Visiting Tablemaker: What You Need to Know

By Appointment Only

We work by appointment so we can give each person proper time and attention. You won’t be sharing the space with other visitors, and we can set things up in advance based on what you’d like to see.

Booking a Visit

It’s easy to book an appointment. Just give us a ring on 020 8341 6334 or email hello@tablemaker.co.uk. Let us know what kind of furniture you’re interested in, and we’ll make sure the right examples and samples are ready.

What to Expect at the Showroom

Showcase of Bespoke Furniture

You’ll see a mix of tables, desks, shelving, and more—some made for previous clients, others in progress. Everything is made using solid hardwood like oak, walnut, beech, or pine — no chipboard or MDF.

Meet the Makers

One of us will talk you through how we work. We’ll listen to what you’re looking for, show you different options, and answer any questions. Whether you’re after a one-off table or fitting out an entire room, we’re here to help.

Samples and Finishes

We’ll show you a range of finish samples and timber types. Our tables are finished with hardwax oil which gives a natural, easy-to-maintain surface. Samples can be handled and compared in the showroom to help with your decision.

The Benefits of Booking a Visit

See the Furniture Up Close

Photos can only show so much. Seeing our furniture in person gives you a better idea of the colour, texture, and feel of the wood. You’ll be able to notice the details that matter most.

One-to-One Conversation

We’ll sit down with you and talk through your ideas. There’s no rush and no hard sell. Our job is to help you figure out what fits your needs, whether that’s a dining table, a fitted piece, or something else entirely.

Testimonials from Visitors

People often tell us how helpful it was to see everything up close and talk things through in person. Being able to handle the wood and see real pieces gives them the confidence to move ahead with their ideas.

“We live just down the road in Muswell Hill and had been looking for a proper dining table for months. Visiting the showroom made a huge difference. Seeing the pieces in person and chatting about what we needed helped us decide quickly. We now have a table that actually fits our space.”
— Anna & James, N10

“I’m based in Finsbury Park and needed a solid desk for working from home. The team at Tablemaker were friendly and easy to talk to. I saw the desk top I wanted, chose a finish, and it was delivered just a few weeks later. Couldn’t be happier with it.”
— Mark, N4

What Defines Scandinavian-Style Furniture?

Origins: Danish Modern, Finnish Minimalism, Swedish Functionality

Scandinavian design began in countries like Denmark and Finland where the winters are long and homes need to feel light, calm, and useful. The idea is to make things that last, work well, and do not take up more space than they need to. Designers such as Alvar Aalto and Hans Wegner made this approach popular by creating furniture that focused on people, not trends. That same thinking continues today.

Defining Traits of Scandinavian Tables

A typical Scandinavian table uses open grain hardwood such as oak or ash with a matte finish that highlights the texture and tone of the timber. Clean lines, gently tapered legs, and invisible joinery define the look. Joinery methods like mortise and tenon or finger joints ensure strength without metal fixings or unnecessary connectors. Table tops are often finished with hardwax oil or water-based lacquer, allowing for a tactile, easy-clean surface that preserves the natural feel of the wood.

Relevance in Contemporary UK Homes

In the UK, especially in London, space is often limited. That is where Scandinavian tables work really well. They do not take up too much room and they blend in, rather than dominate. You can match them with many types of furniture, from modern pieces to vintage or rustic ones. Their neutral tone and balanced proportions make them a great choice for all sorts of homes.

Our Sustainability Ethos On Bespoke Furniture

Choosing environmentally responsible materials

We make deliberate choices to use materials that are kind to the planet. Most of our timber comes from FSC certified forests, which are managed responsibly. When we use reclaimed wood, we are giving new life to high quality materials that would otherwise go to waste. These timbers often include English ash, Scottish larch, and European white oak, which are chosen for their strength and visual appeal.

Eco conscious finishes and packaging

Instead of harsh chemicals, we use natural oils and water based lacquers. These finishes allow the grain of the wood to show through, providing a natural look that fits the Scandinavian aesthetic. Packaging is minimal and recyclable, helping reduce unnecessary waste.

Built to last, not to replace

Fast furniture often ends up in landfill after a few years. Our tables are made to be used every day for decades. We design them to be repairable, refinishable, and reusable. Scandinavian principles favour longevity and low-impact materials, which we adopt fully in our approach.

4. Built to Last with Hardwearing Materials

High Quality Timber for Longevity

Custom tables use durable hardwoods like European oak, black walnut and ash, selected for their structural strength and natural beauty. These timbers respond well to finishing, are easy to maintain and improve in appearance as they age.

Designed for Daily Use

From meals and remote work to board games and family events, your table sees regular action. Made-to-order designs are created for this. Jointing methods such as mortise and tenon or dowel fixings give strength. Finishes are chosen for resistance to spills, scratches and heat. This gives peace of mind for long term use.

5. Sustainable and Responsible Furniture

Ethically Sourced Materials

Timber used by Tablemaker is always certified from responsible sources or comes from salvaged stock. This means it is traceable and managed with environmental protection in mind. The UK Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) states that over 70 percent of consumers in the UK now consider sustainability when buying furniture.

Furniture That Reduces Waste

Unlike flat pack models that are made in bulk, made-to-order tables are produced one at a time. There is no dead stock or overproduction. Designs are made to last, meaning fewer replacements and less waste. That supports a lower carbon lifestyle and a more circular economy.

6. Function That Fits Your Life

Flexible Design for Modern Homes

Whether you need an extending dining surface for guests, or a compact table with added storage for a smaller kitchen, these requirements are built into the design. It gives you a table that truly works in your home, day to day.

Dual Use and Multi Function Options

Many clients ask for tables that serve more than one role. A kitchen table might double as a work desk. A hallway table might also store keys and post. These practical choices are simple to include from the start, instead of making do with a compromise later.

Understanding Your Space

Accurate measurement of your dining area is essential when selecting a table. For comfortable movement, aim for a clearance of at least ninety centimetres between the table and any surrounding furniture or walls. Round tables work particularly well in compact or square rooms, helping to maintain an open feel and balanced appearance. Rectangular tables, in contrast, are ideal for larger or longer rooms where their linear form can complement the space without overpowering it.

If you are working with an open plan layout, a rectangular dining table can also help define the dining area clearly without the need for additional room dividers. Take a look at our size guide to better understand your space.

Matching Table Shape to Room Shape

Why are round tables better for square rooms?

Round tables naturally fit into square spaces by mirroring the room’s proportions. They promote a balanced aesthetic and make it easy for everyone seated to maintain eye contact, which encourages relaxed and inclusive mealtimes. Round tables also reduce the amount of unused space, making the area feel more generous.

When should you choose a rectangular table?

Rectangular tables are best suited to rooms that are longer than they are wide. They align with the architecture of the space and allow for efficient seating arrangements. If you often entertain large groups or have a big family, a rectangular table provides the flexibility to seat more people without compromising comfort.

Smart options for irregular room shapes

In rooms with unconventional layouts, such as L shapes or alcoves, round tables can offer more versatility by fitting comfortably without creating awkward empty spaces. Custom-built rectangular tables, available through Tablemaker, can also be crafted to fit specific room dimensions precisely, ensuring optimal use of space.