Antique Occasional Tables comes in many different forms built for a variety of uses and dating as far back as the 17th Century. The earliest form of antique occasional table was used to hold a candle on the top. They were mainly in the form of the antique tripod table. They were small, so could be easily carried around and usually made in oak, fruit-wood or elm.
During the Georgian period, wine drinking was at the height of fashion so elegant antique wine tables were made, standing on three splayed legs and a circular dish top, the best being made from one piece of solid Mahogany. They were made to tilt with a tilting mechanism, so could be easily placed away when not in use.
During the early 19th Century Occasional tables were made more decorative with unusual woods being used. A good example of this would include this Rare Pair Of Regency Occasional Tripod Tables. They have a square top with rounded corners and beautifully figured rosewood centre panels surrounded by birds eye maple banding, string inlay and a brass trimmed edge.
This Superb William IV Antique Rosewood Occasional Table dates from around 1835. It has an unusual octagonal shaped moulded top with superb figuring and small gallery which benefits from a brass plate beneath the top rail to make it very stable. Workmanship like this shows great pride and skill in its construction, usually only demonstrated by a true craftsman. The table stands on an elegantly turned pedestal having a four leaf clover design at its base along with beautifully scrolled feet. In summary it is a very unusual and beautiful piece that could grace any living space with its presence!
During the Victorian period, Tea drinking was at the height of fashion. Little decorative antique tea tables were made by cabinet makers to fulfil this new trend. Wine was still the social drink so spectacular pieces of antique furniture was made with this in mind. This striking Victorian burr walnut occasional table would make the ideal lamp or wine table, with an octagonal moulded top with spectacular mirrored figured burr walnut. This wonderful table stands on an elegant central turned pedestal with tripod scrolled legs and central turned finial.
During the Edwardian period, a few new designs were made to fulfil the new modern living. First was the antique lamp table, made slightly taller and usually inlaid. The other was a neat design of a nesting or nest of tables. These sweet, little tables came as a set of three or four, that was sued for serving drinks or refreshments. When finished, they slot together into one smaller table, so ideal for the Edwardian home as they were smaller than the previous Victorian properties. New embellishments were added to these small tables for decoration. This Edwardian antique Satinwood occasional table has two circular tiers each with decorative brass edging and quality rosewood cross banding, with boxwood and ebony string inlay. It stands on elegant shaped legs with stunning decorative brass ormolu mounts.
