Louis XV Rococo Kidney-Shaped Side Table with Ormolu Mounts & Marquetry Panels

Design & Inspiration

There is a particular intimacy to the kidney-shaped side table — a form the French called table en rognon — that announces itself without demanding attention. Set beside a lit lamp, the gently curved silhouette catches the light along its French-polished mahogany flanks, and the gilt ormolu mounts glow warmly against the warm walnut-toned ground. This is a piece designed for the private room: the bedroom or boudoir, where refinement is for the occupant's pleasure, not the audience's admiration. Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of Louis XV cabinetmaking at its most personal, this table is a masterful interpretation of mid-18th-century French Rococo craft.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcass is built from Romanian solid redwood (under 10% humidity), chosen for its dimensional stability and close grain — qualities that allow the cabinetmaker to achieve the tight curves of the kidney form without compromise. The exterior is finished in a deep mahogany French polish, applied in multiple thin coats and burnished by hand to a warm, luminous depth that a modern spray lacquer cannot replicate. Framing each side panel is a fine boxwood or satinwood stringing line that defines the shaped cartouche reserve — a hallmark of Louis XV marquetry work. The two drawers run on hand-fitted wooden runners with brass pull handles, each mount cast and chased individually. The apron between the front legs carries a central acanthus-and-scroll ormolu mount, and gilt sabots cup each slender cabriole leg at the foot. The top surface — tinted green and edged with a foliate brass gallery — references the leather-topped bonheur-du-jour tradition.

Dimensions & Details

The kidney form measures approximately standard side table proportions, designed to sit at bedside height alongside a classic upholstered bed or a chaise longue. Two stacked drawers provide practical storage without disrupting the elegance of the front face. The piece is handcrafted in Egypt by Brass & Wood artisans working from original French period references, ensuring every mount placement and stringing line follows historical precedent.

Handcrafted in Egypt

At Brass & Wood, every piece leaves our Egyptian workshops only when the French polish reaches the depth our craftsmen demand, and when every ormolu mount sits flush and centered. The kidney-shaped table in the Louis XV tradition requires a cabinetmaker who understands curves — how to bend, join, and finish a form that has no straight edge to hide behind. This is not assembly-line furniture. It is a single craftsman's commitment to a form perfected in Paris three centuries ago, now made accessible without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this table made from?

The frame and carcass are solid Romanian redwood finished in French-polished mahogany. The decorative hardware — handles, corner mounts, apron mount, and leg sabots — are cast brass with a gilded gold finish. The top surface features a green-tinted panel edged with a brass foliate gallery rail.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — primarily attaching the legs if shipped disassembled for safe transport. Full instructions are included, and our team is available to guide you through the process.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization in wood finish tone, brass finish (gold, antique gold, or bronze), and top surface treatment. Contact our team to discuss your requirements before placing your order.