The console table was the trend of the day for display furniture in 7th-century Italy. The French continued the fashion for these fabulous consoles during the reign of Louis XIV. They were one of the most successful expressions of the Rococo style which eventually became popular in England and other parts of Europe.
The Table en console or console table, was designed to be placed against a wall, often in front of mirror, and provided a way to display objets d'art. It was among the most lavishly decorated pieces of furniture of the early Louis XV period. Usually made of oak, it would be carved, gilded, and drenched with rocaille. Rocaille was a French style of exuberant decoration with an abundance of curves, counter-curves, undulations and elements modeled on nature, (usually in the form of seashells and foliage) that appeared in furniture and interior decoration during the early reign of Louis XV of France. The console tables were usually topped with a plaque of colored marble.
I love Louis XV console tables in any form. This post will show you how beautiful they can be when gilded and used classically. Also you will see the painted provincial and natural wood tables that are equally fabulous. I love French ormolu encrusted pieces mixed in with painted furniture for a casual elegance reminiscent of the country chateau. The Louis XV console table works on both levels. It can bring that faded French look to a classic room or be a stand out gilt piece in a country chateau style interior. I hope you enjoy the post!!
My favorite style is the French country chateau interior. And one of my most adored pieces of furniture is the Louis XV console table. Whether they are the two ......
.....or four legged varieties, they are all fabulous to me. I love to see gilded pieces like this used alongside painted provincial furniture.
From French, console - "a bracket", the console table was originally used as a bracket itself. This image is the console in it's truest form.
Tara Shaw
We'll start with the two legged console table. This type of side table was normally fixed against a wall and required legs or other decorative support only at the front. The legs were not really strong enough to hold anything that weighed much of anything. Because it was viewed only from the front or sides, the back was left undecorated and the top was often of marble.
Characterized by curved forms, lightness, comfort and symmetry, Louis XV furniture was designed not for the vast palace state rooms of the Versailles of Louis XIV, but for the smaller, more intimate salons created by Louis XV and his mistresses, Madame de Pompadour and Madame DuBarry.
The console table was affixed to a wall, usually with a mirror above it and above it for women to apply makeup and powder to their faces.
This gilt console embodies the style and sophistication of the Louis XV era. It is heavily embellished in the luxurious excesses of Rococo, a very distinctive 18th century trend.
It is easy to bring a sense of history into your interiors with any one of these French console tables, ranging from gilded styles to intricate wood or painted designs.
The Louis XV console table eventually evolved and was given additional legs to make it look more like a table. Without losing any of its elegance, now the console table became practical and easily moved about.
Characteristics of the Louis XV console table was the serpentine form, acanthus and foliate ornamentation, intricately carved stretcher, and pierced aprons. Many other classical elements went into the design of the tables such as the shell motif, urns, swags, and scrolling.
Intricately carved and detailed French console tables were a must-have in aristocratic mansions and palaces in the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century.
Diane Burn
This console embodies the style and sophistication of the Louis XV era.
Geoffrey Bradfield
During the reign of Louis XV the console table reached the height of fashion. With their exaggerated and excessively dramatic appearances they were often considered more a part of the architecture than merely a piece of furniture.
This Louis XV console table features exquisite carving throughout it's solid giltwood frame. Such a stunning console would have served as the focal point of an entire room.
Vignettes look fabulous when created atop a Louis XV console.
I love all the different marbles you find on these French console tables.
The Louis XV console table is a great way to elevate an entryway. Natural finished tables like this one have more of a country charm.
via Pinterest
The French console table is a designers dream because any corner of the interior can be decorated with this incredible design piece!
These console tables are beautiful when slightly whitewashed for a faded French look.
via Pinterest
Many times the Louis XV console table was made of lighter woods or painted with neutral shades to create a much softer, airier aesthetic. I am partial to the painted pieces.
The graceful French legs of this Régence console table. Use this piece to create a stunning foyer or an eye catching entrance.
Many of these Louis XV consoles were made in pairs and were designed to be topped by matching mirrors. They coordinated with the paneling in the room. I love the painted ones.
Lisa Farmer - Eye For Design
The Louis XV style console I use in my hall has a painted greige finish with rusty rose marble.
This Louis XV style marble top console table has a pierced skirt centered by a Rococo foliate ornament, complex volute floral and foliate carved cabriole legs, and arched foliate and shell stretcher.....all typical of an 18th century console table.
Loving this small red painted Louis XV console table.
This creamy painted French console is the embodiment of the elegant, yet charming and humble comfort typical of the country chateau.
French country chateau style depends on a bit of painted furniture mixed in with more classical pieces.
Designer Elise Valdorcia
Try replacing a cookie cutter kitchen island with a classic French console. Either wood or marble top would make a great work table.
The French console is so versatile and can successfully hold court in about any room of the house. They are so pretty in bathrooms.
I love the way Elise Valdorcia has used her console as a desk.
Proof that the Louis XV console table works in a variety of interior styles!!
