Gateleg Table

If antiquing was a sport, my friend would be one of finest players ever. From road show, to clearance sales to garage sales even in flea markets, if the sign says antique she’ll be there and sometimes I was forced to tag along. If I’m not mistaken the first item she acquired was that of an antique gateleg table. Same is now displayed in her house. It started when she received an antique Victorian settee form her grandma. Now she boasts a line of antiques, mostly small items like cupboards and chests and a few big ones like the antique gateleg table, the Victorian settee and a couple of china closets.

This girl knows how to spot a reproduction. Probably she developed the same through her trips all around the state. With all the antique spots she had been, she always gets giggly when she sees flea markets. Not only can she haggle, she can pick up tips and immerse herself in history too. To be honest, I was surprise with the information these merchants have towards their antique products. I was with her when she bought the antique gateleg table. The man told us that during the 17^th century, almost all gateleg tables were circular and same brought forth the birth of intimate dining. Back in those days, the tables were rectangular, one sitting on the right end while the other on the left end. When you have a fight with your mom, having a round table is no help.

Going back to the antique reproduction, she told me to look out for items that looked too pristine. Those that are too shinny. Those with missing date stamps. If one of these signs is present, you better back off. You’re probably dealing with a shady character.

Other tips require that you look for nicks, scratches and/or dents in the item. If there are too many imperfections, that will decrease the value of the ‘antique.’ This reminds me, when she bought the antique gateleg table, the merchant was nice enough to walk us through the do’s and don’ts with regards to antiquing. My friend always has her handy notebook with her to jot down notes from merchants and owners alike.

Do you want to spot the not? Why not try your hand in antiquing? Don’t forget to bring your notebook with you, ok? 

Just recently, we bought an oak gateleg table which we had from an old friend who had a going away sale. We were lucky to have acquired this type of table, not only because of the material used in its production but for the extra space, too.

There are various considerations when buying the ideal dining table for the family. You should consider Space, Budget and Eating Capacity. We have a big extended family that comes over every Sunday. That’s why we bought the oak gateleg table as an extension of the mahogany table we’re currently using. What’s good about this type is that it can be effortlessly mounted and removed. Here’s some item to consider when buying a dining table:

1. Measurements. As not to end buying the wrong size, you must be certain and exact with the measurements, not only of the space where the table will be placed but also of the door where the same will be entering. When measuring, provide an allowance of space to allow people to move around. You don’t want to have your families literally rubbing elbows with one another, right?

2. Leaves. If your door proves to be your rival every time you try to get a table in, then it is advisable that you buy the one with leaves or flaps like that of the oak gateleg table. 

3. Style. Before grabbing any item and sprinting to the next open cashier, make sure that you know exactly what you’re going to buy. Whatever theme you want your dining room to radiate; be it contemporary, classic or country, make certain that same will jive with the rest of the existing furniture.

4. Budget. Set your limits, only buy what is needed. Shop for add-ons after obtaining all necessary items.

5. Maintenance. Does the table need high maintenance? Will the owner be required to apply polish and sealer monthly? Will you perform maintenance as demanded by such piece of furniture?

I don’t think that the oak gateleg table we purchased need much polishing. Occasional wiping and dusting will do. I’ll probably apply a coat or two of the polish and the sealer quarterly. Or I can follow the directions written at the back of the polish and sealer—to be safe.