Years ago, at the ABC Outlet in the Bronx, I fell in love with this antique onyx-topped side table. But even on sale the table was about $700, so I just took a few photos of it and filed away the idea.
When I was figuring out the floor plan for the library, I knew I would likely have to design my own side tables for the roll-arm sofa, since the bay windows made the space a little awkward for furniture. I needed long and skinny tables that were the right height for the low sofa arms. (Don’t mind my dresses hanging in the window here – I was just trying to figure out what color I liked for curtains.) :)
About the same time, I totally fell in love with the legs of these side tables that were for sale on Chairish. The dimensions weren’t right for my space though and the color of the stone was too similar to my floors, but the design was just about perfect!
I had found a welder who I was also using to make my bathroom sink base. His name is Dave and his business is called Custom Metal Concepts. He’s a really, really nice guy and was careful with all the things I cared the most about (the diameter of the rods and the sturdiness of the bases). He is not all that comfortable with painted finishes as far as I could tell though, so I offered to handle that part myself. I am so thrilled with his work on both of the projects I had him do. I knew the tables would look different from the photos I gave Dave since my dimensions were about half the size of the inspiration tables, but I think he did a wonderful job of maintaining the feel and the proportion of the originals. And they are as sturdy as can be! No wobbles here.
For the table tops, I stopped in to Allpride Marble again to see what their remnant section had to offer. I found this (very dusty) small piece of onyx that was only $30! Fabrication costs were about $50 though, just to have the tops cut to size with polished edges and then to have the surfaces honed. But I guess $80 for the stone wasn’t such a bad deal.
I measured and marked out the cuts before leaving the stone yard so I could maximize what I thought were the prettiest parts of the slab. They dropped off the finished tabletops with the sink a couple weeks ago. I LOVE how the light shines through the stone. It just glows in full sun!
Before I epoxied the onyx to the table bases, I cleaned up some of the rust off the steel legs.
I used my fingers and a rag to add some Gold Leaf Rub’N Buff to the legs in just selective spots. I didn’t want the finish to look uniform at all.
The steel took the Rub’N Buff really well and after it had dried the finish was pretty solid and wasn’t going anywhere. It dried almost like paint.
I really, really love the tables. I love how they look, but I mostly love how unique they are! Lots of people indirectly came together to create these tables – from inspiration to fabrication. It was such a satisfying creative process for me.
It’s hard to say exactly how much each table came out to in the end because the welder gave me a bundled price for the sink base and the two tables, but with the stone fabrication and everything I think these came out to about $200 each. Not exactly thrift store prices, but I know I will love these forever and ever. They are worth every penny and more to me.
I feel so inspired!! Thank you for sharing! I am officially obsessed with a honed finish. Can't beat it. I love the swirls in the onyx next to the upholstered pleats, too. Such a dynamic space!! Love love love!!
Absolutely gorgeous! Good job!
Holy cow, these are gorgeous!! I like yours much better than the inspiration pieces…maybe you should make a few more for sale? Weldors are a mystery to me. I had to find someone to weld bed rails for my son's antique bed and it was such a great experience. Something I definitely can't do myself!
Love the finished product.
You're killing me with all this gorgeousness! These are stunning and are perfect with the couch.
Stunning, Jenny! You are a true artist. I love that these beauties just came into existence from out of your head. Also, the insta pic of your front door is amazing. You never cease to inspire me!
These tables are amazing. I'm not that familiar with onyx, but it is absolutely gorgeous. I love everything about them!
Jenny, these are beautiful!! The bases, the stone tops and especially all the creative energy that went into them!! I love them and I know they must bring you great delight :)
Those tables are absolutely gorgeous! Nice work!
my goodness, I am so impressed with these tables! you are seriously a talent. The onyx is so unexpected, but perfect, like they were meant to be crafted by you
Seriously to die for. Custom wins every time!
Absolutely thrilled to see this result. And wondering what came first, the colour range for the tops or the curtains? They are perfection together. Sensational.
Jenny,
Your inspiration table is quite charming but the tables you built are BEAUTIFUL, absolutely stunning. The lines are much cleaner and the color combo of the piece of stone you chose is to die for! When are we going to see a jenny komenda line?
Rachel
http://Www.revolvingmarket.blogspot.com
I never comment but this time I must! Jenny you need to make your own furniture and home decor line. Look out Nate Berkus. You're fantastic. Best of luck to you and your sweet family
absolutely STUNNING!
Oh, Jenny Komenda! You and your DIY are almost just too good to be TRUE. But I know you are so for real. Which is why I delight in your stories of design. These tables! These tables! Fabulous!
This is my favorite all time project you've ever done. I love it!
Oooo, my husband is a metal worker and something like that would be perfect next to a lovely old chair I'm having redone. Adding one more thing to his "honey make me list".
amazing. just amazing.
Those are CRAZY beautiful. Well done!!!
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING custom tables! I wish I could find a metal works genius in Toronto.
Congratulations on phenomenal living room! Looking forward to the reveal for the rest of the house.
Amazing job, Jenny!
Wow I loveee these! I found vintage Oynx side tables a few weeks ago for sale on Instagram but they were already sold. I’ve been on the hunt ever since with no luck. I’ve decided to make my own. Thanks for sharing!!