What is a loo table used for?

A carved walnut loo table served as a versatile centrepiece in Victorian drawing rooms, initially utilised for playing the popular card game of loo after dinner. When not in use for gaming, the large surface functioned as a display table for lamps or decorative objects. The clever tilting top allowed servants to fold the table flat and tuck it against the wall to clear the room for dancing or other evening entertainments. Today, these tables make striking centrepieces in large hallways or living rooms.

How do I identify a Victorian loo table?

Victorian loo tables are characterised by their substantial burr walnut construction, large oval or round tops, and heavily carved central pedestals. Most examples incorporate a snap-top or tilt-top mechanism supported by a robust multi-legged base. Looking underneath reveals period construction methods, often including solid walnut timbers and original brass fittings. The presence of rich marquetry inlay or boxwood stringing further points towards mid-nineteenth-century British cabinet making.

How do I care for burr walnut?

Burr walnut requires stable indoor humidity and protection from direct sunlight to prevent the delicate veneers from drying out or fading. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth maintains the polished finish without damaging the wood. Applying a traditional beeswax polish occasionally helps nourish the timber and preserve the rich grain patterns. Avoid placing hot cups or damp items directly on the surface to protect the historic polish.

What is the difference between a loo table and a breakfast table?

While both forms feature heavy central pedestals and circular or oval tops from the same Victorian period, their original domestic functions differed slightly. Breakfast tables were generally designed for morning dining or general parlour use. Loo tables specifically incorporated the hinged tilting mechanism to accommodate evening card games and save floor space. In modern settings, both types serve similar decorative functions as statement centre tables.