What is an antique tiled table?

An antique tiled table is a piece of furniture featuring a wooden frame inset with glazed ceramic tiles on the surface. These tables date primarily from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Craftsmen built them in various forms, including small occasional tables, side tables, and functional washstands designed for domestic use.

How were these tables used originally?

Many served as everyday occasional tables for holding lamps, books, or decorative objects in Victorian and Edwardian reception rooms. Others functioned as washstands in bedrooms, where the ceramic tiles provided a durable, water-resistant surface for basins and toiletries.

How do I care for an antique tiled table?

Protect the wooden frame by maintaining consistent room humidity and cleaning surfaces with a soft, dry cloth rather than harsh chemicals. Treat the ceramic tiles gently, using mild soapy water to clean the glazed surface without damaging the surrounding grout or timber.

How do I identify the period of the table?

Examine the timber species, construction methods, and stylistic cues such as hardware and leg turning to determine the likely era of manufacture. Tile designs and glaze colours also offer strong indicators, often reflecting specific movements like Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau.