Handed French Bedsides
Handed French bedsides are matched pairs designed to sit either side of a bed, offering distinct left and right configurations.
Handed French Bedsides
Handed French bedsides comprise matching bedside tables, cabinets and chests that are mirrored in their construction or opening to suit the left and right sides of a bed. When searching for handed French bedsides, buyers encounter pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, spanning periods such as 1890, 1900 and 1920.
The selections on this page demonstrate the variety of forms typical of French bedroom furniture, including bedside cabinets, bedside lamp chests and occasional tables. These items frequently incorporate decorative surfaces, natural timber veneers and contrasting marble tops.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the crispness of the bronze or ormolu mounts and the refinement of the timber veneers or painted decoration. Superior examples show careful alignment in their mirrored design and precise hand-finishing on ornamental surfaces.
The selection of materials creates divergence across the range, from simple painted pine to intricate burr wood combined with heavy marble tops and fine porcelain inserts. The integration of these elements dictates the overall weight and visual presence of each piece.
Handed French Bedsides Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for handed french bedsides among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The Handed French Bedsides Glossary
- Ormolu
- A gilt bronze finish applied to decorative mounts and hardware. It provides a bright golden surface that accents timber and porcelain details.
- Burr wood
- Timber harvested from tree growths that produces intricate, swirling grain patterns. It is sliced into thin veneers for cabinet fronts and table tops.
- Handed
- Made in mirrored pairs for left and right placement. This ensures opening doors or structural details face inward or outward symmetrically.
- Toleware
- Painted and lacquered metalware used for decorative objects and lamp bases. It offers a smooth surface suitable for detailed hand-painting.
Handed French Bedsides: Frequently Asked Questions
Are handed bedsides always exact mirror images?
Not necessarily. While door hinges and handle placements are reversed to create a matching pair, internal shelving or drawer configurations may vary according to the specific design of the maker.
Buyers should examine the dimensions and opening mechanisms to confirm how the pair will function on either side of a bed frame.
How do I care for marble topped bedsides?
Marble surfaces require gentle cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding acidic substances that can etch the polished stone. Using coasters and mats helps prevent staining from liquids and condensation.
Regular dusting with a soft cloth keeps the stone clear without wearing down the original surface polish.
Where should I place these cabinets in a bedroom?
These cabinets are traditionally positioned flanking a bed to provide symmetrical surface space and concealed bedside storage. Their finished sides and backs also allow them to sit adjacent to other bedroom furniture.
Lighting and small decorative items sit well on the surface, while the lower cupboards hold nighttime essentials.
How do I identify nineteenth century French furniture?
Nineteenth century pieces often display specific regional characteristics, such as ormolu mounts, fruitwood veneers or painted wooden surfaces typical of the period. Construction techniques like hand-cut dovetails and pegged joints offer further clues to their age.
Comparing the hardware and decorative styles against dated examples helps confirm the era of manufacture.