The Piece
A refined Queen Anne revival nightstand or accent table, American, circa 1950-55 crafted in solid mahogany with a rich, hand-polished lacquer finish. Raised on elegant cabriole legs with a softly scalloped apron, the piece features an open compartment with a slide-out shelf fitted with a small brass pull. Blending the formality of 18th-century English furniture with the streamlined efficiency of postwar American design, it reflects the mid-century movement’s reinterpretation of classical elegance for the modern home.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style:
Graceful Queen Anne revival silhouette characterized by curving cabriole legs, molded top, and a simple apron with subtle concave shaping. The open shelf design offers versatility—serving as a nightstand, side table, or compact media stand—while the slide-out shelf provides additional surface space. This combination of elegance and utility exemplifies postwar furniture design, where ornament met modern function.
→ Material:
Constructed from solid mahogany and veneered hardwoods, the piece displays a deep reddish-brown hue with warm undertones and visible grain patterning. Brass hardware adds a delicate accent against the polished wood surface.
→ Joinery:
Machine-assisted mortise and tenon construction with hand-finished detailing at the apron and legs. The slide-out shelf glides smoothly on wood rails, a detail typical of 1950s craftsmanship that prioritized both durability and refinement.
History & Provenance
Produced in the United States during the mid-20th century, this table aligns with the Queen Anne revival movement—a style popularized by manufacturers such as Drexel, Kling, and Ethan Allen in the 1950s. These pieces reintroduced graceful curves and decorative restraint after decades of rigid, industrial design. Their goal was to revive the spirit of handcrafted tradition while making fine furniture accessible to postwar households seeking warmth and familiarity.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minor, age-appropriate surface wear. The finish retains a soft gloss and consistent tone. All joints remain tight and stable; shelf mechanism functions properly.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | American manufacture (Queen Anne revival style, c.1950–1955) |
| Origin | United States |
| Year | Circa 1955 |
| Material | Solid mahogany and veneered hardwood |
| Finish | Hand-polished lacquer in warm reddish-brown tone |
| Joinery | Mortise-and-tenon frame with wood rail sliding shelf |
| Form | Queen Anne revival nightstand or accent table with cabriole legs |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition with minimal surface wear |
| Hardware | Original brass pull on slide-out shelf |
| Dimensions | Approx. 26” H × 18” W × 14” D (typical for form) |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
This Queen Anne revival nightstand brings graceful proportion and warmth to any interior—equally suited beside a velvet chair, as a bedside table, or as an elegant stand for books or art objects. Its curving cabriole legs and polished mahogany surface evoke the refinement of traditional craftsmanship while maintaining the versatility of modern design. A piece that bridges eras, it adds quiet sophistication and depth to spaces that value history, texture, and timeless form.