Yew Occasional Table
A yew occasional table brings a rich, warm grain and compact utility to a room, drawing the eye with its deep amber tones.
Yew Occasional Table
A yew occasional table appears in various compact forms across the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, spanning Georgian, Regency, and later revival periods. These smaller tables served specific domestic functions, from holding a wine glass or lamp to resting a book beside a chair.
The most common examples on this page are wine tables, side tables, and tripod tables fashioned from solid timber or figured veneers. Makers often utilised yew for its distinct movement and pattern, creating small pieces that offered significant visual weight in a room.
Origins stretch from English country workshops to French provincial examples, alongside later 1900 and 1920 interpretations. Buyers encounter everything from simple round tables on tripod bases to writing tables and nests of tables.
Materials and construction
Makers relied primarily on yew wood and burr yew, often combining the timber with oak, mahogany, or satinwood for structural stability and secondary framing. Burr yew surfaces provided dense, swirling figures that cabinetmakers prized for table tops.
Brass fittings, such as castors or hinges, appear on specific forms like writing tables and teapoys. Tripod bases required precise joinery to balance the heavy grain of the round timber tops securely upon three legs.
Yew Occasional Table Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for yew occasional 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.
Listings feature yew occasional tables spanning from the 17th century through the Georgian and Regency eras into the 1930s.
Assessing quality and finish
Quality rests upon the selection of the timber and the depth of the figure in the yew wood, where burr surfaces and rich colour separate standard pieces from finer examples. Superior tables display harmonious grain matching across the top rather than mismatched patches of timber.
The integrity of the construction, particularly the fit of the tripod legs and the stability of the pillar, defines the better tier of these small tables. Original surfaces and patination earned through age hold greater appeal than heavy modern refinishing.
Gillows
The Yew Occasional Table Glossary
- Burr yew
- A growth on the yew tree that yields timber with highly twisted, knotty grain patterns. Cabinetmakers sliced this wood into veneers for table tops.
- Tripod table
- A small freestanding table supported by a central pillar resting on three legs. This form became popular during the Georgian period for flexibility in placement.
- Teapoy
- A small box or chest mounted on a pillar and base, designed to store loose tea leaves. Many examples feature fitted interiors and yew veneer construction.
- Torchere stand
- A tall, slender decorative stand meant to hold a lamp or candlestick. These pieces utilise sturdy bases to support their elevated tops.
- Occasional table
- A general term for a small, moveable table used intermittently in a living space. Examples include lamp tables, wine tables, and side tables.
Yew Occasional Table: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yew occasional table used for?
These small tables serve flexible roles around the home, originally designed for holding drinks, lamps, or writing materials. Their compact size allows them to sit easily beside armchairs or in hallways.
Today, buyers use them to add warmth and historical character to a room while maintaining practical surface space for everyday objects.
How do I date an 18th century yew table?
Dating relies on examining the construction methods, leg profiles, and timber preparation visible on the underside and joints. Eighteenth-century pieces often feature hand-cut joinery and simpler, heavier proportions.
Stylistic cues such as Georgian tripod bases or Regency pedestal columns help narrow the decade of manufacture alongside the ageing of the wood.
What is burr yew?
Burr yew comes from a wart-like growth on the tree that produces dense, swirling clusters of tiny knots. This section of the wood yields highly decorative veneer surfaces with immense visual depth.
Cabinetmakers valued burr yew for table tops because the intricate grain patterns caught the light and created striking visual movement.
How do I care for antique yew wood?
Protect antique yew surfaces by keeping them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature shifts that can dry out the timber. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth preserves the finish without damaging the patina.
Applying a traditional beeswax occasionally helps nourish the wood and maintains its natural warm sheen over the years.