Limbert Style #239 Tabouret Side Table

This side table, designed by Charles Limbert in the early 1900's, features an octagon top, Arts and Crafts details, and traditional construction methods.

- Willie Sandry

PROJECT #2212

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time: 2 days

Cost: $125

Attending antique furniture shows and pouring over Charles Limbert and Gustav Stickley catalogs are favorite activities in my household. I love to see antique pieces from the early 1900s, but when they're not available, a picture or a catalog will have to do. From the pieces I've measured in person, I learned Limbert favored a 5° slope on many of his angled tables and desks. The proportions are still fresh and inviting more than a hundred years after this table was originally designed. In fact, with many of Limbert's tables and chairs, I'm amazed at how they pair with other styles. With interesting cutouts, angled panels, graceful corbels, and an octagon top, this interesting little tabouret is equally at home with craftsman bungalow style or modern decor.

Start with Panel Glue-ups Like much of Limbert's furniture, the #239 tabouret is built with solid panels rather than four legs. That turns out to be an advantage in this case because it simplified construction. If a side table such as this were, in fact, built with four legs, it would necessitate compound angles. By contrast, four panels angled inward only require simple angles, with no compound angle to contend with. Prepare the four side panels as well as a panel for the top. Make these panels slightly oversized for now and then set them aside to dry. While a combination blade is still on the table saw, take a moment to cut blanks for the four corbels.

Once the side panels have been trimmed to their rectangular size, the panel's top and bottom should be beveled to a 5° angle. However, we don't want to add the bevel to the panels yet, as we'll want to take care of some joinery for the corbels first.