Our Tables

Whilst our designs are inspired by those of the eighteenth century, most have a contemporary twist to compliment the 21st century interior; we describe the style as ‘Contemporary Classic’ – classically inspired tables that use a broad range of both modern and traditional materials in a contemporary manner.

Where a true eighteenth century style is required we refer to the design as ‘Georgian’ - tables true to the Georgian style that have the appearance of an ‘Antique’. These tables are currently only available in mahogany.

There are two main table designs:

  • The Connoisseur Presentation Table
  • Occasional tables

"The Connoisseur Presentation tables" are use for displaying (presenting) and storing fine glass ware and wine. They are particular designed for presenting and serving decanted wine at small social gatherings or parties (often called ‘social’ tables in the Georgian period).

"Occasional tables" are much smaller and lower and are designed to accommodate one or two glasses and perhaps a bottle of wine. They can be used in almost any situation; they will comfortably nestle close up to a chair or sofa or can be placed around a room so that wine glasses can be easily placed on them whilst standing.

In general ...

With all our tables the key to their success is their stability and function. Currently all tables are tripods – a three legged table cannot wobble! The tops of the occasional tables are smaller than the bases this is again for stability and ease of use. Some tables are particularly heavy at the base with either aluminium or bronze legs; this gives added stability (low centre of gravity) and counter-balances some of our heavier tops that use glass or aluminium.

The legs of our tables (including the metal ones) are all fitted onto the columns using traditional dovetail housing joints because this is the correct and most appropriate method to use – it is certainly not the cheapest method which is why it is rarely used in the furniture industry today.

All tables are finished using modern lacquers and paints as these are extremely hard wearing and will not be affected by any alcohol spillages.

All items have an engraved disc detailing item number, type and date of manufacture. This enables the table to be traced back via data base for identification purposes should it ever be necessary. It is particularly appropriate for the limited additions where the serial number will indicate the tables’ number within a series.

The Connoisseur Presentation Table

This table represents the pinnacle of our range and is specifically aimed at the wine connoisseur. It provides a unique ‘stage’ for the display and presentation of wine glasses, decanters and wine bottles.

The table is made in solid wood throughout. All turnings and carved legs are made by hand. The drawer uses traditional techniques and so has fine hand-cut dovetails and a solid wood base.

The design is based on an original eighteenth century ‘drinking table’ and uses the same construction and ‘bird cage’ mechanism that allows it to both rotate and tip when not in use.

It will hold eighteen wine glasses hanging upside down around the edge. Most standard glasses will fit but it has been specifically designed with the Riedel varietal specific wine glasses in mind and in particular those from the Vinum range.

The gallery is designed to accommodate decanters, wine bottles, chillers and a small bowl for fine chocolate to compliment certain ‘reds’. The decanter illustrated on the sycamore table is the Riedel ‘Cornetto’.

Slung below the gallery is a neatly fitted drawer to allow for ‘wine accessories’ such as cork screw, drip collar and thermometer. In addition, we can supply pewter tea light candle holders that fit into any unused wine glass slot.

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- Contemporary Classic – Sycamore

This table is based on the Georgian design but the detailing has been updated to give it a more contemporary feel; the column is a slightly different design as are the gallery and bird-cage spindles which can be produced in metal or wood.

The one shown here has cast aluminium legs but they can be carved in the same wood as the rest of the table if necessary. Suitable timbers for a contemporary look are oak, American black walnut, maple and ash.

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Details

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- Georgian

The Georgian table is manufactured in mahogany and gives the appearance of an antique. Where possible, the majority of the table is made from salvaged and recycled mahogany as this is both better quality and more environmentally friendly. We have chosen to finish the table in a modern lacquer which is extremely hard wearing and will not be affected by any spillages of alcohol (as would traditional shellac or ‘french polish’).

If you are looking for an ‘antique’ item to blend with an existing collection or interior then this is certainly the piece to select.

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Details

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Occassional 24/25 Collection

Introduction

Truly versatile and extremely elegant.

The name ‘Occasional 24/25’ relates to the height – 24 to 25 inches high – from the original Georgian design and still appropriate today.

The unique feature about this table is its small top and wide tripod base, all designed for stability. Our wooden table tops are all solid, NOT board materials which would be far cheaper but so much heavier!

Designed as a platform to rest your favourite glass of wine safely, close to hand, these tables also offer so much more; candle stand, lamp table, coffee/tea table, TV remote etc.

The key to its versatility is its ability to fit snugly up to your seat or discretely into a corner – it’s the small top that allows this.

The occasional 24/25 comes in many guises and so there is sure to be one that fits your requirements and budget.

From entry level ‘Standard Select’ through to our finest bronze, walnut and gold ‘Masterpiece’ there is something for everyone.

- Standard Select

There are three choices:

  • Plain Natural Oak
  • Painted in Farrow and Ball colours (shown below in ‘bone’), specify your colour upon ordering
  • Painted legs and column with solid oak top

These are our lightest weight tables, very easy to move around the room which adds to their versatility.

The tops are solid oak or solid ‘canary wood’ which is painted. The tops have been designed and engineered to prevent warping and cupping enabling us to achieve a delicate and truly aesthetic appearance.

The columns are hand turned to ensure fine detail and proportion.

The legs are dovetailed into the columns resulting in an unrivalled security of joint for a tripod table.

All tables carry the DAIS logo as well as a series number.

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- Standard Select ‘Plus’

Our Farrow and Ball painted table with the addition of cast aluminium legs.

