What is the difference between a console table and a commode?

A console table is a shallow wall-supported piece, typically with two or four legs and no deep storage drawers, designed primarily for decoration. A commode is a freestanding chest with stacked drawers intended for practical storage. The console is ornamental first; the commode, functional.

How do I date an antique console table?

Look at the leg form — cabriole for Louis XV, fluted taper for Louis XVI, turned column for Empire — along with joinery type, timber species and patina. Hand-tool marks on the reverse and worn gold-leaf gilding at the edges suggest genuine age. An ébéniste's stamp confirms the period.

What should I expect to pay for an antique console table?

A good-quality period console typically ranges from £400 to £2,000. Gilt wood examples with rare marble tops, or those bearing a Parisian maker's stamp, can reach £5,000 or more depending on rarity, provenance and condition.

How do I care for an antique gilt wood console table?

Avoid abrasive products and excess humidity. Dust gently with a soft brush. A light application of colourless microcrystalline wax can revive the surface without damage. If the gilding is flaking, entrust restoration to a professional gilder specialising in antique furniture.

Can antique console tables purchased on Antiquités en France be shipped internationally?

Yes. Each dealer manages shipping on their own terms. For a piece of this size, a specialist fine-art carrier is strongly recommended. Contact the seller directly for a delivery quote, whether within Europe or further afield.