Question 1

Are rattan and bamboo the same?

Accepted Answer

No, bamboo and rattan are not the same. Bamboo is inflexible so it cannot be curved to make different shapes. Alternatively, rattan is flexible and a type of climbing palm. It looks similar to bamboo but it’s more versatile and not as durable. Shop a collection of bamboo furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Does bamboo furniture last?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bamboo furniture is incredibly durable and as long as it’s cared for properly, it can last a long time. In fact, bamboo can be more resistant to damage than hardwoods, making it a popular choice for new or vintage furniture purchases. Shop a collection of Bamboo furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Can I grow bamboo in planters?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can grow bamboo in planters. However, there are specific qualifications that make some planters better than others for growing bamboo. Ideally a wooden planter that provides added insulation and drainage is used for optimal bamboo growth. Browse a range of planters on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Is rattan a wicker or bamboo?

Accepted Answer

Wicker is the finished woven product that can be made of either rattan or bamboo. Bamboo is an incredibly solid grass that is difficult to bend while rattan is a vine that’s much easier to manipulate. Shop a collection of wicker furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

From what era are bamboo earrings?

Accepted Answer

The mid- to late 1980s and early 1990s were a particularly strong era for bamboo earrings, which is a name frequently given to big, bold hoop earrings (they're also called "door knockers"). While Black female recording artists such as Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante popularized the trend during those years by donning hoops in music videos and on the red carpet, artist-activists Nina Simone and Angela Davis wore hoops decades earlier. In the Black and Latino communities, hoop earrings have long been associated with strength. Their symbolism as indicators of identity stretches back thousands of years, including to ancient Nubia. On view in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Ancient Near Eastern Art gallery is a pair of simple gold hoops from Mesopotamia dating to 2,600-2,500 B.C. that experts agree is among the oldest known examples. Shop a range of hoop earrings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Can bamboo furniture be restored?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bamboo furniture can indeed be restored. Repair any mildly broken pieces with some heavy duty wood glue. The exterior can also be refinished by sanding off dirt and grime and repainting the piece. You’ll find a large collection of bamboo items from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Are bamboo chairs strong?

Accepted Answer

Although construction methods also affect durability, bamboo chairs are generally strong due to the properties of bamboo. The tensile strength of bamboo per square inch is greater than that of many other materials, including steel. Shop a variety of bamboo chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How can I tell if bamboo furniture is vintage?

Accepted Answer

The first step in determining if an item is vintage bamboo is to first make sure it’s bamboo. Bamboo is inflexible, so if there are curved shapes in the design it is actually rattan, not bamboo. Your next step is to understand the style of the piece of furniture, the brand, and look for telltale signs that it is an authentic piece from that brand. Shop a range of antique and modern bamboo furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Is bamboo a good outdoor material?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many people consider bamboo to be a good outdoor material because it can typically hold up to the effects of inclement weather. However, bamboo furniture needs proper care to stand the test of time and should usually be stored indoors during cold winter weather. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of bamboo furniture.

Question 10

Is bamboo suitable for outdoor furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bamboo is suitable for some outdoor furniture. However, you should only place bamboo pieces designed for outdoor use outside. Caring for and maintaining bamboo outdoor furniture is important for helping it stand the test of time. Shop a range of antique, new and vintage bamboo furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How long does outdoor bamboo furniture last?

Accepted Answer

It varies how long outdoor bamboo furniture lasts. The quality of the craftsmanship, how much weather exposure pieces receive and how well you care for it will all impact the lifespan of furniture made of bamboo. Antique and vintage bamboo furniture can help introduce an air of relaxation in any space, and pairs well with chinoiserie decor and a range of porcelain decorative objects. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of bamboo furniture.

Question 12

What is the difference between a bistro table and a pub table?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a bistro table and a pub table is the size. A bistro table is usually around 28 to 36 inches tall, so you can sit at it with a standard dining chair. Often, people pair bistro chairs with bistro tables. A pub table is taller at around 40 to 44 inches and requires a pub-height chair or stool for comfortable seating. Find a variety of pub and bistro tables on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is the difference between a billiard table and a pool table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a billiard table and a pool table is primarily the size. The basic dimensions of a billiard table are usually 10’ by 5’, whereas a pool table is a relatively smaller structure, as they’re usually 3.5’ by 7’. An additional way that these tables differ from each other is the absence of pockets on the billiard table. Shop a range of billiard and pool tables on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What is the difference between a drawing table and a drafting table?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a drawing table and a drafting table is adjustability. Typically, drawing table writing surfaces are stationary, while most drafting tables can be tilted and moved up and down. However, some people use the terms drawing and drafting table interchangeably to describe any table with a tilted writing surface. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of drafting tables.

