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(Above photo - Georgian Drum Table Mahogany Revival)
Drum tables, known for their distinctive circular form and central pedestal base, are a recognizable staple in Georgian and Regency interiors. Their name and design carry both practical and aesthetic significance, rooted in the furniture innovations of the late 18th century.
(Above photo - Period Regency Drum Table Mahogany)
The drum table emerged in Britain during the late Georgian period, around the 1780s to early 1800s. This was a time of increasing interest in neoclassical symmetry and functionality in domestic furniture. The table’s circular shape and central support made it ideal for placement in libraries, halls, and drawing rooms, where it served both decorative and utilitarian purposes.
Drum tables are often attributed to the influence of Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite, whose designs favoured refined lines, practical features, and a centralised layout ideal for reading, writing, or displaying decorative objects.
(Above photo - English Victorian Drum Centre Table Tables)
The name “drum table” comes directly from its resemblance to a large, upright musical drum. The round top sits atop a cylindrical apron or frieze, which is usually fitted with a series of drawers spaced evenly around the circumference. This vertical band, often veneered in fine woods and inlaid with decorative motifs, mirrors the form of a drum’s body.
Unlike simpler circular tables, the drum table’s skirt is deeper, mimicking the structure and profile of a snare or kettle drum, hence the evocative name.
(Above photo - Victorian Coromandel Drum Table Centre Tables)
Multiple drawers: Used for storing writing instruments, documents, or household items.
Tooled leather top: Many examples include an inset leather writing surface, often gold-tooled.
Rotating top (in some models): Certain drum tables feature a revolving top, making it easier to access all drawers useful for clerical work.
(Above photo - Victorian Drum Tables Pair Mahogany Side Tables)
The drum table blends utility with elegance, and its name captures both its visual form and rhythmic presence in classic interiors. Originally a status symbol in libraries and parlours, it remains a beloved antique piece for those who appreciate Georgian and Regency design.
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