The piece of furniture under consideration is a small table, typically placed beside a bed, designed and built according to the principles of the Mission design movement. These tables are characterized by their simple, horizontal and vertical lines, flat panels, and solid construction. An example would be a bedside table constructed from quarter-sawn oak, featuring exposed joinery and a dark stain.
This furniture form offers practical bedside storage and display space while embodying the values of craftsmanship, durability, and unadorned beauty associated with the Arts and Crafts era. The design often evokes a sense of stability and order. Historically, it represents a reaction against the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian period, emphasizing honest materials and functional design.
