An etagere is an open piece of furniture featuring multiple tiers designed for displaying decorative objects, books, or small possessions. These pieces rely on slender vertical supports to divide the stacked surfaces. They emerged in various forms during the Georgian period and remained popular throughout the nineteenth century. Examples on this page frequently incorporate castors to allow the tiered display to move easily across a room.

How were dumb waiters used?

Dumb waiters functioned as multi-tiered serving tables in dining rooms, allowing diners to access extra plates, glasses, and food without domestic staff present. The stacked shelves provided ample capacity for courses and tableware. Many of these dining room pieces included rotating tiers or rolling castors for convenient positioning beside the table. Their utility extended into various sitting rooms as versatile side furniture.

Which woods are most common?

Mahogany forms the primary timber for the majority of these tiered tables, particularly across Georgian, Regency, and Victorian iterations. Walnut and rosewood also appear frequently in fine nineteenth-century examples. Additional materials include oak, satinwood, amboyna, and ebonised wood, sometimes accented with contrasting stringing or inlaid details. Brass and ceramic elements typically make up the hardware and castor assemblies.

How do I identify a whatnot?

A whatnot is defined by its stacked open shelves supported by upright pillars, designed specifically for holding ornaments and collections. They vary from small corner versions to larger freestanding multi-tiered units. Distinguishing a whatnot from a standard side table involves looking for the characteristic secondary and tertiary shelves above the main surface. Most retain original castors beneath their feet to facilitate repositioning.