The tabletop may be the centrepiece, but don’t underestimate the power of the edge profile! This seemingly minor detail significantly impacts a table’s aesthetics, functionality, and even safety. Here is a quick rundown of the edge details we tend to manufacture for our restaurant and hotel projects.
Classic Comfort: Square Edge
The square edge is a timeless choice, offering a clean look that doesn’t go out of fashion. It pairs well with various tabletop materials like wood, stone, tile-inlay tops and more. Table tops usually come in 20 MM, 30MM or 40 MM thicknesses, with 40 MM being the most popular choice as this gives it a good solid look.
Our clients that open family-friendly venues, tend to go for rounded corners to avoid children getting hurt by sharp edges.
Soft Touch: Bullnose Edge
For a touch of softness, consider the bullnose edge. This profile features a gently rounded corner, adding a subtle elegance to the table. It’s particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas like family dining tables or busy conference rooms, as the rounded edge minimizes the risk of chipping or snagging.
Something Different: Waterfall Edge
A true statement piece, the waterfall edge creates a visually stunning effect. This profile features the tabletop material cascading down the sides of the table base, creating a seamless, unified look. Waterfall edges are perfect for showcasing the beauty of natural stone or high-quality wood tabletops, and they often work well in modern or contemporary spaces since they add a detailed contrast.
The Natural Look: Live Edge
Embrace the beauty of nature with a live edge profile. This option retains the natural, uneven edge of the wood slab, incorporating unique characteristics like knots and variations in grain. Live edge tables are ideal for rustic or organic-inspired spaces, adding a touch of individuality and conversation-starting charm. In most of the hotel and restaurant projects we have supplied, the live edge table is usually a statement piece or a communal table.
A Touch of Utility: Chamfered Edge
The chamfered edge offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing option. This profile features a diagonal cut along the sharp corner of the tabletop, creating a subtle angled edge. Chamfered edges provide a slight tactile advantage over square edges, reducing the risk of snags or discomfort while maintaining a clean, modern look. Additionally, chamfering can strengthen the corner of the tabletop, minimizing potential chipping in some materials.
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Material Matters: Matching Profile to Tabletop
The ideal edge profile also depends on your tabletop material. Softer materials like wood benefit from profiles like bullnose or eased edges to prevent chipping. Harder materials like stone can handle sharper profiles like square or bevelled edges.
Making the Perfect Choice:
Consider the overall style of your space, the functionality of the table, and the material of the tabletop when selecting an edge profile. Our team at Interior Three Sixty has a lot of experience in helping clients choose the right materials and edge details, so feel free to visit our showroom to experience different profiles firsthand. Remember, the perfect edge profile is the one that elevates your table from simply functional to a design statement.
