Antique Monastery Table

Questions About Antique Monastery Table

• What is a monastery table?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023

  A monastery table is a long, rectangular wooden dining table first used by monks during the Middle Ages. Sometimes, people refer to this type of table as a refectory table. Refectory is the name for a dining area in a religious institution like a monastery. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique, vintage and modern dining 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 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 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.