What is a sofa table?

A sofa table is a small drop-leaf table designed to stand immediately behind or in front of a sofa during the Georgian and Regency periods. They generally feature two narrow drawers and proportions well suited to domestic sitting rooms. Unlike standard dining tables, these pieces were constructed to be freestanding in a room, with finished backs and polished timber throughout. Their castors enabled servants to reposition them easily for tea or writing.

How do I identify a Regency table?

Regency tables typically display classic architectural proportions, dark dense timbers like mahogany and rosewood, and brass detailing. They often incorporate pillar supports, swept legs, and prominent brass castors. Cabinet makers working in this period favored clean lines, occasionally accented with brass inlay or gilt mounts, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Roman design.

Why do these tables have castors?

Castors were fitted to allow heavy timber tables to move smoothly across thick carpets and heavy floorboards without scraping the wood. This mobility mattered in formal rooms where furniture layout changed frequently between entertaining and daily life. The inclusion of brass castors also protected the delicate feet of the table legs from moisture and impact during floor cleaning.