The key here is that the legs add weight and visual appeal. The added weight provides a more solid and reassuring platform. Visually the table is transformed; the polished aluminium accentuates the lines and provides a contemporary twist. The legs are also slightly tapered toward the toe adding to the slender look.

True to our belief in correctly engineering our tables, these legs are also dovetailed into the column.

To visually balance and compliment the legs the top has a disc inlaid into it which is engraved with the DAIS logo.

Choose a Farrow and Ball colour that compliments your interior scheme and let the polished aluminium bring the table to life.

Finally, enjoy the moment when you place your glass on this sturdy platform.

Seen here in ‘strong white’ it would make the perfect ‘white wedding’ gift.

- ‘Superior’

The ‘Superior’ takes the design concept one step further by providing an aluminium top which is designed to ‘frame’ a decorative veneer matched to the column.

This is only possible due to the weight and stability provided by the aluminium legs; even so weight - reducing holes are bored into the top plate to compensate for the addition of the veneered insert.

Shown here is the black and silvered oak model with contemporary column.

A ‘brushed satin’ finish to the aluminium gives a more subtle, almost industrial twist appropriate for perhaps ‘loft style’ interiors.

Currently the ‘Superior’ table is only available in black and silvered oak, but more variations are planned.

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- ‘Masterpiece’ Series

Our unique design and construction techniques have allowed us to use and combine some of the finest materials to create the ‘Masterpiece’ series for the true enthusiast and connoisseur of fine wine and fine furniture.

Currently there are two models to choose from:

  • Burr Walnut - solid English walnut column with burr walnut inset top and polished aluminium legs and top
  • Bronze - solid English walnut column and framed walnut top containing a gold leaf decorated glass plaque supported on bronze legs

Both of these tables provide the ultimate in visual and practical enjoyment.

- Burr Walnut and Polished Aluminium

The finely cast and polished legs contrast beautifully with the highly burnished gloss lacquered walnut.

English walnut is a rare timber today but lends itself superbly to its use in this table.

Our unique aluminium top allows us to neatly fit a superb piece of burr walnut into the frame. Again a high gloss lacquer is use which is then burnished to a deep sheen.

The raised and polished rim of the aluminium top retains the ‘dish’ type design which is so essential for a wine table, keeping wine glasses safely corralled.

Inspiration for this design came from the classic cars which often featured a walnut dash!

The burr walnut table is stunning to look at, fantastic to use and unique amongst occasional tables today.

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- Bronze, Walnut and Gold Leaf

The heavy bronze legs on this table provide the opportunity to use a heavier top, in this case two pieces of glass with a gold leaf collage between.

The glass is held in a finely turned disc made from English walnut to match the column. The bronze legs flow into the contemporary column resulting in an almost organic form. This is by far the heaviest of our bases and provides unrivalled stability and a feeling of solidity when in use.

It pushes the boundaries of what is possible whilst ensuring that the most appropriate materials and construction methods are used for each element of the design.

The glass top is produced for us by a specialist artisan glass maker based in the Derbyshire Peak District.

The abstract tree design is produced from 24ct gold leaf sandwiched between two pieces of glass fused together in the kiln.

The tree design reflects the origin of the wood for the column and turned top and also the general form of the table.

The gold balances the colour of the bronze legs and the background colour can be dark brown or rich orange ochre colours.

The gold leaf top balances the polished bronze of the legs and the high gloss finished to the walnut adds to the overall richness of the table.

This table is both a functional table and a work of art - to be admired from a distance or enjoyed close to hand.

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- Georgian Mahogany

This is a faithful copy of an original table circa 1800. Wherever possible we use old stock and recycled mahogany. Some timber merchants hold stocks of mahogany from the 1950’s through to the late eighties and this is what we prefer to use. Also we have a stock of salvaged mahogany taken from pieces of eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture that were no longer viable to restore – known as ‘breakers’.

This table has French polished legs and column for authenticity of appearance and a modern lacquered top for durability. Wherever possible the top is made using one piece of timber rather than gluing smaller pieces together. With its antique appearance it will fit into any traditional interior scheme.

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Tables under development

- Occasional 21

A lower height table based on earlier eighteenth century examples. This will be produced in Georgian as well as Contemporary Classic styles.

- Occasional 27

This taller table has a thinner top of larger diameter and can double up as a lamp table. Again, this will be produced in Georgian as well as Contemporary Classic styles.

- Special and Limited Editions

Where we use a turned aluminium top, there is ample opportunity to fit alternative inserts such as carbon fibre, exotic veneers and specialist materials. We can also inlay or engrave a favourite logo or motif to mark special occasion. Corporate emblems such as a vehicle manufacturer’s badge can also be inlaid.

There are times when we may have a particular timber or veneer in very small quantities and so we will produce limited edition pieces. We have a small amount of ‘Cuban mahogany’ from the eighteenth century which will be used to create several wine tables in a unique design.

- Painted Versions

We are working on an Occasional 24/25 table that can be painted in Farrow and Ball colours which would be an entry level table and one which could also be used in the hotel and leisure industry.

- Bespoke Service

All tables are made to order so if you wished to specify a certain timber or other material then please ask and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

- Accessories

We also produce turned wooden bottle and decanter coasters to compliment the Connoisseur Presentation table. We have a small collection of turned wooden goblets that can be used as gift or presentation items. We hope to have images to follow soon. In the mean time please enquire for further information.