Empire Burr Walnut Round Entry Table with Gilt Laurel Marquetry & Ormolu Apron

Design & Inspiration

There are tables that hold objects, and there are tables that hold a room together. This round pedestal entry table belongs unmistakably to the second kind. Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the French Empire period (1800–1830), it draws from the design vocabulary of Percier and Fontaine — Napoleon's court architects who elevated furniture to the status of state art. The moment it enters a hallway or reception salon, the room acquires a centre, a gravity, an identity.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The circular top is veneered in deeply figured burr walnut, its swirling grain radiating outward from a central gilt laurel wreath rendered in precise marquetry — the wreath being the definitive Napoleonic symbol of victory and legitimacy. The top surface receives a high-gloss lacquer finish that amplifies the natural drama of the burl pattern. Framing the top is a bold band of ebonized wood with ivory-toned stringing, a detail that sets the gleaming brass apron in sharp relief. That apron — the true centrepiece of the piece — carries a continuous run of gilt ormolu acanthus-leaf decoration, interrupted at four cardinal points by raised square paterae mounts in polished brass. The octagonal pedestal base is clad in matching burr walnut panels, framed by reeded pilaster columns with brass banding, and the whole structure descends to an octagonal plinth raised on four substantial gilt lion-paw feet — the Empire's most recognizable leg form, drawn directly from Roman triumphal furniture.

Dimensions & Details

The round tabletop, the wide ormolu-decorated apron, and the robust octagonal pedestal are sized to command a formal entry hall or centre of a reception room without overwhelming it. The construction uses solid Romanian redwood (below 10% humidity) as the structural core, ensuring dimensional stability in varying climates — an essential quality for a piece of this scale and finish complexity.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every element of this table — the marquetry inlay, the high-gloss lacquering, the brass ormolu casting, the burr walnut veneering — is completed by hand at the Brass & Wood atelier in Egypt. Egyptian craftsmen trained in European classical techniques bring this demanding piece to life with the same attention to period-accurate detail that defines the entire Brass & Wood collection. This is not mass production — each table is individually built, finished, and inspected before delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this table made from?

The table is constructed from Romanian solid redwood as the structural core, veneered in burr walnut with a high-gloss lacquer finish. The decorative elements include gilt brass ormolu mounts, marquetry inlay forming the laurel wreath motif, and ebonized wood banding with ivory stringing around the apron.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the pedestal base and tabletop are shipped separately for safe transport and connect securely on-site. No specialist tools are needed.

Can this table be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization options including alternative brass finishes (antique gold, bronze), variations in the wood veneer tone, and bespoke sizing to suit your specific hallway or reception space. Contact us to discuss your requirements.