About The Project
This dining room set consists of a 101” long by 48” wide table with eight arm-less side chairs and four armed end chairs. The table is made from three wide cherry boards that were consecutively cut from the same log. This provides visual mass and a beautiful repeating grain pattern. The table rests on two chevron shaped legs, which evoke the legs of the chairs.
The high backed chairs are based on a 1950’s design by Danish designers Bob and Dries Van Den Berghe. The backs are made from five plies which were cut from thick cherry planks. The outer two plies run the length of the back, while the three inner plies are wedge shaped, with each ply being a different length. The bottom starts with five plies, ending in two at the top. When glued together the resulting back gracefully tapers from the base to the top. Each individual ply is bendable, but once glued together the back is rigid, but yet has enough spring for added comfort. Typical chairs have four legs. The three legged design of these chairs adds visual interest. The front legs of the end chairs extend up to support the graceful armrests.
While the chairs may look a bit harsh, they are extremely comfortable and have made for long pleasurable dinners. A main reason for this comfort was the input from the customer who was a physical therapist. Multiple mockups were made to ensure the correct seat height, curve and canter of the back.
Cherry naturally darkens with age when exposed to UV light. These photos were taken 30 years after the dining set was built. This table and chairs have mellowed to a deep rich burgundy-brown, which is complemented by the black leather seats. This color is also complemented by the rich red walls of the dining room.
