Louis XV Kidney Table
A louis xv kidney table brings the sweeping, serpentine grace of eighteenth-century France into a room through its characteristic curved silhouette.
Louis XV Kidney Table
A louis xv kidney table is a curved, indented piece designed to fit neatly against the body or into a corner, most frequently appearing on this page as a side table, writing desk, or bedside table. These pieces span the nineteenth century and the early decades of the twentieth century, with revival periods dominating the selection.
The forms vary from small occasional tables and lamp stands to substantial ladies' writing desks and bureaus plats. Walnut, kingwood, mahogany, and burr walnut form the primary wooden bodies, often shaped with distinctive kidney-shaped tops.
How they were made
Cabinetmakers utilised complex veneering techniques, laying down geometric parquetry and pictorial marquetry across the curved surfaces of the kidney top. Woods such as kingwood and walnut were carefully sawn and fitted to follow the tight radiuses of the frame.
Cast ormolu mounts adorn the angles, feet, and edge mouldings, providing metallic highlights to the wooden carcase. Leather inserts frequently top the writing desks and tables, framed by delicate brass or gilt tooling.
The unusual kidney bean contour was originally engineered so noble ladies could pull the writing surface closer without disturbing their voluminous skirts.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard production and exceptional work rests on the precision of the marquetry and the crispness of the ormolu mounts. Finer examples display meticulous hand-chased bronze work and seamless veneer alignment around the challenging curves of the kidney shape.
The integrity of the timber selection dictates the visual depth of the piece, with richly figured burr walnut and carefully matched kingwood elevating the design far above simpler stained woods.
F. Linke
The Louis XV Kidney Table Glossary
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze mounts applied to furniture for decoration and edge protection. This technique requires an amalgam of mercury and gold fired onto cast bronze.
- Marquetry
- Inlaid wood veneers arranged in pictorial or decorative patterns across a surface. Craftsmen cut contrasting timbers together to ensure precise joints.
- Parquetry
- Geometric patterns formed by wood veneers fitted together in repetitive grids or cubes. It differs from marquetry by relying on repeating angles rather than pictorial scenes.
- Kingwood
- A dense, heavy tropical timber with dark violet and brown stripes, frequently used in high-end French cabinetmaking. It takes a high polish and suits intricate veneer work.
- Bureau-plat
- A flat-topped writing table with drawers, typically freestanding and finished on all sides. These tables often feature leather writing surfaces and elaborate mounts.
Louis XV Kidney Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a louis xv kidney table used for?
These tables function as versatile surfaces in living spaces, serving as lamp tables, bedside stands, or compact writing desks. Their curved profile allows them to sit comfortably beside seating or against walls where rectangular tables might obstruct movement.
Larger versions equipped with drawers and leather inserts provide dedicated writing space for correspondence or laptop use. Smaller occasional variants hold decorative objects, books, or lighting.
How do I date a louis xv kidney table?
Dating relies on examining the construction methods, secondary timbers, and the style of the mounts. Most pieces on this page originate from the nineteenth-century revival periods or the early twentieth century.
Original eighteenth-century examples are exceedingly scarce, so nineteenth-century French revival and Edwardian interpretations form the majority of available pieces. Look at the underside and drawer linings to determine the age of the underlying woodwork.
Where should I place a kidney table?
The curved indentation of the design makes these tables well-suited for placement beside the arm of a sofa or tucked into the corner of a room. Bedside placement highlights the compact proportions and makes use of the surface for night-time lighting.
Freestanding writing desks look effective positioned away from walls to show the finished back and decorative marquetry from all angles. Their relatively small footprint permits placement in tighter hallways and landings.
How do I care for the wood and ormolu?
Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth to prevent particulate accumulation on the delicate veneers and gilt mounts. Avoid commercial silicones or harsh cleaning agents that can degrade old French polish.
Leather writing surfaces benefit from occasional neutral wax conditioning to prevent cracking. Keep wooden pieces away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to protect the fragile kingwood and walnut veneers from fading or splitting.