A brief history of the Parsons Table

Recently we were asked to make a Parsons Table for a client that needed it for a particular spot in their home. We were fascinated to learn about the history of the design. I always thought it hardly looked like a table a “Parson” would use. Way too modern looking. My research led me to discover that I had the wrong “Parson”. The name actually refers to the Paris Atelier where it was first designed in the 1930’s. It’s specifications are that the 4 legs are square in cross section, flush with the edge of the top, and equal to it’s thickness. Normally we would not consider plywood as one of our main building materials, but finished plywood worked out beautifully in this case. The homeowners chose cherry plywood with walnut trim. The results speak for themselves.