We Make Tables. That’s What We Do.

The manifesto for Heerenhuis Manufactuur in Antwerp–”We make tables. That’s what we do”–is bracingly straightforward (but they forgot to mention they make chairs, too). Heerenhuis started as an antiques business in Antwerp in 1978 and began manufacturing their own pieces 17 years ago. Run by Geert Legein and Louis van Haesebrouck, the company makes contemporary furniture from solid French oak, unlacquered steel, and vegetable tanned leather; all pieces are hand finished with oil, wax, or varnish. “We like to use basic, uncomplicated, non-perfect good quality materials,” they say. “Small imperfections are an explicit part of the designs. We like it atypical, not perfect.”

The pieces are available in the UK from Different Like a Zoo. 

Above: The Trappist Table in oak.

Above: The Sputnik Table in black is made of reclaimed laminated teak with metal legs. Prices start at £1,295 from Different Like a Zoo.

Above: The made-to-measure Mesa Nero oak table with unlacquered steel base is available from Different Like a Zoo (contact them directly for pricing). 

Above: The Nimbus II Coffee Table in French oak and unlacquered steel is £495 to £745, depending on size, from Different Like a Zoo.

Above: The limited-edition CS OV Copper Table is available from Different Like a Zoo (contact them directly for pricing).

Above: The Cross Table in oak.

 

Above: The Metal Chair II with leather seat is £245 from Different Like a Zoo.

Above: The Metal Chair II with Wheels is £295 from Different Like a Zoo.

Above: The Finisterre Table in oak. To see the full range, go to Heerenhuis.

For more Belgian inspiration, take a look at:

• Architect-Designed Belgian Furniture in NYC
• Simple Wood Furniture from Ethnicraft
• Dmitriy & Co: Belgium by Way of Manhattan
• 10 Design Ideas from the Belgian Masters

N.B.: This post is an update; the original ran on May 10, 2013, as part of our Modern Kitchen issue.