With respect to furniture, an alter table — the correct spelling is altar table — is a type of table used for worship or prayer. Mostly it’s a wooden table used for religious celebrations. It comes in different sizes based on the needs and preferences of the community or individual. Check out 1stDibs for a collection of antique altar tables.

How do I identify an antique table?

You can identify an antique table in a number of ways. The first clue that a table is antique is the joinery. If a piece of furniture is dovetailed by hand, it only has a couple of dovetails, which are uneven. Also, antique tables are not defined by perfect symmetry. Lastly, antique tables were typically made of oak, mahogany, and walnut.

What is an antique rent table?

An antique rent table is a piece of furniture that landlords and tenants used to exchange rent. The rent money would be placed in one drawer, the table would rotate for the landlord to receive. It was considered polite and gentlemanly to pay rent this way. Shop a collection of antique rent tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a side table is antique?

To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.

How can I identify my antique dining table?

To identify your antique dining table, first check to see if there is a maker’s mark on the underside. If there are no identifying marks or stamps, a furniture appraiser can check the style and the hardwood used to identify your piece. Shop a collection of antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a kitchen table is antique?

To tell if a kitchen table is antique, look under the table and on the legs for a maker's mark. It may be carved, branded or stamped onto the surface or appear on a paper or metal label. Using the marking, you can consult trusted online resources to learn about the maker and view catalogues of their pieces, searching for tables similar to yours. If your kitchen table was produced at least 100 years ago, it is an antique. Keep in mind that not all antique furnishings have maker's markings. In the event that you're unable to locate a mark, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can evaluate your piece for you. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of tables.

How do I identify an antique drop leaf table?

While you can look for markings and other details to try and determine the maker, the best way to identify an antique drop leaf table is to work with a certified appraiser. Trusted online venues and search engines can be helpful when conducting research on a specific collectible, piece of jewelry, art work or other item about which you may have questions, but qualified professionals, such as an antiques dealer or an appraiser at an auction house, have the knowledge and experience needed to make more accurate identifications. Shop a selection of antique, vintage and modern tables on 1stDibs.

How do I care for an antique wood dining table?

Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat, dust with a soft cloth, and wax or polish sparingly.

Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?

Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.

What wattage bulb should I use in an antique table lamp?

Stick to the wattage noted in the listing, typically 40 to 60 watts for standard incandescent-equivalent bulbs, to avoid overheating older wiring.

What's the difference between a vintage and antique dining room table?

Antique generally means 100+ years old, while vintage covers roughly 20 to 99 years and includes most mid-century and postmodern designs.

Is it safe to use a vintage or antique table lamp without rewiring it?

Many vintage lamps are rewired before sale, but always check the listing description; a licensed electrician can inspect and rewire older cords as a precaution.

Antique Alter Table

Alter Cabinet

Chinese Alter

Red Lacquer Chinese Console Table

Alter Lamps

Stick Table Lamp

19th Century Chinese Furniture Tables

Asian Alter

Italian Alter Sticks

Antique Alter Table 'Bar'

$10,700

Antique Alter Table 'Bar'

Located in Washington, DC

A very interesting hand-painted antique alter table which would make a great bar. It’s made of pine and has the original paintwork which has some wear.

Category

Late 18th Century French French Provincial Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table

$4,590

19th Century Chinese Elm Alter Table

Located in Pittsburgh, PA

This 19th-century Chinese Elm Alter Table features dark elm wood with ornate carved legs and a distressed finish, giving it a warm, well-worn character.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Elm

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

$3,824

Chinese Hardwood Alter Table, 19th Century

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A good quality 19th century Chinese hardwood alter table, having a three panelled burr wood top.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

$7,500

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Norwood, NJ

Impressive Chinese 19th century alter table. Console table with fine carving. Fretwork along the entirety of the front and back.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

$7,922

Chinese 19th Century Inlaid Alter Table

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A very good quality late 19th Century Chinese hardwood alter table with inset marble to the top and mother of pearl inlay to the frieze and legs, circa 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Marble

Substantial Gothic Oak Alter Table

$3,551Sale Price|32% Off

Substantial Gothic Oak Alter Table

Located in Cheshire, GB

Substantial oak alter / hall table, of architectural form with very large rectangular top, above pierced Gothic freeze raised on trestle legs united by carved trefoil stretcher.

