Twentieth Century Table
A twentieth century table brings practical form and diverse revival styles into a room, spanning Edwardian oak pieces to walnut coffee tables.
Twentieth Century Table
When you search for a twentieth century table, you encounter a broad spectrum of domestic furniture from desks and side tables to coffee tables and serving trolleys. These pieces bridge traditional craftsmanship with early modernist utility.
The most common versions on this page are constructed from oak, mahogany, and walnut, often reflecting Edwardian traditions or later Art Deco influences. Forms range from library tables and gateleg designs to occasional and console tables.
Origins stretch across the early decades of the century, capturing periods such as 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940. Buyers select these items for their functional surfaces and distinct period character.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard domestic output and high-end workshops rests on timber selection and joinery execution. Figured walnut and carefully matched oak display superior grain patterns and timber density.
Hardware integration, such as cast brass mounts, ormolu details, and leather working, separates workshop production from standard commercial manufacturing. Structural stability under daily use reflects the underlying standard of construction.
Twentieth Century Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for twentieth century 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.
Shapland and Petter·Franz Xaver Bergman·Maurice and Marcel Moulin Favre Bulle·David Andersen
The Twentieth Century Table Glossary
- Gateleg table
- A table with hinged drop leaves supported by legs that swing outward to hold the flaps. This design allows the surface area to expand or contract according to domestic needs.
- Bureau plat
- A type of writing desk featuring a rectangular top, often inset with leather, set above a frieze with drawers. These desks sit freestanding in a room rather than against a wall.
- Ormolu
- Gilt bronze mounted onto furniture as decorative hardware or framing. It adds metallic contrast to wooden surfaces.
- Occasional table
- A small, versatile table designed for specific, intermittent use rather than central dining. Examples include coffee tables and side tables.
- Partners desk
- A large double-sided desk designed for two people to work opposite each other. These usually incorporate drawers and cupboards on both faces.
Twentieth Century Table: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify an Edwardian table?
Edwardian tables often feature solid oak or mahogany construction with practical forms like library tables or serving trolleys. They reflect designs from the early decades of the century.
Look at the simplicity of the hardware and the traditional joinery methods used during this period to confirm the era.
What is a drop leaf gateleg table?
A drop leaf gateleg table incorporates hinged flaps on either side supported by pivoting legs. This allows the piece to function in smaller spaces when folded down.
The mechanical action of the swinging legs is central to the design and operation of these wooden tables.
How should I clean a walnut coffee table?
Maintain walnut surfaces by dusting regularly with a soft cloth and applying appropriate wood wax periodically. Avoid using harsh chemical sprays that can strip the polished finish.
Keep wooden furniture away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight to prevent the walnut veneer from drying out.
Are marble topped console tables durable?
Marble topped console tables provide a sturdy and resilient surface suited for hallways and living rooms. The stone is heavy and rests securely on the wooden or giltwood base.
Clean the stone surface with a damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding acidic cleaners that can etch the polished marble.