19th Century French Louis XVI Style Side Table with Fruitwood Inlay
A handsome 19th century French Louis XVI style walnut side table handcrafted in Uzès, an ancient Provençal town in the Gard department of southern France, celebrated for its beautifully preserved limestone architecture, elegant hôtels particuliers, arcaded squares, and long tradition of craftsmanship and decorative arts. Elegant in its simplicity, the table reflects the restrained neoclassical character of the Louis XVI style, with clean architectural lines, balanced proportions, and long tapered legs giving it a wonderfully light silhouette. The standout feature is the beautifully patterned top. Carefully selected walnut is arranged in opposing directions to create a striking geometric composition, with the grain forming a series of triangular panels that meet toward the center. Fine fruitwood string inlay traces the geometry of the design, creating a delicate contrast against the richly figured walnut while emphasizing the symmetry so characteristic of neoclassical furniture. A narrow inlaid border frames the entire composition. Below, a single drawer is incorporated discreetly into the apron and fitted with a shaped brass backplate and drop handle. The simplicity of the case allows the craftsmanship of the walnut to take center stage, while the four slender tapered legs lend the table the graceful, linear quality associated with the Louis XVI period. The walnut has developed a particularly warm, mellow patina, ranging from honeyed caramel and golden brown to deeper chestnut tones. Subtle variations in color, old marks, and gentle wear give the surface the depth that comes only with age, while the directional grain of the walnut creates movement across both the top and apron. The refined yet unfussy character of this little table feels especially at home there—sophisticated enough for a formal interior, but with the warmth and ease associated with furnishings from the South of France. The refined yet unfussy character of this little table, with its useful single drawer and compact proportions, makes it sophisticated enough for a formal interior, but with the warmth and ease associated with furnishings from the South of France. Perfect for use as a side table beside a chair or sofa, a petite writing table, bedside table, or an elegant accent piece tucked into an entry or hallway. *Currently aboard our latest container from France and Italy. Additional photographs will be added once this piece arrives in Birmingham — but you don’t have to wait for the boat. Use Comments & Inquiries to ask about purchasing it before arrival. Dimensions: h - w - d - _________________________________________________________________ A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS Origin: Uzès, France Date: 19th century Style: Louis XVI / Neoclassical Material: Walnut with fruitwood inlay and brass hardware Design: Rectangular side table with single drawer and slender tapered legs Top: Geometric composition of figured walnut arranged in opposing triangular panels with contrasting fruitwood string inlay and border Detail: Single apron drawer fitted with a shaped brass backplate and drop handle Legs: Four long, slender tapered legs characteristic of the Louis XVI style Patina: Warm, naturally aged walnut with honeyed caramel, golden brown, and deeper chestnut tones highlighting the varied grain Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear Use: Ideal as a side table, bedside table, petite writing table, or elegant accent table Dimensions: H × W × D Sold: Individually