Category

Late 19th Century British Gothic Revival Antique Alter Table

Materials

Oak

Chinese Alter Table

$750

Chinese Alter Table

Located in East Aurora, NY

Late 19th / early 20th century three drawer Elm wood Mongolian Altar or butterfly table. This table is late Qing Dynasty and has a great old crazed painted finish and a nice patina t...

Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Qing Antique Alter Table

Materials

Elm

C19th Chinese alter Table

$3,824

C19th Chinese alter Table

Located in London, GB

Beutiful Chinese altar Table Lovely Floating panels in top Dated C1870

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood, Elm

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

$3,770Sale Price|35% Off

Antique Chinese Alter Table Beautifully Hand-Carved circa 1900

Located in Highwood, IL

So, we are clearly not experts in Chinese furniture and can only give an opinion as to what we believe to be true. This Chinese alter table does look to have some age and could easil...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

$1,872Sale Price|20% Off

Rosewood Antique Chinese Export Alter Table with Hand Carving

Located in Lomita, CA

The warmth and patina of the antique rosewood and the intricate hand carving makes this altar table irresistible. The silhouette A vintage Chinese export carved rosewood altar or co...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Rosewood

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

$2,940

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Table/ 3 drawer

Located in Buffalo, NY

Early 20th Century Carved Hardwood Chinese Console / Alter Hall Table with 3 drawers... Retains original finish / patina,,Really wonderful carvings,, Great proportions , size .

Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Rosewood

Antique Asian Buddhist Alter as Narrow Hall Table or Console or Sofa Table

$2,800

Antique Asian Buddhist Alter as Narrow Hall Table or Console or Sofa Table

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Early turn of the century alter table from a south Asian Temple. Heavy solid wood with nice heavy patina in a warm dark brown color.

Category

1890s Thai Chinoiserie Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair of C19th Chinese Altar tables

$11,474Sale Price / set|30% Off

Rare Pair of C19th Chinese Altar tables

Located in London, GB

Pair of Early C19th Chinese Alter Tables Panelled Tops with Shaped Frieze raised on lovely shaped Cabriolet Legs Lovely Colour wood Dated C1820s

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Qing Dynasty Alter Console Table

$2,800Sale Price|20% Off

19th Century Qing Dynasty Alter Console Table

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century Qing Dynasty alter console table Beautifully aged patina with 3 drawers and original brass pulls.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Antique Alter Table

Materials

Teak

Small 19th century elm decorative table top chest

$1,085

Small 19th century elm decorative table top chest

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Small 19th century eastern elm table top chest circa 1890. Superb quality Chinese pyramid shaped alter table chest made from elm.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Alter Table

Materials

Elm

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

$2,320Sale Price|33% Off

19th Century Qing Period Chinese Alter Console

Located in Pasadena, TX

19th century Chinese alter console Qing period piece featuring two drawers with brass pulls. Carved apron and sides. Measures: 41.5"W x 20.25"D x 31.75"H.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Qing Antique Alter Table

Materials

Teak

Gilded Italian Candlestick Prickets, Baroque Style, 18th Century, Pair

$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off

Gilded Italian Candlestick Prickets, Baroque Style, 18th Century, Pair

Located in Wichita, KS

Used in a church during a time when candlelight was the only form of illumination, the backs are still modified to push against an alter table and have wonderful character and histor...

Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

French Silvered Alter Lamp, Brass with Silver Plate, 1880, Provincial

$2,117

French Silvered Alter Lamp, Brass with Silver Plate, 1880, Provincial

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Large French Silvered Alter Lamp This is a very beautiful piece, it originates from a French Church it stands on a decorative 3 sided base, the central column has a delightful twist...

