If you are interested in purchasing an antique table, you will probably have an interest in its history. There are many periods that are defined as "antique." Let's take a look at some of them. Renaissance tables were usually made of oak. They were designed with scroll and arabesque carving. During the reign of Louis XIII, the Baroque style brought carved cherubs and cartouches to table design. Then came the period of Louis XIV, which was known for the splendor of the courts of Versailles. Table sizes became grander, and designs were more opulent. After the Renaissance, the furniture in English homes from the reign of Henry V111 reflected Europe's increasing wealth. During this time period, the Tudors created the refectory table. All Tudor furniture was made of oak. The Jacobean period spans from James I (1602-25) to Charles I (1625-1649) reigns. These tables had a Moorish influence, with less ornamentation than the furniture of the Renaissance. Jacobean refectory tables were lighter but longer than Tudor tables. The tables were usually composed of oak, but yew and elm were also used. Meanwhile, in the American Jacobean period, the furniture was modeled on the English furniture brought by the early settlers. Most of these tables were composed of oak, but pine and maple were also used. The most popular tables of the time were called gateleg tables, which inspired an American version. The American butterfly table had drop-leaf supports, which resembled the shape of butterfly wings. These are just a few of the popular periods of antique tables, and you can also tables in the French country, mission, and mid-century modern styles. |
