library or living room. It would certainly grace any home in either a contemporary or traditional setting; it is a great investment, as its’s an extremely functional item. So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.

fig 3. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 3. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique French Louis XV style French walnut writing table, of serpentine shape, with a stunning burgundy red inset leather, circa 1860, in excellent condition. The French walnut writing table boasts a new inset burgundy red leather, decorated with a gold tool border, therefore the leather is in excellent condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The side drawer closes flush to the frame and retains its original drawer linings. The French walnut writing table has been cleaned and French polished by hand, to a professional standard, in our workshop. Therefore, the colour and patination are of an excellent standard. The table is solid in joint, it does not wobble and is ready to use.

fig 4. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 4. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

Dimensions:

Height = 73.3cm / 28” / 2t 4?”

Width = 72.3cm / 28½” / 2ft 4½”

Depth = 49cm / 19¼” / 1ft 7¼”

Knee Height = 60.8cm / 24” / 2ft

Price:

The price of this item has been reduced from £895 down to £545 which is a reduction of £350, in order to make space for new stock. The price also includes free delivery to mainland England, Wales & southern Scotland and 14-day free UK returns.

fig 5. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 5. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

Free UK Delivery*:

We offer free delivery to mainland England, Wales, and Southern Scotland (anywhere south of Stirling). *We do not offer free delivery to locations north of Stirling in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or any British Islands off the mainland; for example, the Isle of Man, Isle of White and Channel Islands.

fig 6. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 6. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

International Buyers:

If you live outside the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us before purchasing it, so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote and delivery lead-time. The shipping quote provided is a global estimate only. The actual shipping cost will vary by country and postcode.

fig 7. A 19th-century Louis XV style French walnut writing table featuring slender cabriole legs, a contoured apron, and a dark red leather writing surface with gold tooling. — fig 7. Antique French Louis Xv Style Walnut & Leather Writing Table (Circa 1870)

About the Seller:

This item is being sold by Yola Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA (the UK’s largest Trade Association of Professional Art and Antique Dealers) and CINOA. Yola Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 45 years.

Ref. 63347