Round antique tables are a misnomer. While they may have started out as round tables, authentic wood antique table tops should not be round.
We will cover this in detail in a future post, but as wood ages, over many years, it shrinks. As the wood dries it will shrink along the grain, so in one direction only, the table will shift and shrink.
A typical Regency wood top center table from the early 19th century could have a variance of one inch or more. So, if you measure the width one way it could be 51" and only 50" the other.
Take a tape measure to a round antique table top and you will see a difference. If not, it may not be as authentic as you think!