Category

Late 19th Century French Provincial Antique Alter Table

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

$2,599

Antique Chinese Hardwood Altar Table with Cloisonne inlay on top and legs

Located in Pomona, CA

This Museum Quality of Antique Chinese Hand carved Hardwood Alter Table was made in about 1900s from hardwood and have very detailed carving works of Chinese traditional artworks all...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

A Heavy Baroque Revival Brass floor lamp form of an alter candlestick, 19th C.

$1,350

A Heavy Baroque Revival Brass floor lamp form of an alter candlestick, 19th C.

Located in Norton, MA

A Heavy Baroque Revival brass floor lamp in the form of an alter candlestick.

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Alter Table

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique Charles II Oak Side Table, circa 1670

$4,781

Fine Antique Charles II Oak Side Table, circa 1670

Located in Nottingham, GB

The construction indicates that it was originally conceived with one leaf rather than being an altered two-leaf table. The solid oak frame is raised upon finely turned legs united b...

Category

17th Century Antique Alter Table

Materials

Oak

Antique French Provincial Farmhouse Table, Solid Oak, Rustic Design

$2,200

Antique French Provincial Farmhouse Table, Solid Oak, Rustic Design

Located in Vero Beach, FL

The wear of many years has added to its rustic character and ideal golden patina. Over time the table has been altered and is missing the original center drawer (see photos and vid...

Category

Late 19th Century Country Antique Alter Table

Materials

Oak

A Fine and Highly Important Mid 18th Century Giltwood Centre Table

$256,126

A Fine and Highly Important Mid 18th Century Giltwood Centre Table

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A Fine and Highly Important Mid 18th Century Giltwood Centre Table in the Late Palladian/Early Rococo Manner, c.1745-50, Altered to Form a Centre Table in the Early 19th Century.

Category

18th Century English Antique Alter Table

Materials

Marble

French Antique Catholic Alter or table Crucifix in cast copper, 1900s

$741

French Antique Catholic Alter or table Crucifix in cast copper, 1900s

Located in Meulebeke, BE

France / 1900 / Crucifix / copper / Antique / Religious Antique standing crucifix from the 1900s, France. Crafted from high-quality cast copper, this piece features intricate detail...

Category

Early 1900s French Romantic Antique Alter Table

Materials

Copper

Antique Oak Trestle Dining Room or Kitchen Table Original Very Rustic Finish

$12,500

Antique Oak Trestle Dining Room or Kitchen Table Original Very Rustic Finish

Located in Highwood, IL

Antique Trestle Style Dining Table or Kitchen Table with a Very Rustic Table Top that has not been altered, however the table base did require restoration which is very typical of th...

Category

1920s European Country Antique Alter Table

Materials

Oak

Antique Processional Cross - Bronze Brass Large Altar Crucifix Tall Church Shaft

$1,495

Antique Processional Cross - Bronze Brass Large Altar Crucifix Tall Church Shaft

Located in Forney, TX

From important Catholic relics, alter table and candlestick pricket floor lamp, old liturgical chalice liturgy items, cathedral architectural salvage, monastery, temple & mosque frag...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Alter Table

Materials

Brass, Bronze

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820

$4,250

American Federal Drop Leaf Dining Table in West Indies Mahogany New York, c 1820

Located in INTERLAKEN, NY

Measures: Open: 53 1/2" long x 42" wide x 28 1/2" (can be raise to 30" which is an extra 1 1/2"); Closed, with leaves down: 22 3/4" deep x 42" wide x 28 1/2" high; Height from floo...

Category

Early 19th Century American Federal Antique Alter Table

Materials

Brass

Rosewood Vintage Qing Dynasty Style Console Table

$1,900

Rosewood Vintage Qing Dynasty Style Console Table

Located in Alhambra, CA

Lacquered rosewood alter-style console table. Rare deep burgundy finish on lacquered rosewood.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Rosewood

German 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Mettlach Porcelain Charger

$7,200

German 19th Century Neo-Classical St. Mettlach Porcelain Charger

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

In the forefront is an alter like table with an exceptional and most decorative palmette designed band with water vessels, a bowl, and a small staff atop.

