Question 1

What does an armillary sphere do?

Accepted Answer

Hellenistic Greeks invented and used armillary spheres in the third century as a way to understand the horizon, meridian, equator, tropics and polar circles of the earth. They function as skeletal globes.

Question 2

How do I read an armillary sphere?

Accepted Answer

To read an armillary sphere, first familiarize yourself with the parts. The ring along the base is the horizon. On the armillary, the outermost ring is the meridian, while the largest inner ring is the ecliptic ring. Locate the date on the ecliptic ring and place a marker that represents the sun on it. Turn the sphere to trace the path the sun will take on that day. Use the markings on the horizon to find the ascension of the sunrise, and the ecliptic ring to find out the elevation of the sun at noon. Find a collection of armillary spheres on 1stDibs.

Question 3

How do I make a garden sphere?

Accepted Answer

Garden spheres can be made in a number of ways and out of a wide variety of materials. One method that is popular for DIYers is pouring concrete into glass lighting globes, letting the concrete dry and then breaking the glass and removing it to reveal the globe underneath. Find vintage and contemporary garden spheres from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why is Hand with Reflective Sphere so famous?

Accepted Answer

Hand with Reflective Sphere is so famous because it demonstrates artist M.C. Escher's skill at fooling the eye. Since he produced the print in January 1935, viewers have been intrigued by the realistic distorted reflection visible in the sphere. In addition, some people see a deeper meaning in the work related to how people distort their own self-images. Shop a selection of M.C. Escher art on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is the difference between an accent table and an end table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an accent table and an end table comes down to how you use them. Accent tables function primarily as decorations and may be placed almost anywhere in a room. The purpose of an end table is to provide storage space next to a sofa or loveseat. Most people use them in pairs, with one placed on either side of the focal furnishing in a seating area. Find a large collection of accent tables and end tables on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is the difference between a drawing table and a drafting table?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a drawing table and a drafting table is adjustability. Typically, drawing table writing surfaces are stationary, while most drafting tables can be tilted and moved up and down. However, some people use the terms drawing and drafting table interchangeably to describe any table with a tilted writing surface. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of drafting tables.

Question 7

What is the difference between a coffee table and a cocktail table?

Accepted Answer

While both pieces are relatively new to the furniture world, the main difference between them are their shapes. A cocktail table is generally square or rectangular in shape, while a coffee table tends to be oval or circular in shape. You can shop a collection of furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is the difference between a sofa table and a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a sofa table and a coffee table is that a sofa table is always behind the sofa and a coffee table is in front of it. Additionally, a sofa table is the same height as the sofa and a coffee table is much shorter.

Question 9

What is the difference between a billiard table and a pool table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a billiard table and a pool table is primarily the size. The basic dimensions of a billiard table are usually 10’ by 5’, whereas a pool table is a relatively smaller structure, as they’re usually 3.5’ by 7’. An additional way that these tables differ from each other is the absence of pockets on the billiard table. Shop a range of billiard and pool tables on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the difference between a bistro table and a pub table?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between a bistro table and a pub table is the size. A bistro table is usually around 28 to 36 inches tall, so you can sit at it with a standard dining chair. Often, people pair bistro chairs with bistro tables. A pub table is taller at around 40 to 44 inches and requires a pub-height chair or stool for comfortable seating. Find a variety of pub and bistro tables on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is there a difference between an end table and a side table?

Accepted Answer

There are two differences between end tables and side tables: function and size. Typically, end tables go beside a chair or at opposite ends of a sofa and have smaller tabletops, while side tables go toward the sides of seating areas or against walls and feature a larger surface area. However, many people use the words side and end tables interchangeably, so these differences may not always apply. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of end and side tables.

Question 12

Are end tables taller than coffee tables?

Accepted Answer

Yes, end tables are generally taller than coffee tables.

The term “end table” is frequently used interchangeably with “coffee table,” and while these two furnishings have much in common, each table type offers its own distinctive benefits in your space.

Your end table is likely going to stand as tall as the arms of your sofa, and its depth will match the seating. These attributes allow for tucking the table neatly at the end of your sofa in order to provide an elevated surface between your seating and the wall. End tables are accent pieces — they’re a close cousin to side tables, but side tables, not unlike the show-stealing low-profile coffee table, are intended to be positioned prominently and have more to do with the flow and design of a room than an end table, which does a great job but does it out of the way of everything else.

Find all kinds of antique and vintage tables on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What is the difference between a buffet table and a console table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a buffet table and a console table comes down to size and storage features. Console tables are usually less deep than buffet tables, so they take up less space behind sofas and along walls. In addition, consoles are less likely to have cabinets and drawers than buffet tables, which are designed to store dinnerware and serveware in dining rooms. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of buffets and console tables.

Question 14

What is the difference between a center table and a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a center table and a coffee table is usually size. Center tables tend to be larger-sized accent tables placed in the center of seating areas. On the other hand, coffee tables are smaller tables usually positioned in front of sofas and loveseats. On 1stDibs, find a variety of center tables and coffee tables.

Question 15

What is the difference between a snooker table and a pool table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a snooker table and a pool table comes down to dimensions. Generally, a snooker table is larger than a pool table, also called a billiards table. The increased size is due to the fact that a snooker game typically uses a total of 21 balls, compared to the 9 to 15 used during a pool game. Both types of gaming tables have six pockets, but those on a snooker table are usually smaller than those on a pool table because snooker balls tend to be smaller than billiard balls. On 1stDibs, find a range of billiard and snooker tables.

