Antique Table Plateau
An antique table plateau is a mirrored centrepiece designed to reflect candlelight and tableware upon the dining surface.
Antique Table Plateau
An antique table plateau brings a reflective surface to the dining table or sideboard, serving as a decorative base for ornaments, cake stands, and wine bottles. These pieces range from compact circular mirror trays to larger silver-plated and mirrored table plateaux.
The versions most frequently met on this page date from the Victorian period through to the Edwardian era and the 1920s. They incorporate glass, mirrored glass, silver plate, mahogany, brass, and pewter.
Originating in grand dining traditions, these items function just as well today as they did in the nineteenth century for accentuating table displays and reflecting light around a room.
Materials and construction
The core structure of an antique table plateau typically relies on sturdy timbers such as mahogany, oak, and walnut, or metals including silver plate, brass, or pewter. These materials provide the foundation to support heavier items placed upon the mirror.
Mirrored glass forms the central reflective surface, sometimes paired with etched details or cranberry glass elements. Silver-plated mounts and brass surrounds frame the glass, often finished with decorative gallery borders or small supporting feet.
Antique Table Plateau Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for table plateau among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature items spanning the Victorian era, Edwardian period, and the 1920s, utilising materials such as silver plate, mahogany, brass, and mirrored glass.
Assessing quality and craftsmanship
The distinction between standard examples and finer pieces lies in the weight of the metal mounts, the clarity and depth of the mirror plate, and the precision of the joinery in wooden frames. Finer silver-plated specimens exhibit crisp detailing along the borders and heavier gauge metal.
Condition of the silver plate and the integrity of the original mirror glass significantly influence the character of the piece. Subtle hand-etching on the glass and robust construction indicate higher standards of production from workshops of the period.
Mappin and Webb·Elkington
The Antique Table Plateau Glossary
- Plateau mirror
- A mirrored tray or stand placed in the centre of a table to reflect light and display tableware. They are often framed in silver plate, wood, or brass.
- Silver plate
- A layer of silver fused to a base metal such as copper or Britannia metal. It provides the appearance of solid silver while offering practical durability for dining accessories.
- Epergne
- A large table centrepiece featuring multiple branching arms or holders for fruit, flowers, or sweets. Some designs incorporate mirrored bases akin to a plateau.
- Tazza
- An ornamental pedestal plate or shallow cup used for serving small items. They occasionally appear alongside plateau stands in dining displays.
- Surtout de table
- A large decorative plateau or mirror tray placed in the middle of a dining table. The term originates from French dining customs of the nineteenth century.
Antique Table Plateau: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an antique table plateau used for?
An antique table plateau serves primarily as a decorative reflective base placed in the middle of a dining table or sideboard. Historically, hosts used them to reflect the light of oil lamps or candles while holding heavy items like epergnes, decanters, or cake stands.
Today, they function well for displaying seasonal arrangements, glassware, or candles, protecting the underlying table surface while adding a decorative focal point to a room.
How do I clean a mirrored plateau?
Cleaning requires care to avoid damaging the silver plating or the antique mirror backing. Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth to remove dust from the frame and glass surfaces.
If the glass requires liquid cleaner, apply it sparingly to the cloth rather than spraying directly onto the mirror, ensuring moisture does not seep beneath the frame edges or into the backing.
How can I tell the period of a plateau?
Dating relies on examining the materials, construction methods, and any registry marks or maker stamps present on the metalwork. Victorian examples often feature heavy silver plating, ornate brass galleries, or solid wood frames like mahogany and walnut.
Later Edwardian and Art Deco pieces tend to show cleaner geometric lines or lighter silver-plated mounts, occasionally bearing specific patent or registry numbers from the early twentieth century.
Are all table plateaux mirrored?
While the vast majority feature a central mirrored glass plate designed to reflect light, some variations incorporate inlaid wood, needlework, or beadwork panels beneath glass protection.
The inclusion of a mirror remains the defining characteristic for the majority of these pieces, distinguishing them from standard serving trays or platters.