What is an antique cane table?

An antique cane table is a historic piece of furniture featuring a woven cane or rattan surface, typically supported by wooden frames of mahogany, bamboo, or oak. These items range from compact side tables and coffee tables to multi-tiered etageres produced during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

How were these tables used?

Historically, these tables served as versatile occasional pieces in drawing rooms, boudoirs, and parlours for holding books, tea services, or decorative items. They provided lightweight yet sturdy surfaces that could be easily moved about the home to suit the occupants' needs.

How do I care for cane furniture?

Living with antique cane requires maintaining moderate humidity levels to prevent the natural fibres from drying out and becoming brittle. Occasional gentle dusting and avoiding excessive weight on the woven panels will help preserve the material over time.

How do I identify the period?

Dating relies on examining the timber species, joinery methods, and stylistic cues such as Regency curves, Victorian proportions, or Edwardian satinwood. Makers' marks, where present, also provide definitive clues to the exact era of production.