The History Of The Table

Tables have many uses and come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same thing in common and that is that they all have a flat, horizontal surface which is predominantly used for dining or working depending on the style. There are probably more styles and types of table than any other piece of furniture and as a result, they have innumerable uses. Tables have been used since ancient times and the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians used tables as alters and for eating from. One of the main characteristics of tables is the height and the height will often determine what the table is used for. The Romans, for instance liked their dining tables to be low to the ground so that they would be accessible from their couches which meant that they could lie back and enjoy their food without having to stretch or reach up to get it.

Trestle tables became popular in monasteries throughout Europe. These in their simplest form were flat boards placed upon trestles at meal times. They could be left standing or stowed away when not in use. During medieval times, trestle tables were developed further so that they had 4 legs and were joined at the feet by pieces of wood to stabilize them. These became known as joined tables and could be very large with the added feature of draw-leaves so that they could be made even bigger and increase capacity. By the 16th century, some of these dining tables were massive and were being designed with different leg styles. Around this time, different styles of table were being developed and there were tables that had only 2 legs and a set of brackets so that they could be placed and fitted to a wall. Interestingly, during Victorian times table legs had to be covered up as the sight of legs was seen to be quite shocking. So large covers and table cloths were designed to save the sensibilities of the people using the tables.

Later, tables were designed for other purposes such as for playing games, dressing tables which had mirrors added to them, drafting tables which would be sloped, writing tables, conference tables, tea tables and coffee tables. All of these tables have been designed for a specific purpose and will be of a style suitable for the activity. Other types of table are defined by their location and this will dictate size and shape. This group of tables includes night tables, side tables and hall tables. A good deal of ingenuity has gone into the construction of tables which can be expanded by the use of extra leaves. These leaves can be concealed by clever means so that the table is still stylish and looks great whilst in its reduced size. Other additions to make tables even more functional include drawers, cupboards and shelves. Of course too many of these additions and it is no longer a table but a sideboard, dresser or desk.

Modern tables are both functional and elegant and when you consider their humble beginnings, they have come a long way and changed a great deal over the centuries. Virtually every home and office have tables of some description where the business or news of the day will be discussed. Finding the right table is key to setting the scene and this can make or break the ambience of the room.

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