What is a gateleg table?

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?

“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?

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.

Dutch Gateleg Table

Drop Leaf Table Carved Legs

Ironwood Table

18th Century Drop Leaf Table

One Sided Drop Leaf Table

Wrought Iron Hinge

Antique Rosary Beads

Dining Table With One Leaf

Oak Drop Leaf Dining Tables

Recent Sales

Dutch Colonial Ironwood Gateleg Table

Unavailable

H 32.5 in Dm 36.5 in

Dutch Colonial Ironwood Gateleg Table

Located in San Francisco, CA

Attractive Dutch Colonial Gateleg Table, possibly Indonesia.

Category

Antique 19th Century Center Tables

Late 17th Century Dutch Hand Painted Gateleg Table or Drop Leaf Table

Sold

H 29.75 in W 65.5 in D 51 in

Late 17th Century Dutch Hand Painted Gateleg Table or Drop Leaf Table

Located in Fayetteville, AR

This late seventeenth century Dutch gateleg table or drop leaf table features its original hand painted top.

Category

Antique Late 17th Century Dutch Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Wood

Dutch 19th Century Oak Gateleg Dining Table

Sold

H 30 in W 98.25 in D 59.5 in

Dutch 19th Century Oak Gateleg Dining Table

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This large oak dining table is a Dutch interpretation of the traditional English gateleg table, circa 1840s.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak

18th Century Dutch Gateleg / Drop-leaf Table / Side Table / Center Table

Sold

H 31.3 in W 16.15 in D 32.29 in

18th Century Dutch Gateleg / Drop-leaf Table / Side Table / Center Table

Located in Carmine, TX

Gateleg / Drop-leaf table hand-made in the Netherlands in the late 1700s using oak. The table has a round shape when opened and its size make it perfect for an entry table; neverthel...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Baroque Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Oak

18th Century Dutch Gateleg / Drop-leaf Table / Side Table / Center Table

Sold

H 31.3 in W 16.15 in D 32.29 in

18th Century Dutch Gateleg / Drop-leaf Table / Side Table / Center Table

Located in Viterbo, VT

Gateleg / Drop-leaf table hand-made in the Netherlands in the late 1700s using oak. The table has a round shape when opened and its size make it perfect for an entry table; neverthel...

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Dutch Baroque Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Oak

Get Updated with New Arrivals

Save "Dutch Gateleg Table", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Finding the Right Drop-leaf-tables-pembroke-tables for You

Antique and vintage drop-leaf and Pembroke tables are the perfect solution for those of us in the “space-conscious” category. These furnishings have long been a smart choice for homes, particularly if you’re working with an especially modest house or apartment.

A drop-leaf table is a table with a fixed center section, but on either side of that, there are hinged leaves that can be raised or lowered according to your specific needs.

Should you need to accommodate more guests for a dinner party, a drop-leaf table’s side pieces can be raised and locked into place on their hinges, which will extend the overall surface area of the table. If you’re thinking of serving buffet-style or need a place for dinner plates and other tableware, fold one half of the table down and tuck it against the wall, console-table-style, to make more space for the guests congregating in your dining room. When your dinner companions are ready to retire to the living room for a digestif, both drop leaves can be collapsed if you need a makeshift bar cart or if you prefer to stow away the table after dinner.

The Pembroke version of these tables was a lightweight iteration that is believed to have been named for the ninth Earl of Pembroke or his wife, the countess. It is said that the countess had a drop-leaf table commissioned for their home, specifically for the purposes of serving and eating breakfast. This Georgian-era furniture had an oval or rectangular tabletop, was usually outfitted with a drawer and was frequently made of mahogany. It was a popular furnishing that was made through the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

With its convenient transformative qualities, a drop-leaf table can be put to use in every room of your home. A Pembroke nightstand would render having breakfast from the comfort of your bed easier than ever, while a casual living-room drop-leaf end table can quickly be extended in order to make room for movie-night snacks or a family game. The appeal of these tables doesn’t end at 18th-century nobility or chess enthusiasts, however.

Furniture designers of mid-century modern drop-leaf tables explored various forms and worked with a range of materials in crafting these furnishings and even integrated elements such as wheels for extra convenience. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of vintage and antique drop-leaf and Pembroke tables that includes sleek and understated iterations crafted by Hans J. Wegner and alluring versions in teak or rosewood designed by Kurt Østervig.

Questions About Dutch Gateleg 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.

20 Inviting Dining Rooms Perfectly Arranged for Entertaining

Top interior designers show — and tell — us how to create delectable spaces for hosting dinner parties.

This Alain Delon–Designed Table Is Almost as Handsome as He Was

Fans of the French film star may be surprised to learn that he had a flair for furniture with sleek lines and disco-era flash.

Uchronia’s Plant Stand Gives Pots a Pretty Perch with All the Trimmings

Like other pieces in the firm’s Candy Box collection, the cheerful limited-edition design showcases French craft.

The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home

Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.

Is Lionel Jadot the Willy Wonka of Upcycled Belgian Design?

From his massive collaborative workshop in a former paper factory, the designer concocts funky furniture from disused materials, as well as luxe hotel interiors like the new Mix Brussels.