A rare and enchanting pair of 1930s French Maison Gouffé painted nightstands from Paris, each table de nuit offering its own interpretation of classic French form — one in the graceful Louis XV style and the other in refined Louis XVI taste — united by their exquisite hand painted decoration and storied atelier origin.
Executed in soft, timeworn hues of celadon green and a soft, warm yellow, both pieces are adorned with delicate hand-painted floral garlands and ribbon-tied bouquets, accented with soft blue ribbons rendered in the romantic tradition of 18th century French decorative arts. The surfaces display a beautifully aged craquelure, enhancing the sense of history and artistry in each brushstroke.
The Louis XV style nightstand is distinguished by its gently curvilinear form, featuring a hand painted top framed by a low raised gallery (tray top). Floral sprays adorn the surface and sides, while a softly shaped apron with an open storage niche sits beneath a single drawer. It rests on elegant cabriole legs, lending the piece a light, feminine movement characteristic of the Louis XV style.
In contrast, the Louis XVI style nightstand offers a more structured neoclassical presence, defined by its shaped serpentine (“cookie-cutter”) top and three-drawer configuration. The drawer fronts are decorated with finely painted floral swags and ribbon motifs, each fitted with petite brass pulls. Slender, tapered legs terminate in delicately painted sabots, adding a refined architectural balance to the piece.
Stamped by the esteemed Maison Gouffé atelier in Paris, these nightstands reflect the house’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and artistic finishes. Known for blending traditional French forms with early 20th century decorative sensibilities, Gouffé produced finely made furnishings with both elegance and innovation. Signed painted examples such as these are increasingly rare, particularly in such a harmonious yet intentionally mismatched pair.
Together, they offer a collected, curated look — perfect flanking a bed, anchoring a layered interior, or adding a touch of French whimsy and history to any space.
Dimensions:
Louis XV Nightstand
h - 28.25"
w - 16.75"
d - 10.5"
Louis XVI Style Nightstand
h - 28"
w - 17"
d -11"
_________________________________________________________________
Origin: Paris, France
Date: 1930s
Attribution: Signed Maison Gouffé
Material: Painted wood with brass pulls
Legs: One nightstand raised on elegant cabriole legs; the other on slender tapered legs ending in painted sabots
Design: Rare mismatched pair of French painted tables de nuit, one in the Louis XV style with a tray top and open storage niche, the other in the Louis XVI style with a shaped serpentine (“cookie-cutter”) top and three drawers
Detail: Hand-painted floral garlands, ribbon-tied bouquets, and blue ribbon accents throughout; floral painted top and sides on the Louis XV style example; floral swags and ribbon motifs across the drawer fronts of the Louis XVI style example
Craftsmanship: Executed by the Maison Gouffé atelier in Paris, known for exceptional craftsmanship and refined decorative finishes; signed painted examples are increasingly rare
Color: Celadon green and soft warm yellow with hand-painted floral decoration and blue ribbon accents
Patina: Beautifully aged painted surface with timeworn craquelure and character-rich wear consistent with age and use
Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear, minor losses, and surface distressing consistent with age
Use: Ideal flanking a bed, anchoring a layered guest room, or used separately as charming accent tables
Dimensions: Louis XV Nightstand: 28.25"H x 16.75"W x 10.5"D; Louis XVI Nightstand: 28"H x 17"W x 11"D
Sold: As a pair
Your Basket