Louis XV Style Bedside Table in Birds-Eye Maple, 1950

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A Louis XV-style bedside table, crafted around 1950 as a mid-20th-century period piece. The curved contour of the tabletop and … Read more A Louis XV-style bedside table, crafted around 1950 as a mid-20th-century period piece. The curved contour of the tabletop and the short, cabriole legs contrast with a flat, calmly structured body, allowing the piece to maintain clear proportions despite its historically inspired forms.

Historical Context: The bedside table developed into a distinct furniture category in the 18th century, as the bedroom increasingly became a private retreat. It held chamber pots, candlesticks, and water carafes, and was usually placed in pairs on either side of the bed. In the bourgeois bedroom of the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was an integral part of the bedroom set, which also included a bed, wardrobe, and chest of drawers. Mid-20th-century furniture production continued to develop historical styles in simplified, mass-produced versions; tiered structures with open shelves reflected changing storage habits at the bedside, for example, for a reading lamp, books, or a radio. Features: Stepped construction with a recessed top panel above a drawer and an open intermediate compartment. A loose glass top panel, cut to match the curved contour of the top panel, is secured with small metal clips. Design: The design incorporates elements of the Louis XV style: short cabriole legs with a rolled volute, a curved top panel, and a decorative, curved frame molding on the door reminiscent of Rocaille. These dynamic elements contrast with a simple, block-like form with smooth, unarticulated surfaces, where the veneer pattern serves as the primary decorative element. This is not an original 18th-century piece of furniture, but rather a 20th-century reproduction, whose construction and hardware reflect the manufacturing methods of its period.

Dimensions: Height 56 ​​cm × Width 55 cm × Depth 37 cm. Material and condition: Veneer, presumably bird's-eye maple, on a softwood frame; interior surfaces and drawers left in softwood; metal knobs. The glass top rests loosely on the top and is part of the piece. Well-preserved, age-appropriate condition with visible signs of wear. The veneer on the top and edges shows some spots, small dark dots, and slight abrasions; the surface has an even, aged polish. The knobs have been replaced. Signs of age and use are part of its historical character. The piece has been inspected, cleaned, treated appropriately for its material, structurally checked, and is stable and functional. See less