Spotted: Sawhorse Tables at Work in the House
The collapsible trestle table was the dining table back in medieval times, and it was formed by simply placing a horizontal board over two pedestal supports. It remained the most common kind of dining table until the 16th century, when it was replaced (in wealthier homes, at least) with more solid and permanent structures.
While its versatility makes it a great choice in the dining room, the trestle table — especially one with sawhorse legs — also makes a great desk in a home office and elsewhere around the house, as these photos testify.
While its versatility makes it a great choice in the dining room, the trestle table — especially one with sawhorse legs — also makes a great desk in a home office and elsewhere around the house, as these photos testify.
In the Home Office
Vintage vibe. A secondhand sawhorse table comes with marks and scars that are evidence of a well-used piece. This wear and tear adds character to the table itself and to a home office, particularly a creative space like this jewelry-making studio.
Look for a pre-loved table at a secondhand store or vintage market. Or search auction and secondhand sites online.
Read more about this house on the Australian coast
Vintage vibe. A secondhand sawhorse table comes with marks and scars that are evidence of a well-used piece. This wear and tear adds character to the table itself and to a home office, particularly a creative space like this jewelry-making studio.
Look for a pre-loved table at a secondhand store or vintage market. Or search auction and secondhand sites online.
Read more about this house on the Australian coast
Extra storage. A white trestle table is a simple addition to this crafty home office, providing a space for both working and making. The shelf near the base of each sawhorse leg provides additional storage space.
Sawhorse tables are a versatile option in the home. With a lightweight top and folding supports, they can easily be moved to other parts of a house when an extra surface is needed (think holidays and birthdays), or folded and placed against a wall when floor space is in high demand.
Sawhorse tables are a versatile option in the home. With a lightweight top and folding supports, they can easily be moved to other parts of a house when an extra surface is needed (think holidays and birthdays), or folded and placed against a wall when floor space is in high demand.
Old and new. Here, a citrus-colored stool brightens and softens a vintage sawhorse table’s industrial aesthetic. Sydney-based interior designer Jason Grant recommends combining pieces from different eras to give a room personality.
“A home should be layered and not a one-stop shop,” Grant says. “Mix it up with old and new. Vintage pieces add warmth and character to your home.”
Find sawhorse desks
“A home should be layered and not a one-stop shop,” Grant says. “Mix it up with old and new. Vintage pieces add warmth and character to your home.”
Find sawhorse desks
Mixed materials. A wood-and-marble trestle table is an elegant and tactile choice in this home office. The wood sawhorse legs complement the soft tones of the chair.
Mixing materials brings contrast and visual interest to a space, adding warmth and sophistication.
Mixing materials brings contrast and visual interest to a space, adding warmth and sophistication.
Custom made. This bespoke sawhorse table blends beautifully with its wood surroundings. The table for an artist and a landscape architect provides abundant workspace and leaves room for a fully stocked bookcase behind it.
Table: Chapman & Bailey
Read more about this island vacation retreat
Table: Chapman & Bailey
Read more about this island vacation retreat
Nordic style. One slab of natural wood, one sawhorse leg and one set of white drawers, and voilà — you have a Scandinavian-style study.
By subbing drawers for a leg, this desk gets closed storage for keeping office essentials tidy. However, the room still retains the spacious and airy aesthetic characteristic of Nordic homes.
Discover how to enjoy Scandinavian style at home
By subbing drawers for a leg, this desk gets closed storage for keeping office essentials tidy. However, the room still retains the spacious and airy aesthetic characteristic of Nordic homes.
Discover how to enjoy Scandinavian style at home
Old-school cool. This retro table adds a historic sensibility to the space. Painted blue-green, it brings subtle color to the main palette of black, white and wood. If the table gets dinged or another color is desired, it’s easy to repaint.
Adjustable height. This large table’s work surface can be raised or lowered to suit the user. The table is positioned so that both sides are accessible, making it a great choice for when visitors venture into the home office.
Utilitarian aesthetic. Metal meets metal in a home office painted in a calming white. The furniture’s dark materials add weight to the light and bright room.
Around the House
On the patio. The trestle table is a classic outdoor dining table. It comes in sizes large enough for a group, and independent and foldable sawhorse legs make it simple to move or stow.
On the patio. The trestle table is a classic outdoor dining table. It comes in sizes large enough for a group, and independent and foldable sawhorse legs make it simple to move or stow.
In the kitchen. The trestle table also makes a stylish kitchen table or island. The wood-and-glass version here can be used for food prep, serving, dining or even as a temporary desk. It can go against a wall or get folded away if additional floor space is required.
