Table with river

Interior design ideas know no boundaries. I remember that until recently, the ultimate desires of our fellow citizens were wallpaper with small flowers and a Romanian “wall”. And today designers are coming up with an increasing number of interesting new products that should give the room originality and uniqueness. One of these innovations was the river table. Such furniture has become a godsend for connoisseurs of beauty and environmental friendliness. The table is perfect for any eco-style, allowing you to enjoy a piece of nature in the middle of a dirty city or highlight the charm of a country estate.

The river table belongs to the “living edge” style. This direction of design thought should highlight the beauty of natural nature, without the use of paints and chemicals, with a minimum amount of additional processing. The table is particularly unique and unique. It is impossible to create a second such creation; any two tables will be at least slightly different from each other.

What does a table with a river look like?

The river table was created by American carpenter Greg Klassen. For the base, he used what was considered waste: saw cuts with all sorts of irregularities, knots, cracks and other troubles that were not entirely suitable for the manufacture of prestigious and reliable furniture.

Reference! Such cuts (horizontal or vertical) began to be called slabs. The carpenter reinforced the wood's irregularities and cracks and then inserted clear blue glass inside.As a result of these manipulations, an unusual surface appeared, reminiscent of a river in a valley.

The unusual table immediately gained popularity among designers, who happily seized on the new decorative element.

Today, such a piece of furniture is considered an example of good taste and wealth, as well as a sign of commitment to an ecological lifestyle.

Often, colored epoxy resin is used instead of glass, “lakes” are made instead of a river, small objects are placed inside the “water” or drawings are made that imitate the flow or bottom.

In the USA and Europe, such tables have long been used to decorate homes and offices, but in Russia they are still considered a novelty and are quite rare. Often such pieces of furniture are made by craftsmen on their own, but this requires some experience. And in price it cannot be compared with most mass-produced products. And it doesn’t compare for the better. Solid wood will cost the craftsman quite a lot.

How to make a table with a river yourself

There are several options for creating a fashionable design element.

The simplest of them is to strengthen pre-prepared glass in the grooves of the tabletop, then the surface can be lightly sanded and varnished.

The tabletop itself will be represented by two slabs with processed edges or one cut with an internal cavity.

Everything is simple and fast.

The second method is quite labor-intensive and not always successful. Often epoxy resin hardens completely differently than the beginning master planned.

To make such an unusual surface you will need tree cuts, colored epoxy resin and a set of tools.

Cuts of oak, beech, ash, walnut and other valuable wood species are cleared of bark (if it does not fit into the master’s plans), and the edges are processed. The outer ends are given a clear geometric shape, the inner edges will depict the river bed, so they are made tortuous.

Blue epoxy is poured into the gap between the two pieces of wood to represent the river. The resin hardens.

Then the surface is carefully sanded and treated with varnish or wax. I guess that's all.

The technique seems quite simple, but it only seems so. It is necessary to have high-quality tools and experience working with materials. So don’t be too upset if your first creation turns out crooked. You can always send it to the country house or cover it with a beautiful tablecloth.