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As fashionable society became increasingly sophisticated,
furniture became more varied and elegant and a wide range of small
tables designed for specific purposes - such as tea-drinking,
card-playing or sewing - were made. Nowadays, these can be just as
useful for putting the telephone on as for their original
function.
Small tables fit easily into most modern homes, so they've
remained very sought after. Pairs are always especially
desirable.
Tripod tables
Carving is easily damaged and can be expensive to restore. The
value of this 18th-century tilt-top table is reduced to about $4,200
because the 'pie crust' rim has been chipped.
Work tables
Work tables, such as this one made c.1810 from ebonised wood,
have drawers and a pull-out bag to hold sewing materials. Price is
from $4,200.
Sofa table
The best sofa tables have two end-supports connected by a
stretcher, as in the example pictured top. Tables with a central
pedestal base are less valuable. Prices range from $2,500 to
$3,000.
Card tables
The projecting circular corners of this 18th-century table are
stands for candles needed to illuminate cards and chips during play.
Prices are from $3,300.
What to look for
The decoration on better quality tables can add greatly to their
value. The most desirable features are:
- carved decoration on legs and feet
- tops decorated with elaborate inlay made from differently
coloured woods or specimen stones
- painted decoration - popular in the late 18th century and the
Edwardian period
- gilt metal mounts
- lacquer or japanning
Painted satinwood
You can distinguish Georgian painted satinwood tables - such as
this pier table made c.1775 - from those of the early 20th century
by the paler, more mellow colour of the wood and the less colourful
painted decoration. Later tables are less valuable. This one's worth
about $11,750 but would cost from about $1,600 if it were a
20th-century example.
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