What is a night table?

A night table is a small piece of bedside furniture designed to hold lamps, books, and nighttime necessities. They often incorporate enclosed cupboards or small drawers for private storage. Historically, many versions functioned as pot cupboards before adapting into general bedside cabinets and lamp stands.

How do I date a bedside cabinet?

Dating relies on identifying the primary timbers, construction methods, and stylistic markers such as cabriole legs or barley twist supports. Georgian pieces show different proportions and joinery compared to Victorian or Art Deco examples. Secondary woods inside drawers and the presence of hand-cut dovetails also help establish the approximate period of manufacture.

Are night tables sold in pairs?

Many bedside cabinets and night tables survive and sell as matched pairs, particularly those originating from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Single tables also appear frequently across various styles. Pairs often command higher interest for symmetrical placement on either side of a double bed.

What materials are used?

Traditional bedside furniture uses dense timbers including mahogany, walnut, and oak, frequently enhanced with burr walnut or flame mahogany veneers. Some continental examples incorporate marble tops and alabaster elements. Brass handles, hinges, and occasional inlaid stringing complete the material composition of these pieces.