Antique tables are usually divided into categories based on their use. Purchasing an antique table is both a smart investment and a savvy decorating move. Antique tables infuse a sense of style and charm into a room without sacrificing functionality.
For example, buying an antique end table is one way to spice up an otherwise boring piece of furniture that rarely gets a second look. The benefit of an antique end table is that you can take style risks that might be much more dangerous with larger pieces of furniture. The relatively obscure nature of the end table and its "low man on the totem pole' status allows one to experiment with bold color, construction or mediums without tearing a room apart. Using an antique end table will allow the purchaser to show some flare without breaking the conventions or design restraints of a room.
A slightly bolder move, the antique coffee table allows the purchaser to make a statement and create a central focal point in the room. Here again the purchaser can make a riskier style choice with the hedge security of the pieces minor role in the furniture landscape. While an antique coffee table make a decidedly stronger statement than an antique end table, the nature of the table's function (to hold books, vases and other display items) makes it a still safer option than a larger piece of antique furniture.
Perhaps the strongest design choice when it comes to antique tables is a dining table. Far from being relegated to country or rustic styles, an antique dining table can inspire even the most modern design, infusing a sense of unexpected sophistication into the space.
Caring for your antique tables takes a little bit of common sense and a whole lot of diligence. If the table is in a high traffic area, regular dusting will help prevent nicks and scratches to the surface caused by dragging weighted items (like books, plates, cups or lamps) across the surface when its covered with particles or debris. Regular dusting and polishing will preserve the wood on your table which helps retain and grow your antique tables value. Avoid using drugstore brand cleaners and wood soaps, and always avoid cleaners with lemon oil as an ingredient. Lemon oil may impart a pleasant smell, but it will also dry out the wood of your antique table, decreasing its long term value and making it prone to splintering and breakage.
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