Some people call them drawing boards. Some people call them drawing tables or architects tables. But most people name a multipurpose table used by contractors, architects, artists in their art studio, and designers a drafting table. They use the wood drafting table for crafts, drawing, writing, model building or sketching. The antique oak drafting table has been around for a long time. They were originally used for architectural drafting way back before computers took over this task. These table were also huge and took up a lot of space. Today, many of these drawing tables are called antiques. There are many antique drafting tables on the market. You can also find new ones that mimic the old style of drafting tables.

Drafting tables made a hundred years ago (we call an antique drafting table) were considered a piece of furniture. They were handcrafted from oak and had brass hardware fittings attached. Some owners considered them prize possessions in their home. As drafting progressed, drafting tables progressed also. They continued to make them out of oak and also attached an adjustable drawing board. To reduce back pain, the drawing board could be set in a vertical position or could be laid flat like a table.

Today, architectural drafting tables are made mainly from metal and plastic. But you can still fine a few manufacturers that build a drafting table similar the antique drafting table design. Of course with the emergence of computer aided design, table is made to accommodate a computer or laptop. But nothing beats the charm and look of an antique drafting table to sketch on in your studio.

A well made antique drafting table will easily function as a modern drafting table. They may be heavier and harder to transport, but they beat out the modern one in the charm department. The antique is valued much more for their aesthetic value and charm and for their functionality. Your well maintained antique drafting table can act as a functional piece of furniture and is displayed as a decorative piece of furniture.

Maybe you’re looking for that antique to complement a home library or artist’s studio. Then this type of table is a good choice than buying a new one. It will be a welcome addition to the space as we as an artifact of history or piece of art. And it will be a functional piece of furniture as well.

There are a couple of thing to look for when shopping for an antique table. The primary reason for these tables back in the day was to fit large sheets on building plans and they were large tables. Make sure you have the room to fit it. Also, they were made of a hardwood and will be very heavy. These tables may be difficult to move to the second floor of a house.