A Handmade Coffee Table
My husband came to my rescue. He made a coffee table for the living room – a perfect in every way coffee table. Its size is just right. Its color adds warmth to the room, and I love its Arts and Crafts style.
The coffee table we had wasn’t working in this small room. It was big and bulky, and it took up a lot of precious real estate. I tried putting a bench from the kitchen in its place, but that was small and short, and easy to trip over. Enter Handyman (picture Superman, but with an H). He took me for a ride to his favorite hardwood supplier in New Hampshire, Highland Hardwoods, where we found this beautiful piece of wide plank African Mahogany that was just the right size for a coffee table.
The coffee table is based on the hayrake table originally designed by Ernest Gimson, an architect and designer, from the English Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800’s. His partner, furniture maker and craftsman Sidney Barnsley, hand crafted the tables based on the construction of the wooden hay rake.
The legs are walnut with mortise-and-tenon design. The pins are hardwood dowels. I have a bit of a crush on the mix of different hardwoods.
I love my new custom made coffee table and the Handyman who made it.
WOW, totally impressive! Practically perfect in every way…cheers
Wow, he did such a fabulous job. Love the wood used.
That’s a beautiful table your handyman husband built! It is much more suited to the room’s size and the open feel of it makes the room bigger. He did a great job! I’d never heard of the hayrake design or the designers. Beautiful!
Hey Mary, it’s lovely. Got a question for you:that schooner on the wall with the blue background? Is it crewel? If so, we have the same piece. My mother made it in the late 60s. Mine has a big gouge in the frame which I have tried very hard to coverup.
It IS perfect! Beautiful.
very cool! i love the base!
Mary – it’s beautiful! And how great is it to say that it’s one of a kind and made by your hubby – definitely some bragging right there!
* should have proof read my comment before I hit send…should have read “definitely some bragging RITES there!”
I really like it! Your hubby is quite handy! I’m also admiring that beautiful area rug under it! 🙂
XO,
Jane
Wow – so pretty! That is gorgeous, your husband is obviously quite a talented builder!!
Oh my goodness! LOVE the table – and may I mention the beautiful vase and flowers … and your sofa pillows … and the wall of interesting pictures and objects. It all looks amazing and so fresh!
Okay seriously loving this whole room. Absolutely gorgeous! You lucky woman, that hubby is a keeper:) You both have a lot of talent. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Di
I need to “borrow” your hubby Mary; projects are not getting done around here!! The new table is magnificent!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Just beautiful!
Hi Mary! Your new coffee table is lovely! The mix of woods is perfect and the base is outstanding. I love the curve which makes me think nautical. Perfection!
How nice to have your own furniture maker! Great looking piece!
Beautiful. My favorite part is the curved support bar.