Suspended Table Hangs in Mid-Air Like Floating Furniture
This suspended table hangs in mid-air like floating furniture. Designed by Western Timber Frame founder Hyrum Thompson, the massive solid wood table hangs from heavy ropes tied to the crossbeams of a dovetailed timber pergola, and it was a huge hit at the Home and Garden Expo.
Sharing good food with family and friends outdoors on a cool summer evening has always been an American delight, and outdoor dining is one of Hyrum’s favorite pastimes too. He is the inventor of many outdoor living designs and construction methods, including The Dovetail Difference®, the patented joinery that holds this pergola together.
What Does a Suspended Table Look Like in Motion?
Watch this oval timber table hang from its chains, set for an evening meal.
Key Takeaways
- Floating furniture: a solid wood table hung from heavy ropes on the pergola beams
- Surprisingly stable: wine glasses stayed upright even as the table swayed
- Strong anchor points: heavy timber beams and patented Dovetail Difference® joinery
- Clean look: dovetail joinery leaves almost no exposed hardware except decorative accents
Where Does the Idea of a Suspended Table Come From?
Sitting at this thick suspended table feels like a glimpse into the life of an old-world mariner, who slept in a hammock between heavy guns and ate from a table hung from the crossbeams. Ships hung barrels, hammocks, beds, shelves, and tables from their timbers to save space and protect the floors, and a hanging table rode the waves, so meals were cleaner and less likely to spill.
How Stable Is a Suspended Table?
Remarkably stable. At the show, we demonstrated it with glasses of wine on the table while it swayed, and they stayed put. Shaking a four-legged table the same way would have toppled them for sure. The table would be a wonderful centerpiece for any outdoor gathering space. Imagine Thanksgiving dinner on it.
What Holds the Table Up?
Massive ropes tied to decorative steel hardware on the crossbeams of the dovetailed timber frame pergola. The ropes are so thick they feel like they could anchor a ship. With posts and crossbeams this large, the table seems to float there like an optical illusion. It feels both rugged and romantic, and children at the show were drawn to it, with a few saying they would love to sleep on it.
Can a Suspended Table Hang From Chains Instead of Rope?
Yes. Hyrum’s later suspended tables hung from heavy chains, from a long table with tufted dining chairs to an oval natural-wood table that became a favorite at home shows.
What Style Was the Pergola at the Show?
The pergola was a contemporary style in Canyon Grey stain, with white trellises through the corner posts, which are ideal for growing vines and hanging outdoor art and decor. The Dovetail Difference® leaves almost no exposed hardware that is not decorative, and decorative metal cladding on the posts adds a striking accent that pairs well with a suspended table, bed, or couch.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by the show and said hello!
Questions About Suspended Tables
What is a suspended table?
A suspended table hangs from heavy ropes tied to the beams of a pergola or pavilion instead of standing on legs, so it seems to float in mid-air.
Can a suspended table hang from chains?
Yes. Suspended tables can hang from thick ropes or heavy chains, as long as they attach to strong timber beams.
Is a suspended table stable?
Yes. At the home show, glasses of wine stayed upright even as the table was gently swayed. A table on four legs shaken the same way would have tipped them over.
Why hang furniture from a timber frame?
It is an old idea. Sailors hung tables, hammocks, and shelves from a ship’s timbers to save space and ride the waves. Heavy timber beams give the same strong anchor points in a backyard.
What else can hang from a timber pergola?
Swinging beds, suspended couches, bench swings, hammocks, and hanging plants all work well from heavy timber beams.
What style was the pergola at the show?
A contemporary pergola in Canyon Grey stain with white trellises through the corner posts, ideal for climbing vines and hanging outdoor art and decor.
Western Timber Frame has designed, handcrafted, and delivered more than 7,000 outdoor structures in all 50 states since 2008. See timber pergolas and the story of The Dovetail Difference®, or request a free design consultation and call 877-870-8755.
Western Timber Frame™ — Payson, Utah | Since 2008 | 7,000+ structures in all 50 states
2026 SBA Manufacturing Award | HGTV Design Excellence Award | 28 Best of State Awards
