The wonderful iron and marble French tables that are commonly referred to as pastry tables were actually primarily used in butcher shops as presentation tables on which they would display their best cuts of meat in the window. Now that we have the truth about these tables out of the way, we can concentrate on how these beautiful French tables can enhance interiors if you are lucky enough to have one or be able to find one.
The French Pastry/Butcher Table is mainly recognizable by it's ornately designed base. They are so beautifully embellished with cut outs and curves that even though the iron and marble make them a very heavy piece, they maintain a surprisingly light, airy, and refined look. While they are ideal for the kitchen, the perfect place to sit at and have coffee and pastries, they can also be used in other areas of the home as you will see in the pictures I have gathered.
Sorry to burst everyone's bubble about the actual use for these tables. I don't know when they got the name pastry table but it seems to have stuck. Call them anything you like, I just wanted to present the facts. Inside or out they are lovely tables. If you have one enjoy it, they are hard to find.
Placed in front of a window is one of the most perfect spots for the French Pastry/Butcher Table. Perhaps that it why they were used in shop windows. There is something about light that really sets these tables off.
Pretty gold and silver combination on the base of this wonderful Pastry/Butcher table.
source unknown
The Pastry/Butcher Table looks exquisite in a French kitchen. I think they are at their best with the light woods of fabulous cupboards like this one and crystal chandeliers reflecting light above. Again reflected light is this tables best friend, it just seems to enhance them.
Here you can see how pretty a smaller version of the French Pastry/Butcher Table can look when placed at the end of a kitchen island. Just adds more space for serving and display.
Or let a French Pastry/Butcher Table become your kitchen island. They make great work tables!
Perfection! The Pastry/Butcher Table is a very heavy piece yet certainly doesn't weigh down this room. All the white and the addition of the painted cane chairs helps to give it a lighter appearance.
The smaller Pastry/Butcher Tables might work better for smaller kitchens. It's funny how iron and marble can still look so warm and inviting. This table pulls it off somehow.
This is an uncommon base but soooooo pretty. The bases of the Pastry/Butchers tables are where they get their character.
Charles Spada
You can count on seeing a French Pastry/Butcher Table in a Charles Faudree interior. This one features a display of red transferware.
These tables are versatile and can be dressed up or used in a casually rustic space.
19th century table de boucher....butcher's table.
Another Pastry/Butcher Table with a unique base.
Pastry/Butcher tables are a perfect accent piece for a French Salon.
Pierre Deux
A smaller version works well as a coffee table. And when you have this fabulous sofa in the background it is all the more lovely.
myhomeideas.com
Look how soft and feminine this Pastry/Butcher Table becomes when used with the right fabrics and flowing window treatments.
This is such a sweet little Pastry/Butcher Table and is perfect for a bedside table. It plays wonderfully off the iron bed.
via Pinterest
Try using one in your bathroom, especially if you have a large window.
A Pastry/Butcher Table makes a great first impression in your entrance or foyer.
French Pastry/Butcher Tables also make a big impact on your outdoor entertainment areas.
Here Pamela Pierce has flanked a sofa of a sunroom with smaller versions of the Pastry/Butcher Table.
I love to see a Pastry/Butcher table against a stone background. The marble makes this ornate piece looks great when used with other natural stone.
John Jacob Interiors
I am looking for one to use outside like this. Lost a beauty at auction a couple months ago but am not giving up. Like I said they are hard to find.
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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer