How do I use a card table?

A card table opens by unfolding the top leaf, supported by a swing leg to create a stable surface for games or writing. When closed, the piece functions as a console or side table against a wall.

Where were these tables placed?

These tables served various rooms, from dining spaces and libraries to drawing rooms and hallways, depending on their specific form. Dining and breakfast versions stood centrally, while sofa and card tables sat against walls or near seating areas.

How do I care for mahogany?

Maintenance involves keeping the timber away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to protect the polish and prevent veneer lifting. Regular dusting with a soft cloth preserves the finish without requiring heavy chemical polishes.

How do I identify Regency pieces?

Regency items often display bolder brass mounts, sabre legs, and darker or more dramatically figured veneer work reflecting early nineteenth-century tastes. They follow classical architectural influences distinct from earlier mid-eighteenth-century proportions.