Louis XV Rococo Burl Veneer Nightstand with Antique Gold Ormolu Mounts & Green Glass Top

Design & Inspiration

Place this piece beside a bed and the room shifts register — the slender cabriole legs, the warm burl veneer panels, the antique gold ormolu mounts catching the bedside lamp. This is a Louis XV Rococo nightstand drawn from the French tradition of the table de chevet: a small, purposeful form raised to an art. In the salons and bedchambers of 18th-century France, these pieces served as the private counterpart to the grand salon furniture — delicate in scale, rich in material, and unmistakably refined. This handcrafted interpretation faithfully reproduces that tradition for the modern bedroom.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcass is built from Romanian solid redwood (under 10% humidity), chosen for its dimensional stability and tight grain. The drawer fronts and side panels are dressed in richly figured burl veneer — each panel unique, its swirling grain a natural ornament that no carver could replicate. The finish is a hand-applied French polish, building up in thin shellac layers until the surface achieves its characteristic warm depth. Three drawers ride on smooth-action runners; the shaped apron below curves in a gentle S-scroll before meeting the four elegant cabriole legs, each terminating in an antique gold brass sabot. A lower open shelf provides practical secondary storage, and the top is fitted with a shaped green glass plate that protects the veneer surface and adds a jewel-like accent.

Dimensions & Details

Proportioned for a standard beside position, this Rococo nightstand carries three drawers of graduated depth — the top drawer suited to essentials, the lower two accommodating more. Antique gold ormolu mounts punctuate the composition: bail-ring drawer pulls with cast escutcheons, foliate mounts flanking the drawer stack on each side, and scrolling acanthus mounts dressing the apron. The overall silhouette — narrow body, elevated on four outward-splaying cabriole legs with a lower shelf — is the defining form of the French chevet, as recognizable today as it was in the reign of Louis XV.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every piece bearing the Brass & Wood name is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in European classical furniture techniques. The burl veneer is hand-laid and pressed; the ormolu mounts are cast and hand-finished; the French polish is applied coat by coat, burnished between layers. This is furniture made the way furniture was always meant to be made — by hand, with time, and with genuine care for the result. Customization of wood finish, hardware color, and glass top are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this nightstand made from?

The frame and carcass are Romanian solid redwood; the visible panels are dressed in burl veneer with a hand-applied French polish finish. Hardware is cast brass in an antique gold finish. The top is a shaped green glass plate. There is no marble on this piece.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — typically attaching the legs or fitting the glass top. Full instructions are included. No specialist tools are needed.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of wood finish color, hardware finish (gold, silver, bronze), and glass top color. Contact our team before placing your order to discuss options and lead times.