Decorative Tables

The tables of the Renaissance were less stiff and ugly than those which had preceded them. Typical Renaissance tables were oblong and supported at the ends by solid carved and shaped supports or consoles, often terminating in large claw or scroll feet, and usually connected by a heavy stretcher or a lower shelf, upon which smaller supports sometimes rested.

These decorative tables were often made so high as to seem impractical from the modern point of view and had a severly impressive look. The tables were frequently richly embellished with inlay and gilding as well as carving. Table-tops were thick planks, or sometimes slabs of marble or Florentine mosaic.