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American Tables

The term "table" is an amalgamation of the French “table” and Old English “tabele,” derived from the Latin word tabula meaning board, plank or flat top piece.

Improvements in the application of wood joinery methods in the 15th century led to the development of "table boards," pieces with permanent sub-frames. Up until that time, most tables were made of planks placed on top of trestles. Over time, the framed space below the tabletop shrunk to the size of a shallow frieze, sometimes fitted with a drawer.

After England's Restoration period, small decorative tables fashioned from oak and walnut were produced in large numbers. In the 17th and 18th centuries, American table design began to mirror these English designs, with regional variations based on cultural sensibilities and taste. Eventually, American tables producers in the early 19th century looked toward France for most of their inspiration.

American tables later developed their own distinctive identities, forever cementing their place in the history of furniture.


Quick Facts

  • In 2014, a late-19th century American Renaissance Revival marquetry and gilt center table sold at Skinner for $1,968
  • In August 2013, an early-19th century New England Federal-style painted tavern table with drawer sold for $1,800
  • At a 2008 Neal auction, a circa 1825 American Classical ornately-carved mahogany gilt table with a marble top sold for $12,925

Recommended Items at Auction

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EERO SAARINEN, Tulip Side Table USA, designed 1957 510mm H x 410mm W
Nov 09, 8:00 PM AEDT
EERO SAARINEN, Tulip Side Table USA, designed 1957 510mm H x 410mm W
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,200- AUD1,400
AUD151 Bid
EAMES, Round Marble Table USA 1200mm W x 720mm H
Nov 09, 8:00 PM AEDT
EAMES, Round Marble Table USA 1200mm W x 720mm H
by Lawsons
Est: AUD1,600- AUD1,800
AUD151 Bid
EAMES, Oval marble table USA 2400mm L x 1200mm W x 700mm H
Nov 09, 8:00 PM AEDT
EAMES, Oval marble table USA 2400mm L x 1200mm W x 700mm H
by Lawsons
Est: AUD3,000- AUD4,000
AUD151 Bid
LEOPOLD STICKLEY HARDWOOD COFFEE TABLE Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1869-1957 Height 17”. Top 38” x 24”.
Aug 21, 10:00 AM AEST
LEOPOLD STICKLEY HARDWOOD COFFEE TABLE Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1869-1957 Height 17”. Top 38” x 24”.
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $200- $300
$2000 Bids
LEOPOLD STICKLEY HARDWOOD COFFEE TABLE Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1869-1957 Height 17”. Top 38” x 24”.
Aug 21, 10:00 AM AEST
LEOPOLD STICKLEY HARDWOOD COFFEE TABLE Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1869-1957 Height 17”. Top 38” x 24”.
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $200- $300
$2000 Bids
Louis XV Palorosa style office table
Mar 01, 8:45 AM EST
Louis XV Palorosa style office table
by Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists
Est: ¥900- ¥1,200
¥6000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Tables


Lawsons

Lawsons

Eldred's

Eldred's

Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes

Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists

Stout Auctions Toy and Train Specialists