Where should I place a console table?

Console tables sit naturally against a flat wall in an entrance hallway, a drawing room, or beneath a large mirror. Their shallow depth allows them to occupy circulation spaces without blocking pathways. Pairing a console with a matching mirror creates a cohesive focal point that draws the eye upward and reflects light across the room.

How do I care for a gilded surface?

Gilded wood requires gentle treatment to preserve the delicate layers of gold leaf and underlying gesso. Dusting with a soft, dry cloth prevents the accumulation of grit without harming the finish. Avoid liquid cleaners, polishes, and abrasive cloths entirely, as moisture and chemicals can strip the metallic leaf from the carved timber.

What is the difference between a console and a side table?

Console tables are specifically designed to stand flat against a wall, frequently relying on structural wall brackets for additional stability. Their decoration concentrates on the front and sides visible to the room. Side tables stand independently on four or three legs and can float anywhere within a room, offering all-round access and decoration.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century table apart from a later revival?

Eighteenth-century pieces display hand-cut joinery, aged timber patination, and organic wear patterns consistent with centuries of use. The carving tends to show subtle irregularities unique to individual makers. Revival pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries often adopt heavier proportions, standardised machine-cut elements, and retrospective stylistic revivals like Louis XV or Baroque.