Small Glass Display Table
A small glass display table brings together clear panes and timber frames to hold and show off precious small items.
Small Glass Display Table
The primary forms take shape as bijouterie tables, vitrines and table cabinets with glazed panels. Edwardian inlaid mahogany models and Victorian variants provide the core of what meets the eye on this page.
What varies in quality
The refinement of the timber work and the complexity of the inlay separate standard pieces from more ambitious ones. Finer examples display carefully selected wood grains and precise brass or ormolu mounts fitted flush to the frame.
Proportion and the integration of the glass case into the supporting legs dictate the architectural success of the table. Subtle decorative additions, such as satinwood banding or marquetry, elevate the visual impact of the piece.
Small Glass Display Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for small glass display 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.
One yew wood table carries later sign-writing for Breitling watches, turning a domestic display case into a miniature showroom.
The Small Glass Display Table Glossary
- Bijouterie table
- A small glass-topped table specifically built for displaying small valuables and jewellery. These tables feature a glazed compartment directly beneath the top surface.
- Vitrine
- A glass-sided cabinet or display case designed to exhibit porcelain, curiosities or precious objects. The term covers both standing cabinets and table-height display units.
- Ormolu
- Gilt bronze or brass mounts applied to furniture for decorative effect. This technique creates metallic highlights against dark timber surfaces.
- Satinwood
- A durable, yellowish wood used for fine cabinet-making and decorative inlay. It provides a bright contrast when set into darker timbers like mahogany.
Small Glass Display Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bijouterie table?
A bijouterie table is a specialised display piece featuring a glazed top or compartment. It was designed for keeping and viewing small personal valuables.
These tables sit at a height that allows seated inspection of the contents resting inside the velvet-lined or fabric-lined interior.
How do I clean the glass?
Cleaning the glass requires a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner applied sparingly. Care must be taken to avoid spraying liquid directly onto surrounding timber or metal mounts.
Purchasers should wipe gently around the joints where glass meets mahogany or brass to prevent moisture from seeping into the historic frame.
Where should I place it?
These display tables suit drawing rooms, studies or hallways where natural light can illuminate the contents within the case. Direct sunlight should be avoided to protect both the timber finish and the displayed items.
Placement near seating areas allows guests to easily look down through the glass top at the collection inside.
How do I date an Edwardian piece?
Dating an Edwardian piece involves examining the specific style of inlay, timber preparation and hardware construction. Pieces from this era often utilise mahogany with delicate stringing or satinwood banding.
Comparison with documented examples from the early twentieth century helps confirm the period characteristics of the frame and glass housing.