What is a piecrust edge?

A piecrust edge is a raised, scalloped border carved directly from the timber of the table top. It provides both decorative detail and a functional barrier to keep items secure. This shaped rim appears on occasional tables and wine tables from various periods. The execution of the curves indicates the skill of the maker.

How were these tables used?

These small tables served as movable surfaces for lamps, candles, or wine glasses beside seating. Their compact footprint suited intimate parlour spaces and sitting rooms. Tilt-top variants allowed the surface to fold away against a wall when the room needed clear floor space. Tripod bases made them easy to reposition as required.

Are these tables Georgian or later?

The selection includes genuine eighteenth-century pieces alongside nineteenth-century examples and twentieth-century revival styles. Georgian originals sit alongside Chippendale style and Georgian Revival reproductions. Materials, construction methods, and timber patination help distinguish between early pieces and later revivals from the Edwardian period.

Mahogany serves as the primary timber for these tables, often selected for its rich grain and deep colour. Figured mahogany and wood veneer appear on specific pieces to enhance the visual texture of the top. Additional materials like brass and marquetry inlay provide subtle contrast on select occasional and side tables.