Question 16

What is the difference between a coffee table and a console table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a coffee table and a console table is in the design. A coffee table is a low table that comes in many shapes, such as surfaces that are rectangles, squares, ovals or circles. Console tables are taller and usually have elongated shapes, such as ovals, rectangles or semicircles. Placement is another differentiator between the two types of tables. Coffee tables usually go in front of sofas and loveseats, while console tables may be placed behind a sofa or loveseat or along a wall. Find a large collection of coffee tables and console tables on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is the difference between a side table and a coffee table?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a side table and a coffee table is mainly in the size and shape. Coffee tables usually feature larger tops but shorter legs. People typically place them in front of a sofa or a loveseat to rest books, drinks, remote controls and other items. Side tables also store items, but they are usually positioned beside an accent chair or at the ends of a sofa or loveseat. Shop a diverse assortment of side tables and coffee tables on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is a gateleg table?

Accepted Answer

First introduced in 16th century-England, a gateleg table is a popular kind of table that allowed for intimate dining. The tabletop of the gateleg table, which was initially round or oval versus the long tables and formal seating arrangements that preceded it, had a section that was fixed in place, while one or two sections of the surface were equipped with hinges. By design, a gateleg table could be extended so that more space could be allocated for work or for dining if needed. These hinged sections could be folded back into place on top of the fixed section or could easily be dropped down to hang vertically on their hinges when they weren’t in use. This function, which allowed the table’s drop leaves that weren’t in use to be pushed up against a wall, saved space in small homes because the table could be tucked away. Pivoted legs under the table — which formed a gate as they were joined at their tops and bottoms by crosspieces — supported the hinged sections.

Question 19

What is a drink table?

Accepted Answer

A drink table is a small side table that’s main purpose is to provide a surface to place your drink. Drink tables are characterized by a small tabletop supported by a post and a thick base, and could come in a variety of styles from classic-chic to modern and sleek. Shop a collection of drink tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What is a waterfall table?

Accepted Answer

A waterfall table is one where the material and the appearance of the top is extended down the side. Quite often it’s extended down two ends to give the appearance of it flowing over the side. Shop a collection of waterfall tables from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Table With Spheres

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

French Midcentury Steel Console Table with Glass Top, Spheres and Scrolling Feet

Vintage 1970s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Fractured Resin Sphere Coffee Table

Vintage 1980s American Console Tables

Heathered Green Ming Style Console Table with Beveled Glass Atop Brass Spheres

1990s Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Asymmetrical Postmodern Marble Sphere Coffee Table with Round Glass Top

Vintage 1970s American Table Lamps

Pair of Stacked Chrome Sphere Table Lamps

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large Murano Glass Sphere Table Lamp with Chrome Base, Italy 1970s

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Tesselated Stone Sphere Coffee Table, 1980s

Mid-20th Century Console Tables

Modern Iron Top Black Console With Sphere Details

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Giovanni Banci Brass Table Lamps with Marble Spheres, Florence, 1970s

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large 1970s English Ceramic Sphere Table Lamp with Paisley Pattern Inc Shade

Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps

Stiffel Walnut Brass Obelisk Lamp With Decorative Spheres

Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern End Tables

Postmodern Triangular Tessellated Stone Coffee Table Sphere Style Maitland Smith

Vintage 1980s Italian Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Fiam Italia 1980s Glass Waterfall Cocktail Coffee Table with Black Sphere Base

20th Century American Table Lamps

Fabulous Glass Sphere Pendant Fixture with Louvred Shade

Vintage 1970s American Table Lamps

Pair of Polished Chrome Sphere Table Lamps 1970 s

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large 1960s brass table or floor lamp with 4 glass spheres by Kaiser Leuchten

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Scandinavian Modern, Art Deco Polished Bronze Lamp with Sphere

Vintage 1940s Italian Table Lamps

Pair Gold Foiled Crackled Glass Lamps with Ebony Sphere

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Marble sphere coffee table by Roche Bobois, 1980s

Vintage 1980s French Neoclassical Table Lamps

Carved Pair Alabaster Eagle Lamps Sculptures with Sphere Tops

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Blue Spiral Murano Glass Sphere Table Lamp from the 1950s

Late 20th Century Philippine Post-Modern End Tables

Postmodern Rnd Tessellated Mactan Stone Side Table 3 Sphere Style Maitland Smith

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Modern Iron Lamps with Brass Spheres

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Maison Jansen Lotus Flower Lamp with Engraved Glass Spheres, 1970s

Vintage 1950s North American Hollywood Regency Table Lamps

Stylish Mid-Century Green Leather Clad Lamps with Brass Spheres

Late 20th Century American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Late 20th Century Vintage Boho Wood Sphere Coffee Table

20th Century Swedish Art Deco Table Lamps

Swedish Art Deco Lamp Steel Sphere with Bronze Lions on Base

2010s American Table Lamps

Contemporary Pair of Rose Quartz Spheres Lamps with Grey Silk Shades

2010s Italian Organic Modern Table Lamps

Italian Contemporary Fine Design Pair of Organic Gold Brass Lamps with Spheres

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

2 Pairs of Italian Mid-Century Modern Style Brass and Crystal Sphere Table Lamps

20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Alberto Dona Italian Pair of White Overlaid Murano Glass Lamps with Cut Spheres

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian Pair of Gueridon with Thick Glass and Blown Glass Spheres from the 50 s

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Gueridon

English Art Deco Steel Guéridon Side Table with Zebra Hide Upholstered Top

Late 20th Century French Tables

Highly Polished Modern Coffee Table

Vintage 1950s American Table Lamps

Pair Rembrandt Brass Open Rib Table Lamps With Crystal Ball Centers

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Side Tables

Globo Colored Lucite Drinks Table

Vintage 1950s Table Lamps

Pair of Chrome Table Lamps

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Diminutive Side Table or Gueridon Attributed to Osvaldo Borsani, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Stilux Milano Table Lamp, 1950s

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Sofa Tables