Historically, various types of tables have become popular for specific uses: •
Billiards tables are bounded tables on which billiards-type games are played. All provide a flat surface, usually composed of
slate and covered with cloth, elevated above the ground. •
Chess tables are a type of
games table that integrates a
chessboard. •
Drum tables are round tables introduced for writing, with drawers around the platform. •
End tables are small tables typically placed beside couches or armchairs. Often lamps will be placed on an end table. •
Loo tables were very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries as
candlestands,
tea tables, or small dining tables, although they were originally made for the popular card game
loo or lanterloo. Their typically round or oval tops have a tilting
mechanism, which enables them to be stored out of the way (e.g. in room corners) when not in use. A further development in this direction was the "birdcage" table, the top of which could both revolve and tilt. •
Overbed tables are narrow rectangular tables whose top is designed for use above the bed, especially for hospital patients. •
Pembroke tables, first introduced during the 18th century, were popular throughout the 19th century. The main characteristic of these
drop-leaf tables was a rectangular or oval top with folding leaves on each side. Most examples have one or more drawers and four legs, sometimes connected by stretchers. Their design meant they could easily be stored or moved about and conveniently opened for serving tea, dining, writing, or other occasional uses. One account attributes the design of the Pembroke table to
Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke (1693–1751). •
Poker tables or
card tables are used to play
poker or other
card games. •
Work tables were small tables designed to hold
sewing materials and implements, providing a convenient work place for women who sewed. They appeared during the 18th century and were popular throughout the 19th century. Most examples have rectangular tops, sometimes with folding leaves, and usually one or more drawers fitted with partitions. Early examples typically have four legs, often standing on
casters, while later examples sometimes have turned columns or other forms of support. •
Sofa tables are similar to Pembroke tables and usually have longer and narrower tops. They were specifically designed for placement directly in front of
sofas for serving tea, writing, dining, or other convenient uses. Generally speaking, a sofa table is a tall, narrow table used behind a sofa to hold lamps or decorative objects. •
Table tennis tables are usually
masonite or a similar wood, layered with a smooth low-friction coating. they are divided into two halves by a low net, which separates opposing players. ==Gallery==