How were square top card tables used?

These tables functioned primarily for social games like whist or patience, featuring folding leaves that doubled the surface area when opened. Lined with baize or leather, they provided a stable playing area during the Georgian and Victorian periods. When not in use, the tables folded closed and stood flat against a wall as side or console pieces, maximising domestic space.

How do I identify a Georgian table?

Georgian pieces, produced during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, typically rely on solid mahogany or oak with restrained proportions and careful joinery. Look for classic timber patination and traditional construction methods beneath the top. Stylistic markers from this era include tripod bases, simple square profiles, and subtle mouldings rather than heavy ornamentation.

Where should I place an occasional table?

An occasional table suits smaller spaces where a full-sized desk or dining piece proves too large, functioning well beside seating or as a lamp stand. Their compact square footprint allows them to fit into corners or between armchairs easily. They also serve effectively in hallways or bedrooms to hold decorative objects, plants, or lighting.