Why is it called a refectory table?

Why is it called a refectory table?

Refectory tables were originally used for dining in monasteries in Europe in the Middle Ages. Then it progressed and would become the banqueting table in castles, abbeys or other large residences. Indeed, the word refectory means dining room in a monastery, boarding school or academic institution.

What is a refectory?

A refectory (also frater, frater house, fratery) is a dining room, especially in monasteries, boarding schools and academic institutions. One of the places the term is most often used today is in graduate seminaries.

What does a refectory table look like?

This style of table (four or more legs joined by rails and stretchers, with a fixed planked top i.e. ‘joined long table’), can be assigned more accurately to domestic households during the latter half of the sixteenth century, and onwards, rather than monasteries, abbeys, priories and such like.

What is a draw leaf dining table?

Learn about Draw Leaf Table. A form of extension table, introduced during Elizabethan times and revived in the early 20th century. The leaf at each end of the rectangular table is attached to lopers or bearers. These tables often have a parquetry inlaid top.

How do you tell how old a table is?

The condition and markings on the wood, the style and the hardware used to assemble the table can help determine if it’s antique — more than 100 years old — or simply a collectible. Age is just one determinant of value, however. Condition and craftsmanship are equally important.

What is a refectory Leaf?

A refectory table is a medieval style of wood dining table that is long and narrow. The base has two trestles or pedestals joined with a wooden slat or stretcher. Each drop leaf on a refectory table may seat two extra people. Other features on refectory tables may include a drawer on one side of the table’s length.

What was a refectory table used for?

A refectory table is a highly elongated table used originally for dining in monasteries during Medieval times. In the Late Middle Ages, the table gradually became a banqueting or feasting table in castles and other noble residences.

What is refectory give an example?

Refectory meaning A room where meals are served, especially in a college or other institution. noun. A dining hall in a monastery, college, etc. noun. A dining-hall especially in an institution such as a college or monastery.

What does draw leaf mean?

Leaf Doodle. A person constantly drawing leaves suggest that they are sharp and eager to take on more tasks than they already have.

How do drop leaf tables work?

An undercover workhorse, the drop leaf table features two hinged leaves at either end. Pop the leaves up and it functions as a perfect dining table, or let them hang free and turn it into a console or bedside table, neatly tucked against the wall.

What do the numbers on the back of furniture mean?

A number could indicate the style, the maker, or even a patent granted to the company. The furniture back. Some manufacturers used less expensive wood on the back of a bureau, and they placed the label there, where it wouldn’t damage the finish.

How do I find out how much my furniture is worth?

Go on Craigslist and Ebay and check what other people are selling similar items for.

1. Furniture Valuation Guides, found easily online, will give you ranges of prices for most furniture.
2. Look for items as similar as possible to yours.

What kind of table is a refectory table?

A refectory table is a medieval style of wood dining table that is long and narrow. The base has two trestles or pedestals joined with a wooden slat or stretcher. These tables were first used by monks in a monastery dining hall which is called a refectory.

Why is a refectory table good for a narrow dining room?

A refectory table is a good choice for narrow dining rooms since it’s thinner in width than regular dining tables. Dining room width is important since enough room needs to be allowed for dining chairs to be pushed out from the table without them scraping the wall.

What was the refectory table used for in medieval times?

A refectory table is a highly elongated table used originally for dining in monasteries during Medieval times. In the Late Middle Ages, the table gradually became a banqueting or feasting table in castles and other noble residences.

Where are the refectory tables in a monastery?

In its original use, one or more refectory tables were placed within the monks ‘ dining hall or refectory. The larger refectories would have a number of refectory tables where monks would take their meals, often while one of the monks read sacred texts from an elevated pulpit, frequently reached from a stone staircase to one side of the refectory.