This table was designed and built as part of my second semester at the Sheridan College (Oakville, ON, Canada) furniture design program. We were tasked to create a table with a drawer under 6 sq ft and within a certain material allowance. My table was heavily influenced by a Finn Juhl design from the 1940s. I was really fond of the lightness of his work as well as the cleanliness of lines within simple forms.

The design process was fairly simple as I was essentially repurposing an existing idea instead of designing one from scratch; however, I believe this was a very important exercise in that it allowed me to explore in three dimenstion the style and aesthetic that I respond to.

Technically, it was quite challenging. I learned and expanded my skills when it comes to turning, veneering (top is veneered, the remainder is solid), slip tenon joinery, sliding dovetail joinery, and overall understanding of structure. My friend who is attending Sheridan’s textile program made the custom drawer lining which was a nice final touch and I’m very much in debt to her. The finish is 40% oil, 40% solvent-based eurathane and 20% mineral spirits that brushes on and wipes off; it’s a great finish that is as simple to apply as an oil but with the added protection of varnish. Exterior surfaces are waxed and rubbed out for added sheen.

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