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When we hunt for vintage occasional tables and side tables, we look for two functions, tables that can sit in front of a sofa or, secondly, practical tables that can be dotted around in a living space. We then simply look for tables that are functional and full of character.
Sofa tables are one of the most demanding products to source. Long low practical tables (or surfaces) are an essential practical piece of furniture and a key statement piece as they occupy the heart of the living room or social space.
As the long luxurious sofa is a relatively modern invention for most houses, it wasn’t until the 1950s that sofas started appearing widely in homes. The ‘coffee table’ was essentially the invention of the mid-century period. Occasionally you will see a lovely unusual low coffee table, but it tends to be either a farmhouse table cut down, a low industrial console or an unusual table repurposed at a practical 45cm height.
We like to think outside the box with sofa table ‘function’, and it’s great fun to repurpose a great looking piece such as a large blanket box or several boxes stacked together to form practical storage and a great centrepiece.
Mid Century low tables can be pretty small, so putting a grouping together can also work well. Even a bunch of low vintage stools can work if grouped. We have an extensive collection of industrial foundry moulds, and some are the most amazing sculptural objects. Large ones can often be repurposed as sofa tables with the addition of a decent heavy-duty sheet of glass and perhaps some simple supports. Rattan is also a great material, and the ’60s saw a plethora of really functional simple rattan tables. Again, they can be grouped to form a light, practical solution.
Side tables are such a fun area as pretty much anything goes. Side tables can be next to a sofa or a chair or simply dotted anywhere as a visual piece or as a practical piece to hold a lamp, TV, record player, etc.
These are easier to source as small side tables have been in existence since the comfy chair was invented. However, nothing beats a plain and simple cricket table, derived from the French word ‘criquet’, which translates as ‘stick legs’. Cricket tables have three legs and are perfect on uneven stone floors as the three legs will settle and balance well.
The side table developed as a sophisticated accessory in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Some of our favourites were produced by the legendary makers Thonet, Fischel and Baumann as the function became commonplace in most homes.
Like with sofa tables, it is easy to be steered down the route of the standard wooden side table, but keep your eyes peeled for something unusual that can be repurposed and bring a fresh twist to an interior.
We love using a metal garden table as a side table or even a classic French Gueridon table. Classic French gueridon tables became popular with the production of cast metal bases in the late 19th Century. They can vary from intricate designs to the simpler bloc designs of the 20s and 30s.
As a champion of the forgotten maker, we try to research the history and provenance and discover many have rich stories of their industrial past.
Unit 5
Fosters Business Park
Old School Road
Hook
Hampshire
RG27 9NY