Category

19th Century German Neoclassical Antique Alter Table

Materials

Porcelain

Recent Sales

Japanese Temple Alter Table

Unavailable

H 33.5 in W 62 in D 22.5 in

Japanese Temple Alter Table

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Extremely fine and unusual Buddist temple alter table of all Keyaki wood. Incredible carving, very well proportioned with a beautiful warm patina.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Alter Table

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Unavailable

H 34 in W 40 in D 20 in

Pair of 19th Century Chinese Alter Tables

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

This pair of Chinese Alter tables retain traces of their original red decoration.

Category

Late 19th Century Central Asian Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Asian Alter Table in Red Finish

Unavailable

H 32.5 in W 63 in D 17 in

Asian Alter Table in Red Finish

Located in Washington, DC

Asian alter table in red crackle finish.

Category

Early 20th Century Hollywood Regency Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Unavailable

H 35.75 in W 47.75 in D 15 in

Good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu Alter Table

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

A good 19th Century Chinese Hongmu alter table; the well figured rectangular top of traditional cleated form above a carved and pierced archaic frieze, raised on moulded legs headed ...

Category

1880s Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Alter Table

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Unavailable

H 40 in W 48 in D 18 in

19th Century Chinese Carved Alter Table

Located in Uckfield, Sussex

A 19th century Chinese hardwood carved alter table having a panel top, carved scrolling ends.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Unavailable

H 33 in W 78.5 in D 23.5 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Measures: 33" tall x 78.5" length x 23" depth.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Unavailable

H 36.5 in W 82.5 in D 18 in

Late 19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Classic late 19th or early 20th century Chinese alter table. Brown stain with lacquer finish. Measures: 36.5" tall x 82.5" length x 18" depth.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Unavailable

H 34 in W 50 in D 17 in

19th Century Chinese Painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty

Located in Carmel, CA

19th Century Chinese, painted Alter Table from the Ching Dynasty with ornate, scrolled carving.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Unavailable

H 35.5 in W 75 in D 27 in

Chinese 19th Century Decorated Alter Table

Located in Hungerford, Berkshire

Dating from the late 19th century, this alter table is deeper than one normally sees and is finished on the reverse.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Unavailable

H 49.5 in W 87.38 in D 26.38 in

Grand-Scale Qing Dynasty Alter Table

Located in Fulton, CA

Impressive handmade 19th century Chinese Qing dynasty elm alter table. Hand-carved and shaped apron with stylized dragon and scroll work.

Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Alter Table

Materials

Elm

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Unavailable

H 34 in W 55 in D 17 in

Good 19th Century Pair of Chinese Hongmu Alter Tables

Located in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

Good 19th century pair of Chinese Hongmu alter tables, the figured rectangular tops of cleated form above carved frieze centred by a carved and pierced panel of a dragonfly, flanked ...

Category

1880s Chinese Antique Alter Table

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Unavailable

H 18.5 in W 62 in D 18.5 in

Late 19th Century Low Standing Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Late 19th or early 20th century low standing alter table. With two sliding doors and two center doors that open out.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Unavailable

H 31.25 in W 47.5 in D 16.5 in

Wing Top Chinese Alter Table in Wenge

Located in Providence, RI

Wing Top Chinese Alter or console table in solid wenge wood. Table has two drawers with brass hardware, and are also constructed of solid wenge.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wenge

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Unavailable

H 34.3 in W 35.8 in D 17.9 in

20th Century Chinese Hardwood Alter Table

Located in Edenbridge, Kent

A fine quality Chinese hardwood altar table. The whole has an excellent faded color.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century Chinese Altar Table in Elmwood

Unavailable

H 32.5 in W 49 in D 30.5 in

19th Century Chinese Altar Table in Elmwood

Located in Santa Fe, NM

From the early 1800s, Hebei Province. This alter table still has remnants of the rich red lacquer with which it once was covered.

