Styles of Antique End Tables

For centuries, furniture has been created for beauty as well as function. Antique end tables are styled like their other furniture counterparts, according to the period in which they were designed. True antiques are costly, however, reproductions of these lovely pieces can be just as delightful and much more affordable. Does this Spark an idea?

Early Georgian Period: 1700-1745

As Americans became more prosperous, their furniture styles reflected English origins in the eighteenth century. The designs were more refined and more formal. The Georgian period was so named for King George I, II and III. Queen Anne, who reigned before them, introduced a new, elegant style in American furnishings with the gentle and graceful curve of the cabriole leg. Graceful, dainty tea tables with scallop and shell motifs hail from this period.

Late Georgian Period: 1745-1790

Chippendale furniture, produced in England in the 18th century, came from the designs of a furniture maker named Thomas Chippendale. His furniture style was characterized as sturdy and elegant and more masculine than Queen Anne. His designs incorporated straight and curved lines that were widely copied. Chippendale style borrowed Queen Anne, Gothic, French and Chinese elements. The pie crust tilt-top table with a center pedestal and curved legs was a favorite during this period.

Neoclassic Period: 1790-1845

The Neoclassic period has three overlapping sub-periods, Early Federal (1790-1804), Late Federal, Empire and Regency (1804-1825), and the Greek Revival or Late Empire (1825-1845). Hepplewhite, Sheraton and the Adam brothers were the premier furniture designers of this period. In typical Hepplewhite style, the Pembroke table became a tremendously popular design with its oval-drop leaves and straight, tapered legs. A round top, pedestal table with three curved legs and spade feet is also a significant design of this era. Sheraton tables are of similar style with straight, tapered or reeded legs, as are pedestal tables with splayed legs that end in a thimble foot.

Greek Revival Period: 1825-1845

Greek Revival period, also known as Late American Empire, featured furniture maker Duncan Phyfe's designs. It was bold and chunky compared to the previous period. Pillar tables with a large singular pedestal (pillar) and rectangular or round tops were used as end tables and center tables. Sometimes the supports featured large animal paw feet or other heavy carving of acanthus leaves or diamond-patterned pineapple motifs.