Gateleg Console Table

Questions About Gateleg Console Table

• What is a gateleg table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertApril 29, 2020

  First introduced in 16th century-England, a gateleg table is a popular kind of table that allowed for intimate dining. The tabletop of the gateleg table, which was initially round or oval versus the long tables and formal seating arrangements that preceded it, had a section that was fixed in place, while one or two sections of the surface were equipped with hinges. By design, a gateleg table could be extended so that more space could be allocated for work or for dining if needed. These hinged sections could be folded back into place on top of the fixed section or could easily be dropped down to hang vertically on their hinges when they weren’t in use. This function, which allowed the table’s drop leaves that weren’t in use to be pushed up against a wall, saved space in small homes because the table could be tucked away. Pivoted legs under the table — which formed a gate as they were joined at their tops and bottoms by crosspieces — supported the hinged sections. 

• What does a gateleg table mean?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 16, 2020

  “Gate” in “gateleg table” refers to the pivoted leg supports under the table that are connected at their ends by crosspieces. When raised, the table’s two drop leaves, which are usually D-shaped, are supported upon these gates. When gateleg tables originated in England in the 16th century, they were oval or round and were generally named after their shape (and weren’t yet called gateleg tables) in order to distinguish them from the long tables they’d replaced, as dining had by then been relegated to meals for the family, not an entire household and assembled guests.

• What is the difference between a Gateleg table and a drop leaf table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023

  The difference between a gateleg table and a drop leaf table is the design of the section that you can raise to expand the piece. On a drop leaf table, the extension does not have any lower support. A gateleg table has a leg that swings out to rest beneath the extension. Find a selection of tables from some of the world's best sellers on 1stDibs.

• What is a console table used for?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Console tables serve a variety of functions. They can be used as buffets, storage units and display tables. Because they vary in size, you can use them for just about anything.

• Why are console tables so low?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  Console tables are not low. Typically, consoles are about the height of a desk but are much narrower. As a result, they work well against walls and can be used to hold lamps and decorative objects. While modern console tables commonly feature four legs, you can still find the two-legged variety, which is ideal for nestling behind the sofa. Some also feature shelves for display and storage space or cabinet doors and drawers for hiding clutter. Find vintage console tables on 1stDibs.

• Why is it called a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024

  Why it is called a console table comes down to the history of this type of furnishing. The very first consoles produced in France during the 16th and 17th centuries were not freestanding. Instead, owners anchored them to walls. This anchoring method strengthened the console top, allowing it to support heavy loads. The name “console” comes from the French word "consolide," which means to reinforce or strengthen. It was likely chosen because of the anchoring system that lends strength to and reinforces consoles. Shop a diverse assortment of console tables on 1stDibs.

• What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024

  The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.

• What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024

  The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

• Can you use a console table as a desk?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021

  Because of their variety of sizes and range in function, console tables can easily work as a desk. Given their size and ease of mobility, a console table can be used in almost any sort of room.

• How tall should a lamp be on a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2024

  
  
  A lamp for a console table should be between 25 and 32 inches tall. The table lamp’s shade shouldn’t exceed half the width of the console table.
  
  You’ll find that when it comes to arranging wall art, a decorator might suggest that the space on the wall above a console table is a great place for a large painting or a wall sculpture. In that case, you may wish to use a taller lamp for the table. If your table is smaller in scale or if you have a small mirror hanging on the wall above the console, you may wish to opt for a shorter lamp.
  
  Find vintage table lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

• What is the difference between a sideboard and a console table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024

  The difference between a sideboard and a console table comes down to usage and storage features. Sideboards are usually found in dining rooms and have shelving concealed behind cabinet doors for storing dinnerware, glassware and serveware. Normally positioned in entryways, hallways and living rooms, console tables may have no storage features or include drawers, open shelves or cabinet doors, depending on their design. Find a large selection of console tables and sideboards on 1stDibs.

• What is the difference between a console and a sofa table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

  The main difference between a console and a sofa table is that a console can be placed anywhere in the home (against a wall in a hallway or under a television in the living room) and a sofa table is limited to being behind a sofa.
  

• Should a console table be taller than a couch?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

  A console table should not be taller than a couch. Much like a sofa table, a console table is placed against the back of a sofa and should be the same height as the sofa.
  

• How wide should a console table be in an entryway?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023

  In an entryway, a console table should typically be around 10 to 16 inches wide. Tables of this width should still allow plenty of clearance so people can easily walk by the table. You may see manufacturers refer to the width of consoles as depth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of console tables.