I often talk about 4 main types of table bases, going from far in the corners to the middle of the table. Parsons style legs are in the corners. Sled legs, or 2 separate legs, sit a little further in. A trestle base connects two legs with a stringer through the middle of the table. Finally a Pedestal supports the table from right in the centre. Today I just want to talk about this last category: the pedestal tables.
A pedestal offers unique uses as a base for a table. With the base right tin the centre it frees space for chairs and legs all the way around the table. This is especially great for a banquette style table. But these pedestals aren't only very useful, they're also very pretty.
At Loewen Design Studios we build many different pedestals, but there are 2 designs that stand out. The Como Pedestal and Jennings Pedestal. These are represented in the Glenbow and Jarvis Collections respectively. Both of these pedestals are very flexible and we build them to work with many different shapes and sizes. They both offer lots of leg room. But stylistically they are very different.
First the Como Pedestal. This pedestal table base is much more of a maximalist style. The base is built from many different pieces of wood, each with their own unique grain. This creates a base with many different textures, and variations in color. While it still has a uniform and singular finish, the different pieces of wood make each piece unique.
The Jennings Pedestal base offers a strong contrast to this. It has an hourglass pedestal coming to a floor plate, all made from the same wood as the table. This is a midcentury modern design. This base leans to more minimalist designs, with very clean lines. The Jennings base has nothing more than exactly what's needed to hold the table up. This pedestal also has a single colouring to it, and with that a simpler appearance.
These two pedestals will do the same thing for you. They will hold up your table, and stay away from where you want to put your legs and chairs. But it's important to get one that matches your style, you taste, and your atmosphere.
And for what it's worth, they're both good options. While the Jennings base may suit my dad's style better, the Como pedestal definitely suits mine better.
Cheers
Josh
