During the 18th Century the English cabinetmakers Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and others published a books of furniture designs based on ancient Greek rules for balance and proportion. These books were widely distributed throughout the American colonies. American cabinetmakers simplified Chippendale's designs to create their own designs. These designs got simplified further In the construction of the farm table because most farm tables were not made by cabinetmakers, but by the people that were going to use them. Their beauty was a by-product of their function. This brings to mind two concepts that are taught to art and design students at today’s universities, “form follows function” and “less is more”. The farm table is characterized by its long narrow proportions, which is emphasized by the fact that its boards run the length of the table rather than across it. Originally they served as worktables in the kitchens of farm houses across America. Today our farm tables are used in kitchens as well as dining rooms and even as writing tables.