18th Century French Provincial Cherrywood Side Table - 36½" x 24¾"

A French provincial side table in cherrywood, mid to late 18th century. The rectangular top with softened corners and molded edge rests above a shaped apron with a gentle scallop to the front. Cabriole legs end in delicate feet, giving the piece a light and graceful profile. An off-center drawer to the right retains its small wooden pull and opens to divided compartments, likely intended for inkwells and writing materials, while a second, larger drawer slides from the side. The cherrywood has developed a warm honeyed patina with visible grain, the surface showing timeworn marks and age wear consistent with long use.

This restrained yet elegant form reflects provincial Louis XV taste, where fluid lines and cabriole legs were interpreted by regional craftsmen in locally available woods. Cherry was especially valued for its fine texture and glowing color, deepening with age into a rich patina. The unusual arrangement of drawers suggests a domestic work or writing table, suited to correspondence, sewing, or light service.

Today it functions equally well as a lamp table behind a sofa or as a graceful accent in an entry, bringing warmth and quiet authenticity to both traditional and modern interiors.