Louis XV Rococo Cylindrical Side Table – Three-Drawer Burr Veneer with Gilt Brass Mounts

Design & Inspiration

Drawn from the design vocabulary of the Louis XV period, this cylindrical side table — known in French as a chiffonière or table de nuit — occupies a room with quiet authority. Its circular form, unusual among the furniture of its era, was favored by the cabinetmakers of mid-18th-century Paris precisely because it demanded skill: every veneer panel must curve, every drawer front must follow the arc of the body. The result is a piece that reads as sculpture from across the room and reveals its craft only when you draw close.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The body is constructed from Romanian solid redwood (under 10% humidity), ensuring dimensional stability in the joinery before the veneers are applied. The drawer fronts are dressed in burr-root veneer — the rare, flame-patterned timber cut from the base of the tree, where the grain swirls into abstract patterns that no two pieces replicate. A crossbanded border in contrasting mahogany frames each panel, anchoring the composition. The cabriole legs, four in number, are shaped from solid stock and terminate in gilt cast-brass sabots — the ormolu toe caps that protect the foot and complete the silhouette. A lower oval shelf connects the legs and provides a secondary display surface. The circular top is fitted with a beveled protective glass plate, tinted a soft rose-grey, which preserves the veneer surface while adding a layer of contemporary utility.

Dimensions & Details

Three drawers run the full depth of the cylindrical body, each fitted with a cast-brass bail handle in the characteristic Louis XV double-curved form. On either side of the drawer bank, applied gilt brass acanthus-leaf mounts cascade from the top rail downward — a decorative motif lifted directly from the menuisiers and ébénistes of the Faubourg Saint-Antoine. The apron below the lowest drawer carries an additional gilt cartouche mount, completing the vertical composition. The brass throughout is finished in a warm gold tone that reads as authentic ormolu rather than polished hardware.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every component of this table is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans working within a tradition of classical European furniture reproduction. The veneer work is cut, matched, and laid by hand; the brass mounts are individually cast and hand-finished; the cabriole leg profile is shaped on the bench, not a production line. Brass & Wood sources Romanian solid redwood at below 10% humidity to prevent the seasonal movement that causes veneer to lift or crack over time — a technical discipline that distinguishes long-lived furniture from short-lived decoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this table made from?

The structural frame is Romanian solid redwood. The exterior is finished in burr-root veneer with mahogany crossbanding. The decorative mounts and leg sabots are cast brass in a gold finish. The top carries a beveled protective glass plate.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the legs and placing the glass top. No specialist tools or expertise are needed.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization on wood finish tone, brass finish (gold, antique gold, antique bronze), and fabric or upholstery elements where applicable. Contact us before ordering to discuss your requirements.