Brass X Frame Table
A brass x frame table is a sturdy and versatile piece designed to support various surfaces with a distinctive cross-leg geometry.
Brass X Frame Table
A brass x frame table relies on intersecting diagonal supports to carry tops made from materials such as wood and glass.
You are likely to encounter variations spanning the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including low etageres and coffee tables.
The design frequently pairs structural metal bases with contrasting wooden or marquetry surfaces.
Materials and construction
Makers utilised cast and tubular brass for the structural cross frames, often combining them with mahogany, oak, satinwood or walnut.
Surfaces feature polished timber tops, glazed panels or marquetry inlay supported by rigid metal chassis.
Some nineteenth-century makers went to great lengths to paint ordinary wood so convincingly that people still mistake it for bamboo.
Assessing the execution
Quality rests in the precision of the metal joints and the rigidity of the intersecting leg assembly.
Superior examples display careful selection of secondary woods and refined finishing on both the brass framework and the tabletop.
Mallett·Thwaites of London·Boin Taburet·ELLIOTT of LONDON·Peter Ghyczy·Purvis of London
The Brass X Frame Table Glossary
- Etagere
- A set of open shelves for displaying small objects, often built with multiple tiers.
- Marquetry
- Decorative woodwork where thin pieces of veneer are fitted together to form geometric or pictorial patterns.
- Faux bamboo
- A style of carving or moulding timber to imitate the segmented appearance of real bamboo.
- Ormolu
- Gilded bronze applied to furniture mounts and decorative accessories during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Brass X Frame Table: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean a brass frame?
Dust the metal gently with a soft dry cloth to remove surface particles.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that can strip the historic patina from the brass components.
Are these tables sturdy enough for daily use?
The intersecting diagonal leg structure provides robust weight distribution for everyday items.
Ensure the joints remain secure and check that the tabletop sits firmly on the brass base.
What periods do these pieces date from?
The selection spans from the nineteenth century through the Edwardian era into the nineteen-twenties.
Construction details and timber choices help indicate the specific decade of manufacture.
Can I use an etagere as a coffee table?
Lower tiered etageres function well as coffee tables due to their convenient height and multiple surfaces.
Verify the dimensions of the specific piece to ensure it suits your seating arrangement.