Hand Painted Side Table
A hand painted side table brings colour and character to a room, offering a functional surface decorated with intricate brushwork.
What these pieces are
A hand painted side table encompasses versatile occasional furniture designed for practical use and decorative impact around the home. Collectors encountering this group will find pieces functioning variously as lamp tables, tray tables, sewing tables, card tables, and Pembroke tables.
The selection on this page spans several distinct periods, most notably the nineteenth century and the Edwardian era. Pieces frequently showcase traditional English forms alongside specific regional variants and styles such as Sheraton Revival and Edwardian Chinoiserie.
Origins represented in the wider record include English, Swiss, Swedish, and French workshops. These tables range from intimate kettle stands and etageres to larger console and occasional pieces fitted with drawers or drop leaves.
How they were made
Construction relies primarily on traditional timbers such as mahogany, satinwood, walnut, beech, and various mixed woods. Cabinetmakers incorporated boxwood inlay, brass fittings, and papier mache to add structural contrast and refined detail.
Surface decoration relies directly upon paint and lacquer applied by hand over prepared wooden bases. Artisans utilised delicate brushwork to create floral motifs, figural scenes, and geometric borders across table tops, aprons, and legs.
Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical UK retail prices for hand painted side table, calculated from the Sellingantiques database of over a million retail prices indexed since 2003. This retail price guide relies exclusively on Sellingantiques data; no external sources or auction records are used, so the figures do not describe the wider market.
What varies in quality
Quality rests significantly upon the precision and execution of the painted surface artistry. Finer examples display confident, highly detailed brushwork that integrates harmoniously with the underlying timber grain and form.
Construction standards also separate standard items from superior pieces, particularly in the selection of cabinet woods like figured satinwood or dense mahogany. The integrity of inlaid elements and the stability of original stands dictate the overall standing of an item.
Edwards and Roberts
The Hand Painted Side Table Glossary
- Pembroke table
- A small occasional table featuring two hinged drop leaves on opposite sides. These tables often include a single drawer and were easily moved around domestic rooms.
- Etagere
- A piece of furniture consisting of a set of open shelves for displaying small objects. In this category, they combine tiered surfaces with painted wooden structures.
- Satinwood
- A durable hardwood noted for its yellowish colour and lustrous, satin-like sheen. Cabinetmakers utilised it extensively for high-status painted and inlaid furniture.
- Chinoiserie
- European artistic style reflecting Chinese motifs and decorative techniques. Artisans applied these imaginative landscapes and figures using lacquer and paint.
- Occasional table
- A small, light table intended for versatile use in living spaces. These pieces appear in numerous formats including lamp tables and kettle stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hand painted side table used for?
These tables served various practical functions in historic interiors, holding lamps, sewing materials, or drinks. Card tables provided a surface for evening games, while small stands held kettles or decorative objects.
Today, they function easily as accent pieces in sitting rooms, hallways, or bedrooms. Their decorative surfaces allow them to stand alone as focal points or sit beside seating to hold everyday items.
How do I identify an Edwardian piece?
Edwardian examples often feature light timbers such as satinwood, complemented by refined painted decoration and Sheraton Revival motifs. The construction methods reflect early twentieth-century manufacturing standards combined with hand finishing.
Comparing the secondary woods and style markers helps distinguish these pieces from earlier nineteenth-century items. Edwardian versions frequently embrace lighter proportions and delicate Chinoiserie or floral motifs.
Are these tables sturdy enough for daily use?
Most pieces are built from solid timbers like mahogany, walnut, or beech, offering reliable structural stability. However, delicate legs and painted surfaces require thoughtful placement away from heavy impacts and excessive moisture.
Gentle handling ensures the painted decoration remains intact over time. Using coasters and placing them in low-traffic spots protects both the timber and the hand-painted artwork.
What materials were used to make them?
Cabinetmakers employed a variety of woods including mahogany, satinwood, walnut, and beech as foundational bases. Decorative elements frequently incorporated boxwood inlay, brass hardware, and specialised lacquer.
Paints were applied directly to prepared wood or papier mache surfaces to create detailed motifs. The choice of material often reflects the period and region of origin for each specific piece.