What is a louis style table?

A louis style table is a nineteenth or early twentieth-century revival piece inspired by the decorative arts of the French royal courts. These tables draw on the curved Rococo forms of Louis XV or the straight, classical lines of Louis XVI. They utilise woods like kingwood and walnut, frequently finished with ormolu mounts, marble tops, and detailed marquetry inlay.

How do I identify Louis XV and Louis XVI styles?

Louis XV style tables feature curving cabriole legs, asymmetrical shapes, and organic scrollwork ornamentation. They focus on fluid lines and serpentine silhouettes. Louis XVI style pieces display straight, fluted legs, symmetry, and neoclassical motifs like urns and swags. The overall geometry is more restrained and architectural.

Where should I place a console table?

Console tables fit neatly against a flat wall in a hallway, living room, or dining space. They provide a surface for lamps, clocks, or decorative objects without occupying significant floor space. Many examples are designed to sit directly beneath a matching wall mirror to create a cohesive decorative arrangement.

Are these tables freestanding?

Many of the occasional, coffee, and centre tables on this page are finished on all sides so they can stand in the middle of a room. Desks and poudreuses are also frequently built as freestanding items. Check the listing details to confirm if a console or side table is designed to sit against a wall or float in open space.