How do you open a fold-over table?

The top leaf rotates on a pivot or lifts upward on hinges, swinging through ninety degrees to rest upon the extended frame or support leg. Opening the leaf often reveals a concealed storage well beneath the top for cards and gaming counters.

What were these tables used for?

These pieces served households as social hubs for evening entertainment, accommodating card games, chess, and backgammon in the drawing room. Between games, the folded top functioned as a standard side or console table against the wall.

How do I care for the wood surface?

Keep the timber away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the veneers from drying out and lifting. Apply traditional beeswax polish sparingly and buff with a soft cloth to maintain the finish without building up residue.

How do I tell periods apart?

Georgian and Regency examples rely on clean architectural lines, mahogany or satinwood veneers, and subtle brass inlay. Victorian pieces tend to be heavier with burr walnut, carved pedestal bases, and ornate serpentine forms. Edwardian tables often feature lighter proportions with delicate stringing and envelope tops.