How were these tables originally used?

These tables served multiple functions in grand domestic interiors, acting as breakfast tables, library desks, or central display surfaces for lamps and books. Because they stand without wall support, they allowed people to gather round from any angle in the principal reception rooms.

Can I use a tilt-top table every day?

A tilt-top table functions reliably for daily dining or display provided the brass catch and block beneath the top remain secure. Dropping the top back down should be done with care to protect the hinge mechanism and the stability of the central pillar.

How do I tell a Regency table from a later copy?

Genuine Regency examples show period construction methods in the secondary timbers, hand-cut screws, and patinated mahogany surfaces developed over two centuries. Later Victorian revival pieces often feature heavier proportions, machine-cut components, and brighter, uniform factory finishes.

What is the difference between a centre table and a dining table?

Centre tables are typically smaller, round, or occasional forms designed to anchor a room's decor, though many circular Regency examples served dual purposes for informal dining. Large dining versions often incorporated extending leaves, whereas centre tables remained fixed in size and freestanding.