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Tracing the Steps
Four-legged tables date back to ancient Egypt. Tables have changed in height through the centuries, according to heights of seating. Ancient Roman tables were low to accommodate couch-like seating. The earliest tables in Western culture were assembled as needed using boards on trestles. Early joined tables had sturdy stretchers connecting four legs and were expandable using leaves. Pedestal tables were a design of the 16th century. Smaller, occasional tables became popular during the Elizabethan Era, and might be considered some of the first accent tables.
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Diversification
Size and shapes of accent tables have changed according to their use, and heights vary according to the furniture they accompany. The long history of tables has led to endless styles. Accent tables range from simple to formal, in wood and metal designs; included are oblong, square, and round accent tables. Wicker, which was popular to the Victorian Era, incorporates well into today's casual groupings.
There are accent tables with carved or plain legs, others on wooden pedestals, and some without legs. One thing remains constant: a table is a place on which to place things. Accent tables were designed to hold lamps, clocks, and curios. Some are merely legs and a tabletop; others have additional shelves or drawers for storage.
Comfort and Style
Accent tables can be stand-alone pieces of furniture, subtly holding a plant in front of a window or set in a corner to display framed photos of the family. Space permitting, accent tables are suitable for every room in the house.
Today's bedrooms are a place to unwind with a good book, to relax to favorite music, or to spend endless hours on computers; in some cases, bedrooms have replaced the traditional den. No longer is the bedroom suite limited to dressers, nightstands, wardrobes, and armoires. Overstuffed chairs, loveseats, and sofas have found a home in the contemporary bedroom; accompanying them are these small tables that rise to the occasion, proving both attractive and useful.
