The top picture is a Pembroke table and the bottom picture is a Sofa table. Can you spot the big design difference?

The antique business is full of confusing descriptions and terminologies, and a person needs to be reasonably well up on these to understand what dealers or auctioneers are talking about when they are describing various items. Here, then, is a quick lesson on how to distinguish between two of the most similar, popular, and confusing tables – the Pembroke table and the sofa table.

As an antique dealer, I find tables of any sort are always good stock to carry. Even though fashions change, the demand for tables never wanes. Big dining tables seating 10 or more are mega good news, but smaller, useful pieces still make up the majority of sales.

We’ll start with the Pembroke table.

A Pembroke is a small occasional table with a rectangular top, one or two drawers (but never more), and small flaps that are either square or oval in shape. A look at the drawer of a Pembroke shows the narrowest part of the table. In other words, the drop-down flaps must run the full width of the table. This is vital to know and is the big distinguisher between Pembroke and sofa tables. The flaps lift up and a swinging support holds them in place, giving more tabletop space for eating, drinking, or playing games.

These practical little tables are brilliant as small dining tables, and can seat four in a pinch.

Pembrokes were introduced in the mid-18th century, and according to famous furniture maker Thomas Sheraton were made especially for the then Countess of Pembroke, whom Sheraton called, "that Lady who first gave orders for one of them, who probably gave the first idea of such a table to the workmen."

Pembroke tables are essentially working tables, as opposed to something like a console or a side table, which are purely for decoration. Pembrokes can multi-task; they’ll work in any room of the house, and as such are in constant domestic use. So, the Countess of Pembroke designed a neat table 250 years ago that had a number of uses, whilst being both practical and small in size. She got everything she desired plus a little bit more – the immortalisation of her name!

The sofa table came into existence a short time later and was well and truly popular by the end of the 18th century. It is obvious to see that sofa tables are direct descendants of Pembrokes. They are longer and usually narrower than Pembrokes. The big differences between the two, however, are their intended use, and that the flaps on sofa tables must be situated at their narrowest ends. These tables are also much more in the way of being show-offs. They have four drawers in total, two at the front and two at the back (two are normally blank), and can sit in the middle of a room looking gorgeous from all angles. Introduced about the same time as fully upholstered sofas and made to go with them, their positioning in houses then would have been in drawing rooms. They would sit near sofas so people could sit within arms’ reach of the drawers, and also work beautifully as writing tables.

Pembroke and sofa tables were made mainly in mahogany, but also often in rosewood and walnut. The cheapest versions would be in oak. The highly decorative ones bring the most money, with their exotic decorations in satinwood, ivory, and brass.

Many furniture specialists argue that the finest pieces of furniture ever made in Britain come from the late 18th and early 19th century. This, they say, was the height of British craftsmanship, and I’ve got to say that I agree. This is one reason why Pembroke and sofa tables that were actually made during this time, at the height of their popularity, are some of the most sought-after and desirable pieces for any dealer or collector to buy. As such they can command impressive prices, but if you can afford one, you’ll find they are tremendous value for money, considering the skill employed in their making, the pleasure they give in using, and the good, long-term financial investment.

A Pembroke table must only have two drawers (one might be blank), and these drawers must be situated at the far ends of the table.

The hinges that work the drop leaves on both types of table are prone to damage. Replacement hinges or evidence of repairs are acceptable, but it’s always much nicer to see the original, untouched hinges.

Pull the drawers out and inspect the construction. Both Pembroke and sofa tables were made after the introduction of dovetail joints, and therefore these must be evident. Drawers made with pin nails are either of poor quality, reproductions, or have had shoddy restoration.

Pembroke tables were often made with brass feet, castors, or caps. If none of these are present, have a look to see if any are missing. This should be obvious. I have never seen a sofa table that was made without feet or castors, but have seen a few with these missing. These are a vital part of the design and value, so make sure they are there.

I can’t stress the importance of originality enough.

Original handles and castors, nice patination, colour, and condition are all highly important to the value and desirability of any piece of antique furniture, so when you’re buying from a dealer or an auction room, make sure you have all these areas checked out and confirmed by the seller. An overly restored table might look great and be diabolically tempting in the shop or sale room, but it won’t be as sought-after as a table that has never been restored and retains its natural, if aged and worn, glow.

David Harper 2007