What’s So Great About a Parsons Table?
When it comes to dining room tables, few are as versatile as a Parsons Table. Learn about its design and construction, origin, and versatility in this article. Plus, find out what makes it unique and versatile! What’s so great about a Parsons Table? Keep reading to find out! You’ll be glad you did! After all, this classic dining table is one of the most popular types of dining tables in use today!
Origin
The Parsons Table’s origins are obscure but can be traced to the 1930s, when a French interior designer named Jean-Michel Frank came up with the idea for the simple, square-topped piece. This table was first made from solid wood, but later adapted to plastic. It was widely used as a dining table, sideboard, desk, and game table, but has since expanded into many different applications. Its simple design and clean lines make it ideal for a contemporary space, yet can be complemented with other classic furnishings as well.
The Parsons Table was first produced in the 1960s, but its true origins aren’t well documented. The design was first published by a professor at the Parsons Paris School of Art and Design, but later became a mass-produced table. By 1963, several American companies began producing it and renaming it the Parsons table. In fact, the popularity of the table was so great, it was even named status table of the year by the Washington Post!
The Parsons Table was once Little River’s first Methodist Church. The original dining room was constructed in 1885 and was built from logs sawn by Mr. H.W. Stone, who also sawed the church’s logs. Although the wood from the original building isn’t as authentic as the original, it still conveys a hand-hewn heart of pine floor. So what makes it so unique?
The design of the table’s legs and top are both influenced by the European avant-garde. It is possible to find examples of this table before the MoMA exhibition in 1923. However, the table’s popularity began to wane as the Bauhaus became more popular. The 1930s saw many design giants collaborating with a young Breuer in the Netherlands, including the legendary Mies Van der Rohe.
Design
The original Parsons Table was designed in 1930 for a class at the Parsons School of Art and Design in New York City. During this time, the school was associated with both modernism and art deco design. Professor Jean-Michel Frank challenged the students to design a table that would be comfortable in any context and made of any material. The final design incorporated both the streamlined and organic modernism popular in the 1930s and traditional Shaker values. Those who have been exposed to the Parsons Table’s design will instantly recognize the distinctive symmetrical leg width and untapered tabletop.
Whether a room is small or large, the classic Parsons table design will make a statement. Its square or rectangular shape is highly functional and can pair with just about any style of furniture. If you’re using it as a console table, then pair it with an Eames chair or an Oriental lamp. A Parsons table can also be used as a dining table or for displaying potted plants and framed photos.
While the original Parsons table was made of burl or wood, there are now modern versions available. 1stDibs offers 23 modern parsons tables for sale, including small and large versions. It has been a popular design for tables since the 19th century and continues to remain popular in the 21st century. One of the best things about a Parsons table is that it can match virtually any type of decor.
The Parsons table was first designed by Mies in Berlin. It was later popularized by Jean Michel Frank, an interior designer at the Parsons School of Design in Paris. These days, it is common for people to use a Parsons table in any setting, including a bedroom. If you have a smaller space, a smaller Parsons table is a great choice. A table with a modern shape is easier to match with a room than a larger one.
Construction
The Parsons Table’s construction is simple and streamlined, yet elegantly stylish. Its base is made of 2″ square tube steel and angle iron and sits flush with the perimeter frame. Its base is available in a variety of finishes, including natural steel with a clear finish, Anthracite gray powder coat, black powder coat, and Penetrol oil. Its base can be customized with custom colors, as well. Made in Olympia, Washington, the Parsons table is available in different sizes and colors.
The Parsons Table is a classic example of modernist design. Its square, straight legs have the same diameter as the tabletop. Its simple construction was probably first created in a furniture design class at Paris’ Ateliers. It is often attributed to French interior designer Jean-Michel Frank, who served as a critic in the Paris Ateliers and may have required his students to follow his simple table design during their studies.
The original parsons table in Maple was 48″ square by 144″ long. It was intended to seat twelve people comfortably. The table’s 42-inch height made it ideal for use in a bar environment. The maple veneer was used for the table’s top surface, sides, and legs. Its four-inch square legs would fit into a hole cut into the top surface, providing a secure and stable platform for the tabletop.
The table’s T-square design was a product of Frank’s students’ research on the T-square drafting tool. Its patented design was first executed in New York for an exhibition of student work. Parsons’ handyman later helped the students realize that their design was unique, and they used it to build their own tables. In addition to its original design, it has been copied by numerous designers since then. The T-square table was a product of a design that reflects the taste and principles of high modernism.
Versatility
The Parsons table is a versatile piece of furniture with many uses. Originally, it was a small occasional table made from printed composition or solid wood. Over the years, the design has been used for various purposes, including as desks, sideboards, and game tables. Today, the table is made from exotic materials like grasscloth, marble, and burled wood. Its simple, clean profile and small size make it versatile for different spaces.
The Parsons table collection offers an extensive range of options for any room. Available in many materials and colors, the Parsons collection has a versatile shape for both formal and informal dining. The table is available in different sizes and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified. Nemschoff’s Parsons tables are available for trade now and will be on display at NeoCon. For more information, visit their booth #3-330.
The Versteel Parsons table features hidden fastening hardware for added safety. Unlike the original Parsons Table, it is easier to assemble, thanks to its flat shipping. It also conceals fasteners so that they do not interfere with the table’s appearance. And while the Versteel Parsons table has been around for over 75 years, it has remained a popular choice for interior designers.
The Parsons table is considered to be the pinnacle of minimalism. Its clean lines make it versatile, so it fits into almost any decor. Not only can it be used as a table for a living room or an entryway, but it can also be used for an array of other purposes as well, such as in a retail environment. Because of its simplicity, the Parsons table has many uses, and is a mainstay of clothing stores and boutiques.
Price
The Parsons Table is considered the best example of modern minimalism. Its sleek lines and minimalist design match any decor. It can serve as an entryway or console table. Its simplicity makes it a versatile table for both homes and businesses. The Parsons Table is a favorite among boutiques and clothing stores. Its unique design allows you to mass products and display them with ease. The price of a Parsons Table depends on its quality and finish.
A quality Parsons table is crafted with three coats of lacquer, making it the perfect choice for any room. Its smooth top is guaranteed by the three coats of lacquer. The Parsons table can also be bought in a distressed or clean finish, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for a more rustic style, you can also find one that’s distressed to match your home decor.
The streamlined design of the Parsons table makes it easy to pair with a variety of different types of furnishings. Whether it’s a mid-century chair, an Oriental lamp, or an ornate antique, it will blend seamlessly with any style. Or, you can mix and match it with more simple tabletop decor for a unique effect. The possibilities are endless. The Parsons table is an essential piece of modern furniture, so don’t hesitate to invest in one today.