Are louis xvi bedside cabinets always sold in pairs?

Many examples on the market are matched pairs originating from the nineteenth-century revival periods. Single pieces also appear frequently. Buyers often select pairs to balance a bed setup, though single cabinets serve well as isolated lamp tables.

What is a marble top used for?

Marble provides a heat-resistant and easily cleaned surface for bedside items such as water jugs and candlesticks. It adds weight and stability to the small carcase. Most marble tops fit loosely into a rebated wooden frame on the cabinet surface.

How do I spot a revival piece?

Revival pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries utilise machine-cut veneers and secondary timbers typical of later industrial workshops. Construction methods and wood ageing provide clear clues to the decade of manufacture. Stylistic cues mimic eighteenth-century neoclassical designs while retaining the hardware and interior construction of the Victorian or Edwardian eras.