Tables/Stands 

This section focuses on a variety of period-style tables and stands that the company offered during its early years. They are divided into four basic categories: dining tables; occasional tables; nightstands; and candlestands.

In the early years, the company did offer a few coffee tables. That was in response to customer requests for period looking pieces that would blend with traditional decor. As noted earlier, later offerings like computer stations, contemporary stands, removable leg tables, and live-edge pieces will not typically be discussed since they are not 18th century forms.

Candlestands, nightstands, and occasional tables were some of my favorite forms, and I enjoyed designing new examples. Finding a spot for new stand or small table prototype was never a problem.

The Eldred Wheeler book lists most period-style pieces. Click here to view the book’s Appendix (best to select two-page view after opening).

Dining Tables

Dining tables were one of the company’s most popular products. Initially we offered dropleaf tables in a variety of sizes as well as a large William & Mary tavern table. Eldred Wheeler received several requests for tables that could seat more individuals, so they designed a Queen Anne pedestal dining table as well as a larger version of the William & Mary table.

  • Eldred Wheeler Dining Tables: During the first year in its small shop in Hanson, Massachusetts, Eldred Wheeler was trying to sort out its initial product line. After a bit of discussion, they decided that it would be best to offer a broad selection of products because it might help expand our initial customer base. In order to make our product line more complete, they realized they needed to add some additional dining room pieces. Over the years dining room tables became a major part of the company’s product line. More

Nightstands

A Connecticut River Valley, serpentine shaped top candlestand was one of the company’s initial four products. A few sold, but Eldred Wheeler soon realized that their customers preferred the simpler Hepplewhite versions. Nightstands were always in demand, and over the years Eldred Wheeler offered many different designs. A few were licensed reproductions, but most were designed inhouse.

  • Hepplewhite Style Nightstands. Nightstands have always been one of Eldred Wheeler’s most popular products. Over the years, the company offered a variety of styles, but customers have always been especially fond of the Hepplewhite versions. That still seems true, considering the prices some are commanding at auctions and in resale shops. We thought it might be interesting to relate some of the  stories behind the design and crafting of several of these stands. More

  • Queen Anne and Sheraton Nightstands. Sales of Hepplewhite style nightstands had been excellent, but customers typically didn’t want to furnish all of their bedrooms with similar looking pieces. In 1985, Eldred Wheeler decided to offer a different style nightstand and thought a simple Queen Anne style nightstand might be a good addition. Popularity of the Queen Anne Nightstand was never as good as the Hepplewhite ones, and sales of both had been decreasing over the years. In 1990, it was decided to reinvigorate the product line. The Queen Anne Nightstand was replaced with the Sheraton Nightstand that could be ordered with or without a shelf.  More

Occasional Tables

Eldred Wheeler was inspired to start offering a variety of occasional tables after the company purchased an antique tiger maple porringer table. It had a unique pad-foot design that was popular with our customers. The company designed a series of side tables utilizing the foot along with a variety of plain and shaped tops and skirts. Eldred Wheeler also offered several tea tables. A Queen Anne dish-top example was one of four products in the company’s first catalog.

  • Occasional Tables: The Eldred Wheeler book describes the background of three of the company’s most popular occasional tables. The three that were highlighted included the Porringer Top Tea Table, Nantucket Tea Table, and Queen Anne Breakfast Table. Over the years, Eldred Wheeler not only offered several variations of these three tables, but they also crafted a variety of other occasional tables. I thought it might be interesting to briefly describe some of these other products. More

Candlestands

Emmett always liked candlestands. They are both practical and sculptural. He especially like the designs attributed to the Dunlaps. They are perfectly proportioned and exude an elegant stature. He truly enjoyed designing a variety of Connecticut River Valley and Dunlap style pieces. Antique candlestands are typically the only antiques I Emmett continued to purchase - “always room for one more”.

  • Dunlap Candlestands. A Dunlap candlestand was one of the first four products that Eldred Wheeler offered. It was essentially a copy of a friend of Emmett’s antique. Emmett grew to appreciate the innovative nature of John and Samuel Dunlap and enjoyed designing pieces patterned after their work. A spadefoot, tiger maple example is profiled in Eldred Wheeler: A Collector’s Guide. However, Eldred Wheeler offered a variety of other Dunlap-style candlestands. This PDF highlights several of them. More