Category

Early 19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Elm

Pair of Wood Candle Stand

Unavailable

H 29 in Dm 6 in

Pair of Wood Candle Stand

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

Pair candle stands with carved chrysanthemum shape bases and tops were made for a temple alter table.

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Metal

18th Century Pine Alter Piece Console

Unavailable

H 33 in W 80 in D 25.5 in

18th Century Pine Alter Piece Console

Located in Boston, MA

Pine alter piece console. Great for a buffet or entry piece.

Category

18th Century French Antique Alter Table

Materials

Pine

18thc Italian alter sticks as Lamps

Unavailable

H 29 in W 6 in D 6 in

18thc Italian alter sticks as Lamps

Located in Charlotte, NC

Wonderfully aged patina 29" to top of socket

Category

Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Alter Table

Richly Carved Painted and Giltwood Italian Church Alter like Structure

Unavailable

H 43 in W 58 in D 25 in

Richly Carved Painted and Giltwood Italian Church Alter like Structure

Located in New Orleans, LA

Originally part of a larger architectural structure, this carved wood piece stands beautifully on its own. It is a faded Venetian blue with gilt and gold accents; it houses three-arc...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Alter Table

Materials

Paint, Wood

Italian Baroque Alter Stick Lamp of Large-Scale

Unavailable

H 41 in W 9 in D 9 in

Italian Baroque Alter Stick Lamp of Large-Scale

Located in Charlottesville, VA

A fine and large-scale Baroque alter stick lamp of brass. Recently rewired and fitted with a double socket cluster in a patinated brass. The light sells and ships without the picture...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Alter Table

Materials

Brass

Pair of Late 19th Century Brass Alter Sticks

Unavailable

H 37 in Dm 16 in

Pair of Late 19th Century Brass Alter Sticks

Located in Altrincham, Cheshire

Pair of late 19th century brass Alter sticks of Gothic Form - converted to electric - 16"diam x 16"h - The lampshade(s) are newly handmade silks by the same maker as provides the sha...

Category

1870s English Gothic Revival Antique Alter Table

Materials

Brass

Chinese alter table

Sold

H 39 in W 55 in D 17 in

Chinese alter table

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good Chinese hardwood alter table of good design and colour

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

Sold

H 33 in W 64 in D 15.5 in

Chinese Rosewood Alter Table

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautiful Chinese Rosewood Alter Table with hand carved details.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Rosewood

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Sold

H 37 in W 110 in D 18 in

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in New York, NY

17th Century Chinese Alter Table

Category

18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antique Alter Table

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

Sold

H 32 in W 49 in D 17 in

Chinese Red Lacquered Alter Table

Located in Westwood, NJ

Chinese red lacquered chinoiserie decorated alter table.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Alter Table

19th Century Rustic Alter Table

Sold

H 35 in W 29 in D 21 in

19th Century Rustic Alter Table

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The alter table has a simple yet sturdy design, with some decorative molding along the top and bottom edges.

Category

19th Century Swedish Rustic Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

Chinese 19th century alter table

Sold

H 34.6 in W 47 in D 21.25 in

Chinese 19th century alter table

Located in Hudson, NY

A late 19th century chinese alter table with drawers in a light wood finish with dark wood accents.

Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Wood

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Sold

H 34.25 in W 46 in D 15.75 in

19th Century Chinese Alter Table

Located in Martlesham, GB

19th century Chinese side / alter table, the rectangular top above a lovely shaped open frieze, wonderful carved decoration, carved side supports, standing on four square and carved ...

Category

1880s Chinese Antique Alter Table

Materials

Hardwood

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Antique Alter Table For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique alter table you’re looking for. An antique alter table — often made from wood, hardwood and elm — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique alter table, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique alter table, designed in the Baroque, Art Deco or Art Nouveau style, is generally a popular piece of furniture.

How Much is a Antique Alter Table?

