When I’m out shopping for a special piece of furniture for a project, I keep my eyes open for marquetry furniture. Marquetry is the art of applied veneer, usually timber, in a design or picture. The art form of marquetry is similar but not exactly the like parquetry, which is wood beamed in a geometric pattern, most commonly seen in flooring. I enjoy using marquetry pieces for their textural qualities, including a multitude of colors and wood grains.
My favourite marquetry pieces are Italian and French, which typically show blossoms, tools and sometimes even landscape scenes, made from timber veneer. The timber veneer may consist of mahogany, walnut or maple as well as more unusual materials, like ebony, ivory and mother-of-pearl. Marquetry is a gorgeous art form that needs hours of precise cutting and application; the result is usually an heirloomworthy bit that adds a touch of distinction to some traditional or eclectic area.
Charmean Neithart Interiors
This is a good instance of a French-style 19th-century marquetry desk. The drawers display a delicate flower and vine pattern, which is adorned with golden ormolu on the Queen Anne–style legs.
Isler Homes
This formal powder room features an antique 19th-century French marquetry commode. Its appearance is very formal paired together with all the 19th-century carved and gilded Italian classic mirror. Note the end of the taps, adding another touch of opulence.
Superior Woodcraft, Inc..
Even simple marquetry can add a distinctive and sudden signature. This starburst design adds tasteful detail to this warm wood fireplace surround and mantel.
Only Joh
Truly a work of art, this pool table features several different wood grains to get a fanciful custom effect. The various wood grains comparison one another superbly.
Clarkson Potter
This wood box has a pattern typical of the 19th century. I see boxes like these in stores, I purchase them. They look good anywhere, such as in traditional and modern interiors.
ANN SACKS
This is a good illustration of how marquetry can work in a transitional setting. 1 elegant starburst adds this powder area and simple elegance.
Tucker & Marks
Layers of texture are featured in this rosy powder room, such as marquetry on panels, the crown molding and the framework. Notice the tone-on-tone wallpaper that tops off this room to perfection. I’m sure visitors make a few visits to powder their nose.
Branca, Inc..
A casual traditional living area is graced with an antique glass-front armoire. This piece features a variety of wood grains. The patterns are more common of lace, together with landscape scenes on the crown area as well as the base drawers.
Charmean Neithart Interiors
A French 19th-century commode graces this formal entrance. The pattern is more typical of this age and features two colors of mahogany depicting flowers and tools on either side. The piece is topped with a classic marble slab.