Fine Quality French Louis XVI Bronze Mounted Sideboard Buffet Marble Shelves

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This elegant Louis XVI–style buffet, dating to the 1890s, is the sort of piece that quietly earns its place as … Read more This elegant Louis XVI–style buffet, dating to the 1890s, is the sort of piece that quietly earns its place as the backbone of a room. Well balanced, beautifully detailed, and clearly built by skilled hands, it reflects the late-19th-century revival of classical French design—when cabinetmakers looked back to the 18th century not to copy blindly, but to recreate its refinement with confidence and care. The lock is marked Duvivien of Paris.

The buffet is constructed in richly toned hardwoods, carefully paneled and framed to emphasize symmetry and proportion—hallmarks of the Louis XVI style. The façade is organized into clean rectangular fields outlined with subtle moldings, while finely cast gilt bronze mounts add just enough sparkle without overpowering the design. The fluted legs taper neatly to gilt sabots, lending the piece a graceful stance that feels both architectural and light on its feet.

One of the most charming features is the shaped marble top, which follows the gentle contours of the case below. The marble shows a minor professional repair, carried out long ago, that has mellowed naturally with time. Rather than detracting, it reads as part of the piece’s honest history—a quiet reminder that this buffet has lived a life, been used, and cared for properly. The repair is stable and unobtrusive, and the marble remains both functional and visually pleasing.

At either end, the buffet is fitted with open marble side shelves, offering a practical and decorative contrast to the paneled doors at center. These shelves are ideal for displaying porcelain, silver, or serving pieces, while the interior storage provides ample space for linens, tableware, or entertaining essentials. This thoughtful combination of open and closed storage makes the buffet as useful today as it was over a century ago.

The gilded details—rosettes, ribbon motifs, and classical friezes—are crisply defined, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship typical of the Belle Époque period. Unlike earlier, more heavily ornamented styles, Louis XVI furniture relies on restraint and clarity, and this buffet embodies that philosophy beautifully.

Perfectly suited for a formal dining room, grand entryway, or refined living space, this 1890s Louis XVI–style buffet brings warmth, order, and timeless French elegance. It’s the kind of piece that doesn’t chase trends—once in place, it simply feels right, grounding a room with quiet authority and enduring charm.

Measures 79 wide x 41.25 tall x 23 deep. See less