Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What does a gateleg table mean?
1 Answer

“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.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 16, 2020
Related Questions
- What is a gateleg table?1 Answer
- What is a gate legged table?1 Answer
- How does a drop leaf table work?1 Answer
- What is a drop leaf dining table?1 Answer
Shop for Gateleg Tables on 1stDibs
A Swedish gateleg table
Located in Shipston-On-Stour, GB
A very attractive 18th century red painted Swedish “slagbord” or gateleg table with two drop leaves. We love the Scandinavian folk, rustic feel and the wonderful warm scumbled patina...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Materials
Wood, Paint
$3,311
Small Oval Gateleg Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
An English oak gateleg table of small scale with traditional flaps supported on two gates that fold in to body with distinctive canon barrel legs joined by double turned stretchers.
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Card Tables and Tea Tables
Materials
Oak
$5,900
Plank End Gateleg Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
Good late 17th century English or Welsh oak gateleg table, the oval top over balustrade silhouette slap ends, one with drawer, the swing legs of simple boarded construction, standing...
Category
Antique Late 17th Century Welsh Baroque Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Materials
Oak
$5,900
18th-century Oak Gateleg Table
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A charming 18th-century English oak folding table known as a Gateleg
A very beautiful small table featuringa superb, rare turned base and a drawer in the apron
A leg mechanism unfold...
Category
Antique 18th Century British Georgian Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Materials
Oak
Oak Bobbin Gateleg End Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
An solid oak table with bobbin turned legs and stretchers and a drop flap top with gateleg swing supports also bobbin turned. Useful as a side table or a small breakfast table.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English End Tables
Materials
Oak
George I Mahogany Gateleg Table
Located in London, GB
A FINE GEORGE I MAHOGANY GATELEG TABLE, CIRCA 1725.
With oval top above a frieze drawer with original brass handle, on finely turned supports.
28in. (71cm) high; 61in. (155cm) wide...
Category
Antique 18th Century Tables
Materials
Mahogany


