18th-Century French Louis XV Painted Side Table - 27½" x 33"

This charming 18th-century French Louis XV table is raised on four graceful cabriole legs beneath a shaped apron richly carved with scrolling foliage, rocaille motifs and a central shell-like flourish. A more recent distressed celadon-gray finish has been very successfully applied across the piece, with rubbed areas revealing warmer tones beneath and bringing the carving into greater relief. The top shows some age-related movement and can lift slightly when handled, so the table is best moved carefully from the base rather than by the top. 

The combination of slender cabriole legs, animated carving and softly worn paint gives the table an airy, almost weightless quality, while the distressed finish brings an authentic French country character. It would make a graceful side table beside a sofa or armchair, or a small console in an entrance or bedroom, offering just enough surface for a lamp, flowers or a few collected objects.