Quatrefoil Coffee Table Value Guide

This antique Quatrefoil Coffee Table, originating from the United Kingdom between 1880 and 1920, is highly collectible for its symbolic clover-leaf silhouette rooted in Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Its sophisticated burled wood surface and intricate geometry made it a premier accent piece for high-end drawing rooms during the late 19th-century revival periods.

What affects the value of Quatrefoil Coffee Table?

• The quality and preservation of the burled wood grain, as damage to intricate veneers significantly impacts the $950-$1,200 price range.
• The specific type of primary wood used, with mahogany and high-grade oak typically commanding higher market interest.
• Structural integrity of the unique quatrefoil edges, which are more prone to chipping or wear than standard rectangular tables.
• Historical provenance or evidence of the piece belonging to a specific UK furniture maker from the late 19th century.

How to Identify Quatrefoil Coffee Table?

• Verify the distinctive four-lobed 'clover-leaf' top shape characteristic of traditional quatrefoil geometry.
• Examine the surface for authentic burled wood patterns, often applied as a veneer over solid oak or mahogany frames.
• Check for construction techniques consistent with the 1880-1920 era, such as period-correct joinery and UK craftsmanship marks.
• Look for a balanced, symmetrical profile that reflects the architectural origins of the Gothic and Renaissance styles.

History of Quatrefoil Coffee Table

Quatrefoil designs have roots in Gothic and Renaissance architecture, symbolizing good luck and often seen in religious art. This form was later adopted into furniture design, particularly gaining popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries during revival periods where intricate and symbolic shapes were highly valued. Tables of this design often served as accent pieces in sophisticated drawing rooms.