Antique Console Tables

The Antique Console Table originally only had two front legs and was permanently attached to the wall. These magnificent tables were used to decorate the hall or a formal reception room. Antique console tables were part of the architecture of the room and decorated to match with ormolu or gilded finish along with intricate carvings. They originated from France and Italy in the 17th Century but became fashionable in Britain in the 18th Century. It was during the late Georgian and Regency periods that these quality antique tables became free standing, constructed made from solid figured timbers like Mahogany, Oak or more interesting woods such as Rosewood or ‘mirrored’ Burr Walnut. Antique console tables were expensive pieces of furniture especially in the Pier table design. This is where a console table would have a pier mirror above to reflect light into the room. Mirrored Glass was extremely expensive with a very high tax to stop it being imported into Britain, so only the very wealthy could afford such a special piece of antique furniture. The Victorian and Edwardian eras brought great demand in well designed console and side tables, in smaller sizes so are more easily placed in modern homes. The antique console table provides the perfect opportunity to own something that truly is unusual while still bringing a sense of history and mystique from the past. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale or to see our full collection click here.

Antique Console Tables For Sale

Styles of Antique Console Tables

Victorian console tables were usually more scrolled in design with carvings. The woods became more figured with the use of Burr Walnut or Burr Oak. Inlay banding was used around some edges and most would stand on castors. They were intended to display busts, vases or figures, some having a mirrored back to reflect the back of the ceramics on display.

Edwardian console tables were made to use features from Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton Design along with combining swivel gaming tops and new D, bow or serpentine shapes. The best from this period have lavish carvings and placed beneath a wall mirror in a matching design.

Georgian console tables would have beautifully figured tops, some having satinwood cross-banded edge and boxwood and ebony string inlay. On rare occasions you will see matching a pair. The earliest forms were supported against the wall using trusses or brackets in formal drawing rooms.

This eye catching table has the most spectacular figured top with moulded gadrooned carved edge above a deep shaped frieze with magnificent central carved shell motif which is truly stunning.  This splendid piece stands on four cabriole legs with ball and claw feet and also has the makers / retailers label William J Hicks Dublin.