occasional & centre tables

Tables for occasional use became particularly popular as the 17th century drew on. Not only were necessary tables such as candle stands common but small tables to socialise at whilst taking coffee and other refreshment were fashionable. These tables took various forms. Small oak or walnut gate leg tables were a favourite often only big enough for two. At the end of the 17th century the tilt top or supper table came into fashion often with a bird cage mechanism which enabled the sitter to spin the beverage around to the guest. Alternatively with the tilt top table the top could be tilted allowing the table to be put against the wall if short of space. 

An 18th century favourite occasional table was the cricket table. A small round table, the cricket table often had a shelf between only three legs the idea being that the three legs would balance better or be more stable on the very often uneven floors.