Tablemaker specialises in solid oak tables and table tops for both commercial and residential interiors. Whatever the setting, our work is guided by the same design philosophy: clean, contemporary forms, carefully considered proportions and a focus on the natural character of solid oak.
Our Design Philosophy
Our furniture is designed around a simple idea: we believe that well-made pieces should feel contemporary without being tied too closely to a passing trend.
The starting point for much of our work is the Scandinavian design tradition — furniture with clean lines, balanced proportions and an emphasis on the natural qualities of the material.
We are also influenced by mid-century modern furniture, particularly the lighter visual details that help solid timber feel elegant rather than heavy: tapered legs, softened or bevelled edges, simple frames and carefully considered proportions.
In our own designs, we generally keep traditional structural features such as aprons and stretcher bars to a minimum, using them only where they are needed for stability or where they suit the intended style of the piece.
The result is furniture that is modern and understated, but not stark. We tend to avoid unnecessary decoration, allowing the shape, construction and grain of the oak to provide much of the character.
Designed around solid oak
Solid oak is at the centre of what we make. It is a premium material with a long tradition in furniture making, but one that works particularly well with contemporary design.
Oak has enough natural variation to make every piece individual, while its strength and durability make it suited to furniture designed for everyday use. Rather than trying to disguise those natural characteristics, our designs are intended to make the most of them.
This influences many of the decisions we make. Table tops are kept visually simple so that the grain remains prominent.
Edges and profiles can be used to change the character of a piece without adding unnecessary detail, while leg shapes and supporting structures are designed to complement rather than compete with the timber.
A natural finish
We also prefer finishes that allow oak to continue looking and feeling like wood.For most of our current furniture we use Rubio Monocoat oil rather than a glossy lacquer or heavily built-up surface coating. The finish protects the timber while retaining a much more natural appearance and texture.
Different colours can subtly change the character of the oak — from pale, contemporary finishes through to warmer or darker tones — without obscuring its grain and variation. This gives us flexibility to create furniture that works in very different interiors while maintaining the same underlying design approach.
Furniture made for its setting
Although there is a recognisable style running through our work, we do not believe every table needs to look the same.
A dining table for a home, a set of restaurant tables and a commercial table top all have different practical requirements. Size, proportions, construction and detailing can therefore change according to how and where the furniture will be used.
What connects them is the same approach: straightforward contemporary design, solid oak, carefully considered details and a natural finish.
Our Residential Designs and Commercial Designs pages show how this approach translates into furniture for different settings.
Commercial
We make tables and table tops for a wide range of commercial spaces, including cafés, restaurants, bars, hotels, offices and other hospitality and workplace interiors.
See designs for commercial projects.
Residential
We make tables and table tops for residential spaces, including dining rooms, kitchens, open-plan living areas and other areas of the home.
See designs for residential projects.