French Country · Encyclopedia · Antique Furniture and Seating
Nightstand & Bedside Table
Small bedside tables; in France the table de chevet, often with a marble top and cupboard.
Dressers & Commodes · Indicative US retail $150–$2,500
At a glance
- Family: Dressers & Commodes
- Periods most often found: Louis Philippe chevets date from 1830 to 1850; Louis XV and XVI revival models from 1860 to 1920; Art Deco nightstands from 1925 to 1940.
- Typical price: about $600; range $150 to $2,500 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Pairs, marble top, style
What it is
The nightstand, or table de chevet, is the small bedside cabinet. French examples from the 19th century often have a marble top, a single drawer above a door, and sometimes a marble-lined interior that once held a chamber pot. Louis XV-style chevets with cabriole legs and Louis XVI-style ones with straight fluted legs were made throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside Art Deco models.
How to identify and date it
Pairs are rare and command a strong premium, so check whether a "pair" really matches: same wood, carving, hardware, marble color and wear. Original marble tops fit snugly into a molded rim; a replacement may be the wrong color or thickness. Look for an inside marble shelf or a lead lining, which signals original use. Check the drawer dovetails and the condition of the feet.
Periods and styles
Louis Philippe chevets date from 1830 to 1850; Louis XV and XVI revival models from 1860 to 1920; Art Deco nightstands from 1925 to 1940.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most nightstand & bedside table examples ask around $600. Simple or worn pieces start near $150, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $2,500. The main value drivers are: pairs, marble top, style. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: art deco nightstand vintage value. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Confirm the pair
- Check marble for cracks
- Measure height against your bed (antique chevets are often lower)
- Inspect drawers
- Check for woodworm
Living with it
A pair of chevets framing a bed, with matching lamps, sets the rhythm of a French bedroom; a single one works beside an armchair.
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.