Hexagonal Inlaid Table
These hexagonal inlaid table examples bring intricate geometric geometry and rich timber work into a room.
Hexagonal Inlaid Table
A hexagonal inlaid table functions as a compact side or occasional piece, offering multiple flat surfaces arranged in a distinct six-sided geometry. The selection spans distinct geographic traditions, including Syrian, Egyptian, and Moorish Revival works alongside British colonial and Victorian responses.
Makers utilised contrasting materials to cover surfaces in complex geometric patterns, often employing dense woods fitted with bone, mother-of-pearl, and metallic wire. Forms range from low kursi stands with openwork panels to taller occasional tables featuring specimen wood marquetry or cabinet doors beneath the top.
How they were made
Craftsmen built the underlying carcass from timbers such as walnut, mahogany, ebonised wood, and yew, creating the six-sided top and supporting legs or pedestals. Artisans then recessed intricate pieces of bone, mother-of-pearl, brass, copper, and white metal into channels carved within the wooden surface.
Many examples incorporate detailed openwork or turned woodwork alongside delicate stringing and marquetry panels. The contrasting tones of white nacre, dark ebony, and warm brass deliver the rich visual texture characteristic of these workshops.
Hexagonal Inlaid Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for hexagonal inlaid table among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Materials recorded across the archive include mother-of-pearl, bone, brass, copper, ebonised wood, and various specimen timbers.
What varies in quality
The precision and density of the inlay dictate the distinction between standard production and exceptional work. Finer examples maintain tight joints where metal, bone, and shell meet the surrounding timber without excessive filler.
The choice of secondary woods and the complexity of the geometric motifs also separate workshops. Pieces bearing attribution to recognised British retail houses or specific Syrian centres display superior structural stability and more refined surface carving.
Liberty and Co·Gillows·Shapland and Petter
The Hexagonal Inlaid Table Glossary
- Marquetry
- The art of forming geometric patterns or pictures by inserting decorative veneers onto a wooden base. This technique allows for complex multi-timber designs across table tops.
- Cairoware
- Brass metalwork inlaid with silver, copper, and gold from Egypt, frequently adapted into occasional table forms during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
- Moorish Revival
- An architectural and decorative style drawing on Islamic art and architecture. Items in this mode often feature horseshoe arches and dense geometric surface patterns.
- Specimen wood
- Furniture constructed from a variety of native and exotic timbers selected for contrasting natural colours. These woods are often arranged in geometric or radial patterns.
Hexagonal Inlaid Table: Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place a hexagonal inlaid table?
These six-sided items sit comfortably beside armchairs or sofas where their angled profile avoids sharp corners in tight spaces. Their decorated surfaces make them suitable as standalone display points in hallways or reception rooms.
Because many examples feature intricate inlay work across the top, placing them away from direct heat sources helps protect the timber and delicate shell elements from movement.
How do I care for mother-of-pearl inlay?
Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth removes surface grit without risking the delicate joints between the shell and timber. Avoid liquid cleaners or excessive moisture which can loosen the animal glues holding the pieces in place.
Applying a traditional beeswax polish occasionally helps nourish the surrounding wood while maintaining a gentle sheen on the pearl and bone inserts.
What is the difference between Syrian and Victorian styles?
Syrian examples typically rely on dense geometric mosaics of mother-of-pearl, bone, and contrasting dark woods covering the entire surface. They frequently utilise openwork panels or low proportions adapted from traditional forms.
Victorian interpretations often apply marquetry and specimen wood banding onto a conventional mahogany or walnut British table framework. These pieces reflect European cabinet-making methods rather than Eastern joinery traditions.
Are these tables sturdy enough for daily use?
Most occasional and side tables provide a stable surface for lamps, books, or decorative objects within a domestic setting. The six-sided construction distributes weight evenly across the frame and legs.
Tables featuring extensive metal wire or shell inlay require gentle treatment to prevent small decorative fragments from loosening under heavy impact.