If you look at the aged and shrunken wood of your antique dining table, notice the uneven wear and tear of its legs, you can just imagine what it would look like when it was still brand new decades, maybe even centuries ago, just like a clean set of papers, ready to be written on by its great author. The smooth and rounded edges of the table are sweet reminders of the many people who have come across its path and have added to its luxurious wear and tear. You can just imagine how different and colorful life must have been back then as it witnessed a whole new other culture and lifestyle back in the day. An antique dining table serves as the common thread woven into our past and current lives that hold us all together across distance and time.
Looking into its origin, all you have to do is study the antique dining table’s material, design, craftsmanship and style. As an example, those that date back to the early medieval times are usually the trestle tables. Tops are made from long slabs or planks of wood that rest on trestles and can be dismantled for easier transportation from one place to the next, or to simply set it aside in order to make room for other more important activities other than dining.
Fast forward to the 16th century and the refectory tables were developed. This kind is more permanent and is usually made of oak or walnut. It’s an elongated type of table that became popular all over Europe during that time.
Then come 18th century, the pedestal table came around. This one is different from the other two primarily because of its round shape that stands on a single, central, cylindrical column for support.
Antique dining tables are not just simple pieces of furniture for utility’s sake. They are pieces of art and culture that have become parts of our lives. They must be continuously preserved and treasured so they can be continuously passed from our generation to the next, in order for the next chapter of our history to be written, even after we’re gone.
