In every well-designed space, the table commands attention. It is where conversations unfold, meals are shared, and ideas are born. For Hicks Furniture, the table represents the meeting point between function and form — a piece that must perform flawlessly while setting the tone for its surroundings. Crafted in Dublin with precision and care, each Hicks table carries forward more than a century of craftsmanship refined through eleven generations.
The Heart of Every Room
Whether in a restaurant, hotel lobby, or home, a table defines interaction. It determines how people gather, how light moves through a room, and how an environment feels. The table’s presence can be subtle or commanding, but its purpose remains the same: to bring people together. Hicks Furniture designs tables that support this human experience through careful proportion, balanced geometry, and enduring materials.
Function as Foundation
A table must first serve its purpose with stability and ease. Hicks Furniture approaches design with a technical mindset — understanding the pressures, loads, and usage cycles of each environment. Restaurant tables are reinforced for daily service, while conference and communal tables are engineered for weight distribution and cable integration. Every detail, from base structure to edge radius, is considered to enhance usability and safety.
Form that Reflects Identity
Beyond functionality lies identity. The form of a table speaks to the story of its setting. A solid oak table with hand-finished grain evokes tradition and permanence; a marble-top design framed in brass communicates sophistication; a minimalist laminate surface in a coworking space signals innovation and adaptability. Hicks Furniture collaborates with designers to ensure each table reflects the client’s aesthetic and brand character.
Material Matters
The materials chosen for a table determine not only appearance but also longevity. Hicks Furniture sources sustainable hardwoods such as oak, walnut, and ash, complemented by engineered veneers and contract-grade surfaces for demanding environments. Finishes are tested for heat, stain, and scratch resistance. Each piece is completed with precision joinery and protective coatings that preserve its beauty through years of service.
Scale and Proportion
The success of a table often lies in proportion. Hicks Furniture studies room dimensions, seating arrangements, and traffic flow before defining size. A hotel breakfast area demands compact spacing and easy movement, while a private dining room benefits from expansive, statement-making forms. Balance is achieved through proportionate thickness, leg placement, and harmony with surrounding furniture.
The Table in Hospitality Design
In hospitality interiors, the table is more than a surface — it anchors experience. It dictates how servers move, how guests interact, and how atmosphere unfolds. Hicks Furniture works with architects and interior designers to integrate tables seamlessly into layouts, ensuring that aesthetics and operation function together. A well-designed table encourages comfort and continuity, reinforcing the venue’s rhythm.
Craftsmanship that Endures
Each Hicks table is built in Dublin using traditional methods adapted for modern production. Mortise-and-tenon joints, balanced veneers, and precision machining guarantee structural integrity. The finishing process includes multiple layers of lacquer or oil for depth and protection. This level of craftsmanship ensures that every table retains its form and character long after installation.
The Design Journey
- Concept and Consultation – Define use, scale, and material intent.
- Design and Prototype – Develop technical drawings and, if required, create samples.
- Production and Finishing – Manufacture under controlled workshop conditions for quality assurance.
- Delivery and Installation – Complete on-site setup with aftercare support available to trade clients.
This journey from design to delivery ensures every project meets aesthetic, functional, and commercial requirements.
Beyond the Surface
The table embodies the philosophy that design should connect people. It merges architecture, craftsmanship, and emotion in a single form. At Hicks Furniture, every table represents the balance between durability and elegance — a centrepiece designed not only to complement a space but to define it.
References
Yu, L. F., Yeung, S. K., Tang, C. K., Terzopoulos, D., Chan, T. F., & Osher, S. J. (2011). Make it home: automatic optimization of furniture arrangement. ACM Trans. Graph., 30(4), 86. https://www.academia.edu/download/30742195/siggraph11.pdf
Munro, M., & Madigan, R. (1999). Negotiating space in the family home. At home: An anthropology of domestic space, 107-17. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IKVMEAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA107&dq=the+table+as+center+of+the+home&ots=z0sDu-Q04H&sig=Kemakd1zIZuLhMEb-1VCs7__R6M
Hospitality Design Council Ireland. (2024). Craft and cohesion in commercial interiors. https://www.hospitalitydesigncouncil.ie
