What is a bobbin turn table?

A bobbin turn table is a piece of furniture featuring legs and stretchers shaped on a lathe to resemble a string of spool-like beads or bobbins. These tables range from 17th-century gateleg designs to Victorian and Edwardian side tables. They provide practical surfaces while introducing strong geometric texture through their characteristic turned wooden supports.

How old are these tables?

The pieces span a wide chronological range, originating from authentic 17th-century craftsmanship through to later Victorian, Edwardian, and 1900s revival periods. Makers across different centuries repeatedly returned to this distinct turning style. Examining the construction methods, timber ageing, and joinery helps distinguish original 17th-century examples from 19th-century revivals.

Where were they used?

These tables served primarily as practical domestic furniture in parlours, hallways, and living spaces for holding objects or writing. Smaller occasional and side variants easily moved around rooms as needed. Gateleg versions provided expandable surfaces for dining when the drop leaves were raised and supported by the swinging turned legs.

How do I care for a bobbin turn table?

Maintenance involves keeping the timber nourished with appropriate wax polishes and avoiding direct exposure to extreme heat or sunlight. The multiple curved surfaces of the turned legs benefit from gentle dusting with a soft brush. Checking the stability of the lower stretchers periodically ensures the numerous joints remain secure under everyday use.