Where should I place a console table?

These tables find a natural home in entrance halls, living rooms, and dining spaces where floor space is relatively shallow. Their flat backs allow them to stand securely against walls without projecting too far into the room. Pairing a table with a wall-mounted mirror creates a balanced focal point that reflects light and adds vertical scale to narrower interiors.

How do I care for giltwood?

Giltwood surfaces require gentle maintenance using a soft, dry ostrich feather duster or a clean microfibre cloth. Avoid all commercial polishes, liquids, and abrasive cleaners, which can strip the delicate gold leaf. Keep the tables away from direct sunlight and fluctuating radiator heat to prevent the underlying gesso and wood from drying and cracking.

Are marble tops original?

Many eighteenth- and nineteenth-century tables were designed specifically to support heavy stone surfaces, though replacements do occur over centuries of domestic use. Examining the fit against the wooden frame and checking for matching edge profiles helps determine period integrity. Rouge and white marble slabs were favoured for their durability and luxurious contrast against gilded and painted frames.

What is the difference between Georgian and Regency?

Georgian design spans the eighteenth century, encompassing robust baroque carving, ornate rococo curves, and refined neoclassical symmetry associated with Adam and Sheraton styles. Regency work emerges later, leaning towards bolder architectural lines and classical antiquity. Regency pieces often incorporate rosewood, black paint, and parcel gilt alongside distinctively heavier proportions inspired by ancient Roman and Greek archaeology.