The History of the Antique Dining Table

All inclusive eating on large oak refectory tables was the order of the day from the Middle Ages to the 17th century when a more genteel style of eating in allocated dining rooms rather than large dining halls created opportunities for cabinet makers to create smaller and more refined pieces of furniture.

Table Shelves

The long oak refectory antique dining tables of the earlier period were made from abundances of English oak put together with mortise and tenon joints and secured by dowels. These were made by joiners and carpenters rather than the cabinet makers of the later period. Panelled armchairs, stools and benches were the main forms of seating and tables were frame construction with four legs joined by stretchers. The beginning of 17th century saw more elaborately carved arms and stretchers introduced and upholsteries were also being added during the time of Charles II where he brought more flamboyant styles back with him from exile in France.

Table Shelves

However, it was when walnut veneers was used on these basic wooden carcasses in the reign of Queen Anne at the beginning of the 18th century that quality English cabinetry really began to make its mark.

Marquetry and parquetry were both used to striking decorative effect to create very grand and fashionable pieces of dining furniture. Everything about dining from then focused on quality and comfort. Characteristics of Queen Anne antique dining chairs were that they were predominantly made of walnut, had stuffed broad seats for comfort, high backs sometimes decorated with vases and other decoration, and two plain plus two sturdy cabriole legs at the front which were richly carved at the knee and had balls and claws at the feet. The dining suite usually consisted of two carvers and at least six side chairs surrounding a much smaller and often round but equally elaborate antique dining table.

When walnut began to run out during the early 18th century, mahogany was imported to replace it and quickly became the cabinet makers' choice. Its close grain allowed for the heavily extravagant designs of the French rococo which then led to the more delicate carvings of designers such as Thomas Chippendale where latticework chair backs with oriental motifs influenced by Chinese and Japanese imports became known as 'Chinese Chippendale'. The strength and close grain of mahogany was also able to withstand the much cleaner and less robust features of the neo-classical style, where heart and shield shaped backs introduced by George Hepplewhite created a lighter yet still very strong dining chair and again smaller, slighter and very fine dining tables. In the hands of Thomas Sheraton, antique dining chairs and tables continued to become lighter and more rectilinear, with finely designed motifs and fluted and reeded legs.

Returns were made to the earlier Gothic and Renaissance styles during the Victorian era. At a time when furniture was being manufactured rather than hand made, the Arts and Crafts movement lead by notables such as William Morris, continued to celebrate the skill of the joiner with much plainer, hand crafted oak furniture. Period and reproduction antique dining tables and antique dining chairs can be found through reputable antique dealerships.

The History of the Antique Dining Table
Table Shelves

Special Price!!! Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry

Oct 27, 2011 04:48:09

Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry
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Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry

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Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry Feature

  • For age 12 and younger, child's set of 2 chairs and a 33-1/4-inch-by-21-3/4-inch rectangular table
  • Crafted in durable beech wood with nontoxic cherry finish; table includes built-in storage cubbies
  • Each chair features a 13-inch seat height and 100-pound capacity; 3-slat ladderback design
  • Clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap and avoid soaking; assembly required
  • Table stands 24 inches high, while chairs span 13-3/4 by 14-1/2 by 25-1/2 inches each; 55-pound shipping weight


Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry Overview

Rectangle table & 2 chair set perfectly sized for toddlers and will match any child's room décor.

Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry Specifications

Perfect for coloring pictures of dinosaurs or studying arithmetic, this petite table and chair set from Lipper International makes a great addition to any kid's room. For children up to age 12, the set comprises of a rectangular table and two chairs. The table not only provides ample surface space, but it also contains four cubbies in which to stow scissors, crayons, and construction paper. With a 100-pound weight capacity each, the chairs' 13-inch seat heights enable children to sit down and get up with ease.

Made in Thailand, the table and chairs benefit from durable beech wood construction. A non-toxic cherry finish enhances the set's appearance, while it also thwarts splinters. Cubbies on the short side of the table span 5-3/4 inches wide by 14-1/2 inches deep by 2-1/2 inches high, while the cubbies on the long side measure 11 inches wide by 9 inches deep by 2-1/2 inches high. Standard three-slat ladderbacks on the chairs ensure back support. To clean, wipe the furniture down with a soft damp cloth and use a mild soap on marks. Dry immediately to prevent damage to the wood. The set's design best befits indoor use. Avoid using markers and non-washable paints to preserve the furniture's veneer. Upon delivery, some assembly is required. The set also is available in natural, pecan, and white finishes. For additional seats, Lipper International offers the matching 523/4 chair set. The 33-1/4-inch-by-21-3/4-inch table stands 24 inches high, while the chairs each measure 13-3/4 by 14-1/2 by 25-1/2 inches. This set weighs 55 pounds upon shipping. --Jessica Reuling

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Lipper International 534C Child's Rectangular Table and 2-Chair Set, Cherry

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