Bespoke dining tables
A bespoke dining table is our most popular private enquiry. A table can create a heart for a home. A place for people to gather, eat, talk and create. Having a table that makes best use of the available space and best suits the requirements of a household is a vital component in a well designed home.
Arch Table partially extended.
If you are thinking about commissioning a bespoke dining table here a few things to think about.
the space
what are the dimensions of the available space?
are these dimensions fixed (perhaps a dining room) or is it a more flexible open space (perhaps the table can extend into a passageway occasionally) ?
features of the space - where is the light from windows and the longest view of the table, what are the features of the architecture, interior design, other furniture and art in the room?
when is it most used : morning, evening, or throughout the day?
how will people move through the space?
the users
how many every day and on high days and holidays?
the recommended width for a place setting is 60 cm per person, groups with children and family can cope with less for bigger gatherings
how do you like to serve meals? - do you need lot’s of space in the middle of the table - or prefer a smaller table for a more intimate experience?
what other ways will the table be used: work, craft, hobbies?
the top
what is the best shape for the top? we make square, rectangular, barrelled, elliptical, oval, round and asymmetrical.
(tables in shops are usually rectangular but this is because they are easier and therefore cheaper to make!)
the curved sides in oval, elliptical, round or barrel shaped tables create a much more convivial space as more diners can make eye contact with each other
curved sides often help the flow of people through a space
will a fixed top or extending top suit best?
Angus loves designing extending mechanisms, but it adds time and therefore cost, and if there is an oval shape that works for all your needs this is often the best option
the base
Angus likes to design a base that has narrative and suits the client, the space, the exterior views and other furniture and art works in the room
the shape of the base can be brought into design details in the top
the material and finish
we work in sustainable Scottish hardwoods and most commonly oak or ash
we are very happy to provide wood samples to help you choose a timber that suits your interior design
we use natural oil finishes that create a beautiful hardwearing surface
there are various options for oiled finishes that influence the colour and ease of maintenance (and soap or scrubbed finish may also suits)
our tables can be wiped with a damp cloth and do not need special protection (unlike French polish)
please ask for our Care of Oiled Furniture pdf if you would like to read more about this
oiled surfaces require occasional maintenance (perhaps a monthly polish and a re-application of oil every few years) and we can provide instruction and / or help with this
Solsgirth Dining Table opened into round shape, for ten diners. Shown with Solsgirth Carver Chairs and Solsgirth Sideboard. Read more
Clifton Dining Table in oak with barrelled top (curved sides and straight ends), chamfered edge and styled with vintage chairs. It is two metres long, and will very comfortably seat up to eight but is also comfortable for much smaller groups. The curved sides enable all diners to make eye contact and helps to create a sociable dining space. The width is 90 - 110 cm.
Most of our table designs can be customised with different, size, materials and detailing. This Clifton Table has a top with bullnose edge and an oiled oak top paired with darker fumed oak base. Styled with a set of bespoke Flying Buttress Chairs in oak and fumed oak.
The Botanical Table has extendable ends to create an oval table, and suits a family of four with gatherings of ten. The table was customised with names of the family (including dogs). Read more.
The Strata Table was commissioned to extend a kitchen unit into a table for dining. The top detail resonates with the clients interest in geology, and the design of the under-structure resonates with the view of the Forth Rail Bridge. Shown in oak with black scorched oak details.
Flying Goose Dining Table with barrelled elm top with bullnose edge detail, and complex steam-bent ash base. Comfortably seats twelve. Read more.
The Glen Oval Dining Table has eight arched components that create a strong base with lots of leg room for eight diners. Shown with the bespoke Glen Bench.
Bridge Table is a long rectangular table with a dramatic understructure and fixed top. Seats twelve. This is a fixed table and 3M long. We have also made an extendable version 3.2M - extends to 4.4M to seat sixteen.
The Fuller Round Table is a compact table for six. Diameter of the table with chairs is only 125 cm. Only works well with our bespoke Fuller Cafe Chairs! Read more
The Fold Table is a rectangular table with extending ends. L 130 extends to 220 x W 80 x H 75 cm Read more
Arch Extending Table extends from 2.4 M to 4.4 M and seats sixteen. Extra leaves can be added as required and are stored separately. Read more