George II Accent Table
A george ii accent table offers functional eighteenth-century elegance, bringing classic Georgian craftsmanship into daily home use.
George II Accent Table
A george ii accent table encompasses a variety of eighteenth-century forms designed for specific domestic tasks. Buyers frequently encounter lowboys, wine tables, side tables, and card tables from this period.
The materials span native timbers like oak, cherrywood, and walnut, alongside imported hardwoods such as mahogany and burr elm. Irish regional variants also appear among the selections.
Makers of the Georgian era produced these occasional pieces with cabriole legs and tripod bases. Each form served a distinct social function within the country house or townhouse.
How they were made
Cabinetmakers utilised solid timbers and selected veneers, frequently employing walnut, oak, and Cuban mahogany. Turning and carving formed the structural supports, notably cabriole legs on lowboys and silver tables.
Tilt-top and birdcage mechanisms allowed tripod tables to fold or pivot when not in use. Joinery techniques of the mid eighteenth century prioritized sturdy pegged joints and dovetailed drawer construction.
George II Accent Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for george ii accent table among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings span the eighteenth century, featuring oak, walnut, mahogany, cherrywood, and burr elm across side tables, lowboys, and wine tables.
What varies in quality
The selection of timber grain largely distinguishes finer examples from simpler provincial work. Highly figured burr walnut, burr elm, and richly grained Cuban mahogany indicate higher workshop status.
Refinement of carving on knees, aprons, and edges separates standard utility pieces from exceptional commissions. Crisp execution of cabriole legs and original hardware elevate the standing of a table.
The George II Accent Table Glossary
- Lowboy
- A small dressing table or side table featuring one or more rows of drawers beneath the top. They typically stand on cabriole legs terminating in pad or claw-and-ball feet.
- Tilt top table
- A table with a hinged top that can be rotated to a vertical position for storage. These often utilise birdcage mechanisms to allow both tilting and revolving.
- Silver table
- A specialised occasional table with a raised gallery edge designed to hold tea or silver service securely. Irish variants of this form are particularly notable.
- Cabriole leg
- A furniture leg that curves out gracefully and then tapers inward, imitating animal limbs. This form dominated mid eighteenth-century design.
- Spider table
- A delicate, slender-legged occasional table with multiple turned stretchers supporting the frame. They provide light-scale surfaces for refined interiors.
George II Accent Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lowboy used for?
A lowboy functioned historically as a small dressing table or a general utility side table in private chambers. Today they serve equally well as lamp tables or hallway surfaces.
Their compact proportions allow them to fit easily into smaller spaces while providing useful drawer storage.
How do I identify a George II table?
Look for characteristic mid eighteenth-century traits such as cabriole legs, pad feet, and solid walnut or mahogany construction. Stylistic details follow the neoclassical transition of the Georgian era.
Dates generally cluster around the middle decades of the eighteenth century, often associated with the 1750 period.
What is a birdcage mechanism?
A birdcage is a revolving wooden frame fitted beneath the top of a tripod table. It allows the surface to tilt vertically and spin horizontally.
This clever engineering saved valuable floor space in Georgian rooms when the table was not in active use.
Are Irish tables different?
Irish examples from this era often display distinctive carving details and heavier proportions using native or imported timbers. Walnut and mahogany were frequently selected by Dublin workshops.
These pieces command attention for their regional individuality and robust cabinetmaking standards.