Table

A table is a piece of furniture consisting of a flat surface supported by legs or posts. It is used to place objects on its top, to eat, to write, or to work while sitting or standing. Tables are among the most common household furnishings across different cultures.

Tables vary in design, surface size, number of legs, and materials. The top may be rectangular, square, round, or take another form. Height is determined by use: a dining table is typically lower than a standing work table.

Parts of a table

A standard table has two main parts: the top (surface) and the support structure. The support may consist of four legs at the corners, a single central leg with a broad base, or two lateral beams. Some tables have cross-braces connecting the legs for stability, or drawers fitted below the surface.

Materials

Wood is the most common material for tables because it is durable and easy to join. Metal, aluminium, glass, stone such as marble, and plastic are also used. Many modern tables combine engineered wood (particle board or plywood) with a decorative veneer, which reduces cost.

Types and uses

Many tables are made for specific purposes. A dining table is located in the dining room and surrounded by chairs. A writing or desk table holds paper and equipment. A low table sits in front of a chair and holds cups or books. Tables also exist for games, portable folding tables, and medical examination tables used in hospitals.

Culture and history

Tables have been in use for a long time and appear in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In some cultures, food is eaten from a low surface or mat rather than a raised table. In modern times, the dining table has become a common gathering place for families and is also used as a symbol of formal diplomatic negotiations between governments.