Exploring the Marvelous Intricacies of Occasional Tables
Whether it’s a special occasion or just one of those everyday ordinary occasions, antique occasional tables will always come in handy.
Today we are featuring some fine example of antique occasional tables that we are pleased to offer for sale here at Regent Antiques.
Even though an antique occasional table is, by definition, not intended for intensive use, they are often sturdily made and can fill a number of purposes. These versatile items of furniture are available in many decorative and attractive finishes and in a variety of period styles.
Starting off with English occasional tables
We would like to start by showing you this beautiful pair of antique English kidney-shaped mahogany marquetry inlaid occasional tables, circa 1880 in date.
The tables each have crossbanded tops beautifully inlaid with ribbons, tied flowers, and friezes with inlaid swags. The drawers are each stamped with the name of the renowned cabinet makers and retailers “FROM W. WILLIAMSON & SONS GUILDFORD.”
They are raised on square tapering legs, decorated by swags and bellflowers and united by conforming under tiers. These lovely versatile tables can be used as end tables or bedside tables.
The splendour of French parquetry
Our next item on this occasion will be this beautiful pair of antique French Louis Revival parquetry occasional tables, late 19th century in date.
The gilt-bronze banded oval table tops are beautifully inlaid with diamond-shaped parquetry above a frieze with a single drawer. The four cabriole supports feature ormolu mounts united by a kidney-shaped under tier on scrolled foliate ormolu feet.
This wonderful pair came from Bishton Hall, a country house sitting in 25 acres of beautiful gardens in the centre of rustic Staffordshire, home of the Northcote family.
The Russian touch – when ormolu meets malachite
Thirdly, we would like to bring to your attention this delightful antique Russian round ormolu and malachite occasional table with a magnificent green malachite top, circa 1880 in date.
The table rests on three ormolu scroll legs with striking female mask capitals united by a circular malachite inset.
Instil the refined elegance of a bygone era to a special place in your home with this fabulous antique side table.
The superb craftsmanship of Dutch furniture
Finally, here is a stunning antique late 18th-century Dutch mahogany and marquetry inlaid circular flip-top table.
It has been accomplished in rich mahogany, with exquisite hand-cut floral marquetry of flowers and acanthus scrolls around a vase, typical of the very best pieces of period Dutch furniture.
It is raised on a tapering column richly inlaid with trailing flowers on a triform base.
Late 18th Century in date, it is in truly remarkable condition for its age and this exceptional piece represents a fantastic example of 18th-century Dutch cabinetry at its very finest.
Plenty to see here – antique occasional tables
As you can see from the above examples, occasional tables, despite the fact that they are less frequently used than some other types of tables, are not necessarily any less attractive than those which fall into the more general “everyday” use categories such as dining tables, coffee tables and others. In fact, these antique occasional tables often feature very intricate and expertly applied inlaid decoration and marquetry which makes them anything but mundane.
These tables, although numerous, are not necessarily plentiful. So if you find one that you really like you are advised to take action quickly because the chances of finding another just like it are not high – although we would do our best if you ask us to find a particular piece for you.