Carter Rectangular Side Table

We use oak because of its beautiful grain, its durability and its sense of heritage (we’ve written more on oak’s qualities here). Part of its character are its knots and variations in tone, so each piece will have its own hand-writing. It’s combined with steel, a metal known for its load-bearing strength.

The oak goes through a seven-step process of brushing, staining and buffing to highlight the natural character in its grain. It’s then protected with IsoGuard®, our treatment oil that makes it easier to live with but that doesn’t mask its texture. We’ve aptly called the resulting appearance Dark Vintage Oak.

Traditionally, steel is given a durable, blackened finish through quenching. But it’s an industrial process that’s just not practical for us, so we powder-coat Carter’s frame instead. Almost black in colour, but with a hint of bronze, it’s a finish that, although it may still show the occasional scratch, will age gracefully.

It’s certainly small, but the long shape of this side table means there’s space for a lampstand and cup of tea, with room to spare. It’s also designed so that it can be used alongside large or small seating and not look out of place.

One of the loveliest things about Carter is how clean-cut its edges are: they give it a sense neatness. It also looks lightweight and unobtrusive, despite the strength in its materials. For practicality, there are discreet rubber feet underneath so it can be placed on hard flooring.