Table (furniture)

A table ( gr δίσκος discos, plate ',' plate ') is a piece of furniture that can be characterized by an accessible, mostly flat and level surface that rests on one or more legs. The most common categorizations are likely shelf, dining table and work space.

The design of tables is extremely variable, for example, can also be a label on the wall horizontal board serve as a table. Therefore, it is difficult to get the structure of a table to derive a definition. The table is a classic bridge furniture. In contrast to case furniture it spans the space, rather than to surround him.

Etymology

Neuhochdeutsch, table ', Middle High German table, Old High German TISC table ', ' bowl ' ( 800 ); Old Saxon disk, Middle Low German disch, medium dutch disc, desc, Dutch dis, Old English disc, platter ',' dinner plate ',' shell ',' bowl ', English dish, bowl ', ' disk ', ' court ', ' food '.

Borrowed from Latin discus, discus ',' shallow bowl ',' disk ', Greek discos ( δίσκος ), Flying Disc ', ' plate ', ' plate ', ' disc- like object '; Education with sk- suffix to the Greek dikēin ( δικεΐν ), throw '.

The changing significance of, disc ',' disc ',' bowl 'to' table ' explained by the fact that the table for the Germanic period consisted of a located on a rack small wooden plate, which also served as Essschüssel and, at meals every individual was provided.

Function

Tables are often used to bring objects, appliances and other items to use in a raised position in order to easily access them.

A table can also serve as a tool, such as a survey instrument. For tables with adjustable legs and a leveling plate and a plate mounted on the binoculars for precise surveying and mapping of landscapes ( measuring table ) were used. Another example is the bench.

The most commonly associated with the table placed in our culture, in conjunction piece of furniture is the chair, which is usually brought to the table to sit on. There are also tables that are used in a standing position ( standing desk, bistro table ).

Common in Asia are also tables to the sides of you ( without chair) sits down. The kotatsu table in Japan is also used as a heat source.

In ancient times it was customary to create tables. See also: food culture in the Roman Empire

Larger tables where one eats food, is also called blackboard.

Construction

Probably the most common variant of the construction consists of four interconnected by ribs table legs with it lying horizontal tabletop. There are also variants with three, two or one leg and differently shaped table tops. The leg of a table with only one such is called stem base. Tables with three legs can not wobble as satisfy geometrical eye three points to span a plane.

A table can be made of any solid material, usually it is but made ​​of wood. Other commonly used materials include glass, metal, stone, various plastics or concrete.

Many tables have drawers or compartments, can be stored in which frequently used at this table objects. A table form in which this development is going very far, is the secretary. This design is, however, less and less used as many objects on work tables were obsolete by the use of computers. This is the name the user interface of different computer desktop ( engl. table surface ) not random.

Tables can also be provided with a statement, thus the table surface can be increased. This technique is usually at dinner tables use, so in addition people can take a seat at the table. Common variants are the extension leaves, the classic head extract, as well as the head backdrop extract. The leaves can be infected by name in corresponding recesses at the top ends. The head extract is attached below the table top, being pulled by frame at the head end and fixed to table top level. The most stable variant applies the head backdrop extract. The frame structure is pulled together with table legs that are now visible extension leaves are folded up and form the table top extension.

Character and desks are often provided with a device by means of which the inclination angle and / or height of the work surface can be adjusted (usually known as table height ).

Standards and norms for construction and safety

• EN 527 Office furniture - Work tables and desks
• EN 581 Outdoor furniture - Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use
• EN 1730 Furniture - Tables - Test methods for the determination of stability, strength and durability
• EN 13150 Work Tables for laboratories - Dimensions, safety requirements and test methods
• BS 4875 Furniture. Strength and stability of furniture. Methods for determination of stability of non -domestic storage furniture ( British Standard )

Social Relevance

The table is an object with a relatively fixed location. This means that one goes to a table. The table is often divided into Suborte where each receives its specific place. So a table receives one direction. Here symmetry and line of sight play an important role.

The place where someone is on a table it may draw conclusions about its relationship to the other people present. So there are plenty of tables to a head end which gives the "owner" of a certain social heightening. But the middle of a long side can be very significant. So sitting there, for example, usually the presiding judge at a hearing. Leonardo da Vinci's mural The Last Supper shows this phenomenon already in the Italian Renaissance.

Meal

A classic situation that runs through all cultures and age is to meet for a meal. So take for example the shared family meal is an important function in the fabric of a family. Many business connections are established or received with so-called business lunches. Popular it is also to invite friends for dinner or drinks to maintain friendships. Here, the table is usually decorated festively; Tableware, cutlery and special table decorations here provide an ideal setting, which is to document the importance of the invited guests.

In many cultures, serving, and eating meals is addressed in a separate table of corresponding size. In Central Europe this usually has a height of 72-80 centimeters. One seated him on a matching chair person it is so convenient possible to store the arms on the table. Lower, placed in the middle or near the seat - group tables are also known as couch, club or side tables. In the traditional medium-and far-eastern home decor, where, tired of sitting in the typical case on the floor on chairs, for example in Japan, the tables are low anyway.

In many languages ​​the phrase put to " the feet under a table " exists. This sentence also implies a possession and dependency ratio. Someone " donates " a table and have a meal and creates a place of safety, for a certain consideration is expected. This can be, for example respect ( the family head ), Sequence shaft ( a prince ) or material nature ( restaurant).

Dining tables will bring together the family and serve as a popular meeting place.

See also: table manners, table setting

Work

Much work is also done at tables. So many friendly relations at work tables are made. For example, in the school or university you learn very quickly get to know the people who sit at the common table. In offices, this social function of the table is enhanced by the fact that a table is set up and thus defined as stationary. So we defined a subspace in the room where several people work and deals with the people, whose rooms are adjacent to their own.

Negotiation

Many negotiations are conducted at tables. Depending on the motivation and negotiation target different tables are being used, thus creating different places there.

In order to emphasize the equality of the negotiating parties, the so-called round table is often used.

Many tables have an owner and a visitor page. The ratio of the two sides is so decisive for the hearing. Will the owner for example, to sell something, then the visitor side will be comfortably equipped with the rule. Of the visitors come as a supplicant, he will have to adjust normally to less comfort. So it was to be often the case in government offices, while the officials sitting.

Game

Many games take place at tables. For some special games specially designed tables (billiards, roulette ) or a table is required to play them ( finger wrestling ). For other games, there are also special tables, although they are not absolutely necessary for the game (eg, chess tables with game board and storage for figures).

Sayings

As in many other languages ​​also, many sayings have developed around the table:

• "! At the table ": The food is ready, call for meeting and sitting down;
• " Setting the table ": Laying cutlery and tableware according to social norms on the table;
• " Drink under the table ": bring someone through common use of alcohol to drink more than he / she can tolerate.
• " Put their feet under the table ": live with someone, eat and live;
• " Under the table ": secret sale;
• " Drag someone across the table ": someone cheating ( see also Fingerhakeln );
• " Wipe the slate clean ": clarify one thing that create a precondition for a new beginning of communication; ( The phrase probably originated from the misinterpretation of " tabula rasa .");
• " Come be off the table / / need ": a problem has been solved, an issue is no longer relevant or is or has to be done;
• " Bang on the table " to vigorously enforce;
• " Green table ": impractical;
• "sit at the round table ": A meeting will be taken symbolically equal to the agreements (to be); cf Round Table