French Country · Encyclopedia · Antique Furniture and Seating
Side Table & End Table
Small occasional tables, from guéridons to nesting tables.
Tables & Consoles · Indicative US retail $150–$2,500
At a glance
- Family: Tables & Consoles
- Periods most often found: Louis XV and XVI revival side tables date mostly from 1850 to 1930; guéridons from 1800 to 1900; Art Deco and mid-century tables from 1925 to 1970.
- Typical price: about $500; range $150 to $2,500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Pairs, marble, style
What it is
Side tables are the small, movable tables of the French salon. The guéridon is a round pedestal table, often with a marble top and a bronze gallery; the table de salon or table d'appoint stands on four slender legs with a drawer; the chiffonnière is a small table with two or three drawers for needlework; the travailleuse is a sewing table with a lift-up lid. Nesting tables (tables gigognes) arrived in the late 19th century, and Art Deco and mid-century side tables in glass, brass and wood followed.
How to identify and date it
Marble tops in a molded rim, pierced brass galleries and gilt-bronze sabots on the feet point to good Paris work. Pairs are particularly valuable, so check that both tables match in size, wood, color and wear. Look underneath at the construction: dovetailed drawers, pegged legs and consistent aging. Check pedestals for cracks at the base and tripod feet for repairs.
Periods and styles
Louis XV and XVI revival side tables date mostly from 1850 to 1930; guéridons from 1800 to 1900; Art Deco and mid-century tables from 1925 to 1970.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most side table & end table examples ask around $500. Simple or worn pieces start near $150, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $2,500. The main value drivers are: pairs, marble, style. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Confirm pairs
- Check marble for cracks
- Inspect legs and pedestals
- Test drawers
- Measure height against your sofa arm
Living with it
A side table next to an armchair, under a lamp, is the most used piece in a living room; a pair flanking a sofa brings balance.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.