Question 15

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

Accepted Answer

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

Accepted Answer

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

Question 17

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

Question 18

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is a gateleg table?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

What is a bistro table?

Accepted Answer

A bistro table is a small table with a round tabletop that is typically 24 inches in diameter and a height of just under 30 inches. The standard bistro table comes with two chairs and is available in a range of materials, styles, and colors. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary bistro tables from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

In Table Bamboo

2010s British Minimalist Dining Room Tables

Stellarnova Desk or Dining Table, Cast Bronze Legs with Bamboo Ply Top

Antique 19th Century English Vanities

English Bamboo Dressing Table

Antique Late 19th Century End Tables

Bamboo Magazine Table

Antique Late 19th Century British Chinoiserie Side Tables

Antique Bamboo Occasional Table

Vintage 1960s European Side Tables

Side Table Bar in Bamboo & Cane, Mid-Century Modern

Antique 1890s Chinoiserie Side Tables

Lacquered Chinoiserie Bamboo Occasional Table

Vintage 1970s Spanish Center Tables

20th Century Modern Design Spanish Side Table in Bamboo Wood, 1970s

Vintage 1960s Italian End Tables

Italian Bamboo End Tables

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Tiered Bamboo Corner Table

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Midcentury Bedside Table Nightstand in Bamboo & Rattan, Italy, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Midcentury Bedside Table Nightstand in Bamboo & Rattan, Italy, 1970s

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Gervasoni Large Black Side Table in Bamboo by Paola Navone

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Side Tables

Gervasoni Small Black Side Table in Bamboo by Paola Navone

2010s Dutch Brutalist Console Tables

"Grip" Console-Table / Display / Sculptural Object in Solid Bamboo

Antique Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Tray Tables

Japonisme bamboo side table

Antique Late 19th Century English Side Tables

Tripod Based Bamboo Side Table

Antique Late 19th Century English Side Tables

Hexagonal Topped Bamboo Side Table

Antique Late 19th Century English Side Tables

Square Top Bamboo Side Table

Vintage 1970s Unknown Minimalist Console Tables

Bamboo Reed Console Table

Vintage 1950s Italian Game Tables

Italian Marble & Bamboo Chess Table

Antique 19th Century Side Tables

Aesthetic Movement Lacquered Bamboo Accent Table

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Bamboo Table Lamp

Late 20th Century Spanish Table Lamps

1970s Spanish Table Lamp in Formica and Bamboo

Antique Late 19th Century English Serving Tables

Two Tiered Bamboo Serving Table

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Side Tables

Antique Tortoise Bamboo Accent Table

Antique 19th Century Side Tables

19th Century English Bamboo Side Table

20th Century French Side Tables

20th Century French Bamboo Side Table

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Bamboo Drum Side Table/ Stool

Antique 19th Century Side Tables

19th Century Bamboo Side Table b5

20th Century English Chinoiserie Side Tables

English Scorched Bamboo Chinoiserie Table

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Midcentury Oval Bamboo Side Tables

Early 20th Century American Victorian Side Tables

Early 20th Century Bamboo Table

Vintage 1970s Chinoiserie Tables

Vintage Bamboo Boho Chic Chinoiserie Side End Tables

Antique 19th Century British British Colonial Tables

19th Century Colonial Bamboo Circular Tripod Table

Vintage 1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Tables

Maison Baguès Attributed Faux Bamboo Chinoiserie Table In Bronze

Mid-20th Century English Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Fanciful Bamboo Coffee Table

Antique Late 19th Century French Side Tables

Perret et Vibert Bamboo Side Table

Early 2000s Thai Organic Modern End Tables

Lacquered Bamboo Drum Table from Thailand, in Red or Green

Vintage 1970s French Table Lamps

1970s Bamboo Table Lamp

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern End Tables