What is a moorish side table?

A moorish side table is a small occasional piece of furniture influenced by Islamic and North African design traditions, popular in Britain during the nineteenth century. They are characterised by dense surface carving and geometric inlay. These tables were used as lamp tables, tea tables, or decorative accents in Victorian drawing rooms, bringing an exotic aesthetic to domestic interiors.

Where were these tables made?

Many examples originate from workshops in Hoshiarpur in India, Syria, and Morocco, while others were produced in Britain under the influence of retailers like Liberty and Co. British firms often imported components or entire pieces, adapting traditional eastern techniques for the domestic market under styles such as Anglo-Moorish and Aesthetic Movement.

How do I care for inlaid wood?

Inlaid wood requires gentle maintenance to keep the timber and the delicate bone or mother-of-pearl segments stable. Keep the table away from direct heat sources and dramatic humidity changes to prevent warping. Dust regularly with a dry, soft cloth and avoid applying modern liquid polishes that can seep into the micro-gaps between the inlay and the timber.

Are these tables sturdy?

Many of these tables utilise folding octagonal bases designed for portability and versatility. While stable on flat floors, they are intended for lighter domestic use rather than heavy weight. When moving the table, lift it by the main structure rather than relying on protruding decorative brackets or delicate edge carving.

How do I distinguish regional styles?

Regional styles often reveal themselves through the choice of timber and the specific geometry of the inlay. Hoshiarpur pieces typically feature dense overall carving in native hardwoods with fine bone inlay. Syrian and Moroccan examples may incorporate mother-of-pearl alongside distinct geometric lattice patterns, while Liberty-influenced pieces often blend these motifs with ebonised or mahogany frames.