A characterful late 19th century French sideboard with original brass handles with appealing later decorative paint finish
At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility:
• Origin: France
• Date: Late 19th Century, circa 1880
• Material: Solid wood
• Subject: Later Painted French sideboard
• Function: Sideboard for storage, serving, or display
• Finish: Later Specialist Paint Finish in Mottled Distressed Antique Chalky Blue
Delivery: Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature located beside the ‘Add to Basket’ tab before completing your order
Desirability:-
• Late 19th century French example with strong decorative presence
• Retains original brass handles
• Elegant proportions with generous surface and storage
• Distinctive chalky blue finish with rich surface texture
• Highly versatile piece for both traditional and contemporary interiors
Heritage, History & Craftsmanship:
This French sideboard, dating to the late 19th century, is a wonderfully characterful piece that combines robust construction with refined proportions and surface interest. Its low, elongated form offers both visual balance and practical versatility, making it an ideal anchor piece within an interior.
The sideboard retains its original brass handles, which provide a warm tonal contrast against the painted surface and serve as an authentic reminder of its 19th-century origins. The drawers are well proportioned and smoothly integrated, offering practical storage without disrupting the clean lines of the façade.
Finished in a later specialist paint finish, the surface has been carefully layered to create a mottled, distressed antique chalky blue appearance. Subtle variations in tone, areas of gentle wear, and softened edges give the piece depth, texture, and an honest sense of age, while allowing the underlying form to remain calm and elegant.
This balance of authentic structure and decorative surface makes the sideboard particularly adaptable, sitting comfortably in country houses, coastal interiors, or more pared-back contemporary spaces.
Styling Suggestions:-
• Ideal as a dining room sideboard or serving table
• Works beautifully in kitchens, hallways, or living spaces
• Style with ceramics, lamps, or artwork to emphasise its length
• Pairs well with neutral palettes, natural materials, and layered textures
Explore Every Facet:-
Our high-resolution photographs allow you to examine this sideboard in detail, exactly as you would in the showroom. These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. Study the painted surface, brass handles, proportions, and natural signs of age closely to fully appreciate its craftsmanship and character.
Sustainable Style:-
Thank you for considering this French Sideboard in Distressed Chalky Blue Paint, Circa 1880 - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible... in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures
Antiques represent the most sustainable form of furnishing: already made, already aged, and designed to endure. Choosing antique furniture preserves existing materials, supports traditional craftsmanship, and brings depth, individuality, and continuity into modern interiors.
Purchase with Confidence:-
White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Every item is described and photographed with care, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.
We are an established and successful business serving both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our shop at 53 High Street, Arundel, and our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections first-hand, explore the stories behind each piece, and appreciate these timeless furnishings in person.
measurements
Height:
76.5 cm
Width:
162 cm
Depth:
47 cm
measurements
declaration
White’s Antiques has clarified that the Decorative Antique French Sideboard in Distressed Chalky Blue Paint c.1880 (LA558341) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being c.1880
declaration
condition
condition
Very good antique condition. Later painted finish applied to evoke naturally aged surfaces, with expected wear, historic marks, and minor imperfections consistent with age and use, all contributing to its character.