Where should I place a centre table?

These pieces are designed to stand free in the middle of a room rather than pushed against a wall. Their finished backs and all-round ornamentation make them natural focal points for a drawing room or reception space. Ensure there is adequate walking space around the edges so the parquetry and mounts can be appreciated from every angle.

How do I care for a kingwood surface?

Kingwood benefits from occasional polishing with traditional beeswax to nourish the timber and maintain a soft lustre. Avoid placing tables in direct sunlight or near heat sources to prevent the veneer from drying. Use coasters under glasses and felt pads under objects to protect the polished wood and any applied ormolu mounts from scratching.

What is the difference between a bureau plat and a centre table?

A bureau plat specifically incorporates a writing surface, often lined with leather or fabric, and usually includes drawers integrated into the frieze. Standard centre tables are designed purely for display or holding lamps and decorative objects. Both types share the freestanding construction that allows them to be viewed from all sides.

How do I identify a revival piece?

Nineteenth-century revival furniture reinterprets earlier Louis XV and Louis XVI styles using contemporary Victorian manufacturing techniques. Look at the secondary timbers inside drawers and the construction of the joints to help date the piece accurately. Maker signatures or stamps on the bronze mounts often point to specific nineteenth-century Parisian workshops.