Gate leg tables were made in all sizes. Some were low which doubled as stools. Taller ones were used as stands. Some of the larger gate legs had double gates and could seat up to 16 people. Large oval dining tables were found in many middle class homes, but after 1660 it was fashion in polite societies to use several small gate legs in one dining room, to accomodate a lot of guests in small parties to hold intimate conversations.
The construction of gate legs tables varied in detail, smaller ones only had one support at each end with a block or trestle foot. Some were made to completely fold flat and to be stored out of sight. The larger gate legs needed double gates to support the large leaves.
