Today's smartphones' predecessors also had their own "docking stations." Although they didn't look like modern accessories, the first "telephone stand" appeared in the late 19th century with the spread of wired telephones.
The first piece of furniture of this kind was likely made in the United States. At that time, the telephone was still considered a luxury item, and wealthy homes often dedicated a separate small table or stand to it. These early "telephone stands" were often made in elegant, classic styles, bearing the hallmarks of the Victorian era or the Art Nouveau style of the turn of the century. Imagine a beautifully carved wooden table, perhaps with a marble top, on which the early telephone proudly stood!
Although I searched, I couldn't find a specific name for the maker of the "first" telephone stand, but it is certain that contemporary cabinetmakers and manufacturers across the country produced similar pieces for discerning customers. These pieces of furniture were not only functional but also ornaments for the home, reflecting the social status and taste of their owners. It's interesting to consider the long journey that today's sleek, minimalist phone holders have taken since their ornate, wooden predecessors. I wonder what forms and functions we will see in the "resting places" for our phones in the future?
We upholstered this lovely little stand with modern techniques, and it was necessary to reassemble and glue certain parts. We sanded it, French polished it, and upholstered it with the fabric envisioned by our kind customer.
