The Folding Table

While we know little about early folding tables, we must assume that the first tables --- not stools --- folded in some manner to make them easy to transport.  During the earliest of times when tables were first mentioned the world's people were nomadic, or at least less likely to live in a permanent structure.  Movement was a necessity, so creating a table that would easily be transported was natural.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, even the nobility were prone to traveling from place to place and the poor were so impoverished that both had need of a table that could be easily transported or stored when not in use.  It is believed that the folding table in one form or another was the predominant style.

Among folding styles, the tilt top table and the drop leaf table must be considered to be among the earliest designs.  The tilt top table was ideal as a compact style that was functional when the top was raised and a display piece when the top was tilted down.  The drop leaf table was most useful as a dining table due to the stability of four legs while having panels on either side that would raise and lower.

Folding tables naturally evolved into lightweight card tables and game tables, easy to "put up" when needed and "take down" when not in use.  Storage requires very little space. 

One of the most common folding tables that came to prominence during the 1950's and 1960's was the so-called tv table.  Many families began to move away from the dinner table to a more casual lifestyle as televisions became popular.  The tv table was designed for a single person to be able to have a table upon which to place his dinner while relaxing in a chair or sofa watching the television.

Other styles of folding tables have become quite popular.  In small loft apartments, it is quite common to have a wall table, that actually resembles half a table that is attached to the wall.  It can be raised for use and folded flat to the wall when not in use.

It is important to understand that the term folding table includes all tables that either fold flat for storage or have a top surface with movable parts, such as the leaves on a drop leaf table or a tilt top table what lowers the entire tabletop surface.

Chances are almost every home has a folding table in one style or another, as the popularity and practicality of these tables has only grown over the years.

_____________________________________________

Read More...

	Drop leaf tables have enjoyed a roller coaster ride of popularity. During some eras the drop leaf table is the dining table of choice, the end table of preference, or the ideal library table. [Read More...]
	...during the 17th and 18th centuries tilt top tables were used for small dining tables, less formal than the full size dining table. In other instances [Read more...]