Renaissance Revival Octagonal Side Table with Barley-Twist Legs & Marquetry Top

Design & Inspiration

Place this table in a corner of a salon and it will hold its own against any piece in the room. The octagonal top — a form favored by Renaissance craftsmen who saw in the eight-sided polygon a symbol of order between the square and the circle — sits above a base that contradicts its stillness entirely. Four barley-twist legs spiral outward at the corners while a central pair of timbers winds around each other in a caduceus twist, the two forms in deliberate tension. This is a table that rewards a second look.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of Renaissance Revival furniture of the 1860–1890 period, the table is built from solid cherry wood — chosen for its dimensional stability and the warmth of its grain under a high-gloss lacquer. The top carries a book-matched burl veneer panel framed by a deep ebony-strung border, the grain opening symmetrically from a central axis in the manner of the finest Victorian cabinet work. The lower shelf repeats this inlay geometry in miniature, tying the piece together vertically. Antique gold brass caps terminate each leg, introducing the period's characteristic metalwork accent without overwhelming the wood.

Dimensions & Details

Length: 60 cm / Width: 60 cm / Height: 60 cm
The table's cubic proportions — equal in length, width, and height — give it a self-contained presence that works beside a deep sofa arm, at the head of a reading chair, or as a standalone accent in a wide hallway. The lower shelf provides practical display space for books, a small lamp base, or decorative objects.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every element of this table — the twist profile of the barley legs, the caduceus central brace, the marquetry panel laying, and the brass cap fitting — is executed by hand in Brass & Wood's Egyptian workshops. The craft lineage draws directly from 19th-century European cabinetmaking traditions, translated into each piece with the patience the work demands. No two tables are identical in grain pattern; the burl veneer ensures each is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this table made from?

The table is constructed from solid cherry wood with burl veneer marquetry on the top and lower shelf, ebony stringing inlay, and antique gold brass leg caps. No marble or glass is used — this is a pure wood and brass piece.

Is any assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the leg assembly attaches to the tabletop and shelf unit. Full instructions are included, and the process requires no specialist tools.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of wood finish tone, brass cap color (gold, antique bronze, or silver), and marquetry border detail. Contact our team to discuss bespoke options before ordering.