Lyre-Back or Trestle Side Table (Step Side Table)
Table (End Table/Side Table) · Traditional Revival / Early American Suburban (Late 1940s-1960s) · Likely manufactured by an American company such as Heywood-Wakefield (Early American line), Cushman, or Ethan Allen.
Type
Table (End Table/Side Table)
Style Period
Traditional Revival / Early American Suburban (Late 1940s-1960s)
Material
Solid Maple or Birch primary wood with possible Veneer on the shelf surfaces; typically finished with a semi-gloss lacquer.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965
Dimensions
Height: 24-26 inches; Width: 18-20 inches; Depth: 26-28 inches. Fits the standard 'step' side table profile common for mid-century living rooms.
Origin
United States; common in middle-class suburban households during the post-WWII housing boom.
Designer/Maker
Likely manufactured by an American company such as Heywood-Wakefield (Early American line), Cushman, or Ethan Allen.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than rarity or designer name.
Description
An Early American Revival 'step' table featuring dramatic scroll-cut trestle ends. The design blends traditional motifs with mid-century mass production, featuring a tiered surface for lamps and accessories. Its most charming detail is the whimsical stamping on the feet, suggesting a rustic or colonial cottage aesthetic.
Key Features
Scalloped tiers, lyre-inspired scrollwork profile, floral brass rosettes, and decorative horseshoe/crescent stamps on the base.
Color & Finish
Medium 'Honey' or 'Early American' stain with a satin-to-gloss lacquer finish. Features darker shaded edges to simulate age and depth.
Construction Method
Mass-produced factory assembly; use of machine-cut jig-sawn scrollwork and mechanical fasteners hidden beneath the stretchers.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Standard factory joinery likely utilizing dowels, screws, and glue. Features machine-carved crescent moon and star patterns on the feet.
Wood Grain & Species
Maple or Birch with a tight, closed grain. The side panels show a subtle flame or curly grain pattern typical of northern hardwoods.
Surface Treatment
Smooth spray finish with artificial patination (darkened recesses) and machine-cut decorative wood burning or stamping on the feet (horseshoes/crescents).
Upholstery Details
None
Hardware & Fittings
Decorative brass-toned floral medallions (rosettes) centered on the side trestle panels; these are purely ornamental and characteristic of 1950s production furniture.
Origin & Provenance
United States; common in middle-class suburban households during the post-WWII housing boom.
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor surface wear on the top edges and base. The finish appears original and well-preserved with no signs of significant water damage or structural buckling.
Interesting Facts
Step tables became popular in the 1950s to accommodate the newly popular tall lamps and to allow for ash trays or drinks on the lower level next to low-slung modern sofas.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Early American' trend that competed with 'Atomic' Mid-Century Modernism, showing a nostalgic preference for colonial-inspired silhouettes in 1950s Americana.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Duncan Phyfe style (which uses more refined mahogany and thinner lines) or true Folk Art trestles (which lack the factory-perfect lacquer and standardized hardware).
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft microfiber cloth; use high-quality lemon oil or paste wax occasionally. Keep away from direct heat vents and high humidity due to the potential for solid wood expansion.
Value Estimate
$75 - $150 (Retail/Secondary Market). Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than rarity or designer name.
Sustainability Notes
High durability and long life cycle. Made of solid North American hardwoods, it represents a 'buy-once' philosophy of mid-century manufacturing compared to modern flat-packs.