Buy a new dining table from a major retailer and you’re likely getting a product that was manufactured out of the country, not to mention a carbon copy of the same table that sits in thousands of other people’s dining rooms. Even the furniture that falls into the category of “high design” is often made in Italy or somewhere equally as exotic. Did you know that there are plenty of unique, handmade designs right here in America? We take a look at five stand-out dining table designers.
Saloom
Peter Saloom began by making furniture in his father’s basement as a kid, and eventually he and wife Linda started their own furniture company. Based out of Winchendon, Massachusetts, Saloom creates a wide range of dining table styles, but we especially like the Criss Cross and the Bridge designs. Both tables are modern, but simple enough to fit with just about any decor. Glass topped tables are a great choice for smaller dining areas or shared dining and living spaces because they seem to disappear, making the space feel larger.
This Criss Cross features a 44″ X 72″ rectangular glass top on an angular, maple wood base with the “java” finish.
The Bridge also has a 44″ X 72″ rectangular glass top and a maple wood base, and in this case a clear finish. Other finish options are available for all of Saloom’s dining tables.
Wonk
Williamsburg, Brooklyn-based furniture company Wonk designs tables that are anything but wonky. In fact, their designs are as clean as they come. For example, the Nevins table has a simple black metal frame and a wood top with a rift white oak cross grain pattern. No fussy details here. It’s also adjustable and available with other wood tops and lacquer finishes. Did we mention it’s pretty affordable, at only $1195.00?
Wonk works with homeowners as well as architects and other design professionals. They focus on functionality and space-efficient solutions, appropriate for an NYC-based company. Visit Wonk’s showroom in person if you’re in the area, or you can order online throughout the US.
PD White
While many furniture makers are located on the East coast, the center of the country has its share of talented designers, too. Cleveland, Ohio-based PD White specializes in unique, custom wood furniture. Paul White has 20 years of experience under his belt, and his designs are not only conversation pieces, but also the result of in-depth conversations with his clients. He uses local, sustainable materials, typically trees removed by the city or a homeowner. You can’t get more custom than that.
The Cement Table is just as it sounds: a 3′ by 5′ chunk of cement sits atop a red oak frame, bound by exposed nuts and bolts. The table doesn’t look nearly as heavy as it probably is, and the rustic materials look fresh and modern in this clean and functional design. Can you believe the client only paid $850.00??
Not your conventional dining table, the Sushi Table was custom made for a photographer who wanted to sit “Japanese style.” At only one foot tall, the table provides a unique and low-to-the-ground dining experience, and the walnut wood top with an exposed, uneven natural edge provides plenty of character. White will adapt the table to fit customers needs for only $750.00.
Cherner Chair
Brothers Benjamin and Thomas brought their father Norman Cherner’s classic chair designs back into production. But Cherner doesn’t just make chairs; Benjamin also designs elegant dining tables in round, rectangular and oval shapes that are both strong and lightweight. They are comprised of cross-ply plywood and some have exposed edges while others are finished with edge bands. Wood finishes include classic walnut and clear beech as well as other custom options, all of which are water-based and low VOC. Products are available through dealers worldwide or directly through the website. 
Hudson Furniture
Of all the American dining table designers, we were most impressed with NYC-based Hudson Furniture. By coincidence, Joe Armenia also profiled them in his post on American furniture sources. Take a look at these two tables and you can see why were were so excited:
The Knight Base table features a handmade, cast bronze base with a Claro walnut top. It is available in custom sizes and finishes, like all Hudson pieces, and pricing is available by request.
This solid Claro walnut table bridges the gap between rustic and refined and can probably accommodate most of your friends.
Hudson’s designs exploit the natural characteristics of the wood and its grain, and the best word to sum them up is “organic.” On top of being incredibly chic, Hudson’s designs are made from sustainable word products, including 300 year-old trees salvaged from wind storms. Some designs even include petrified wood. Visit the NYC showroom in the hip Meatpacking District.
Article by Murrye Bernard LEED AP
Murrye Bernard holds a Bachelor of Architecture, is a LEED Accredited Professional and has worked in architecture firms on a range of building types. She left the drafting board, or rather CAD station, to pursue her true passion: writing—about architecture. A native of the South, Murrye’s perception of space, color and texture was undoubtedly shaped by the humid backdrop of cotton fields and deteriorating downtowns. Now she calls the Brooklyn waterfront home. Her work has been published extensively on the web and in print, including Architectural Record, Eco-Structure and Architectural Lighting.
has written 23 awesome articles for Alluminare.
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