The average selling price for an antique alter table at 1stDibs is $3,750, while they’re typically $575 on the low end and $201,986 for the highest priced.

Questions About Antique Alter Table

What is Alter Table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
With respect to furniture, an alter table — the correct spelling is altar table — is a type of table used for worship or prayer. Mostly it’s a wooden table used for religious celebrations. It comes in different sizes based on the needs and preferences of the community or individual. Check out 1stDibs for a collection of antique altar tables.
How do I identify an antique table?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
You can identify an antique table in a number of ways. The first clue that a table is antique is the joinery. If a piece of furniture is dovetailed by hand, it only has a couple of dovetails, which are uneven. Also, antique tables are not defined by perfect symmetry. Lastly, antique tables were typically made of oak, mahogany, and walnut.
Bonnin Ashley Antiques IncFebruary 23, 2021
In addition to the joinery you can check the bottoms of the drawers and the backs of the cabinets. If they were made prior to 1850 then the wood will most likely be dimensioned by hand. It will be uneven to the touch. The secondary wood that receives the veneer will have been scraped smooth but drawer bottoms, backs and bottoms are often left less finished.
What is an antique rent table?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An antique rent table is a piece of furniture that landlords and tenants used to exchange rent. The rent money would be placed in one drawer, the table would rotate for the landlord to receive. It was considered polite and gentlemanly to pay rent this way. Shop a collection of antique rent tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A rent table is a small circular or polygonal table with drawers. Rent tables frequently had drawers labeled for the days of the week, and English landlords in the 18th century often used them to collect rent. On 1stDibs, shop antique rent tables from some of the world’s top sellers.
How can you tell if a side table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To determine whether a side table is an antique, closely examine its details. Older pieces will typically have telltale features like wood pegs, hand-cut dovetails with some slight imperfections and mortise-and-tenon construction. Tables that are a consistent color throughout or have machine-cut moldings or carvings are unlikely to be antiques. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can be a helpful resource when dating tables. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and modern side tables on 1stDibs.
How can I identify my antique dining table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To identify your antique dining table, first check to see if there is a maker’s mark on the underside. If there are no identifying marks or stamps, a furniture appraiser can check the style and the hardwood used to identify your piece. Shop a collection of antique furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a kitchen table is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To tell if a kitchen table is antique, look under the table and on the legs for a maker's mark. It may be carved, branded or stamped onto the surface or appear on a paper or metal label. Using the marking, you can consult trusted online resources to learn about the maker and view catalogues of their pieces, searching for tables similar to yours. If your kitchen table was produced at least 100 years ago, it is an antique. Keep in mind that not all antique furnishings have maker's markings. In the event that you're unable to locate a mark, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can evaluate your piece for you. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of tables.
How do I identify an antique drop leaf table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
While you can look for markings and other details to try and determine the maker, the best way to identify an antique drop leaf table is to work with a certified appraiser. Trusted online venues and search engines can be helpful when conducting research on a specific collectible, piece of jewelry, art work or other item about which you may have questions, but qualified professionals, such as an antiques dealer or an appraiser at an auction house, have the knowledge and experience needed to make more accurate identifications. Shop a selection of antique, vintage and modern tables on 1stDibs.
How do I care for an antique wood dining table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat, dust with a soft cloth, and wax or polish sparingly.
Can I replace the shade on an antique table lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Yes. Most table lamps accept standard harp and finial sizes, so a replacement shade can update the look without altering the base.
What wattage bulb should I use in an antique table lamp?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Stick to the wattage noted in the listing, typically 40 to 60 watts for standard incandescent-equivalent bulbs, to avoid overheating older wiring.
What's the difference between a vintage and antique dining room table?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Antique generally means 100+ years old, while vintage covers roughly 20 to 99 years and includes most mid-century and postmodern designs.
Is it safe to use a vintage or antique table lamp without rewiring it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Many vintage lamps are rewired before sale, but always check the listing description; a licensed electrician can inspect and rewire older cords as a precaution.

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