Glencairn Furniture

Two of our Cinquanta Bedside Cabinets (in oak) ready to go off to their new home.

Like the style? You can have a dining table, coffee table, bookcase, sideboard, drinks cabinet or side table in the same design.

Prefer walnut? We can also handcraft the piece in ash, cherry, mahogany or even sycamore.

The only limit is your imagination.

Get in touch today for a free consultation.

Say hello to the Heriot Extending Dining Table.

Designed and handcrafted for a client who wanted to break away from the traditional leg-at-each-corner approach.

Built from solid oak, the table extends from 1.9m to 2.5m. It will comfortably sit eight diners, and ten with the right chairs.

The two halves of the top extend out on oak sliding dovetail runners. No metal components here!

A big shout out to Sally at for thinking of us for this project.

If you’re looking for handcrafted bespoke furniture that will last generations, please drop us a DM.

We’d be delighted to help.

Glencairn Furniture currently on a tour of Japan where they certainly know how to organise their chair parts…

Nice to get a mention in the latest edition of Artmag UK! 😁

📰 In the Press

Our monthly feature in Artmag UK shares the work of six talented makers from our Craft Directory. (2 Aug 2024)

The inspiring makers showcased in August’s edition are Carol Sinclair, Glencairn Furniture, Ieva Jankovska, Karen Westland Silverware & Jewellery, Rugaura and Sea Drift Pottery.

Check out the full article: https://buff.ly/3WB8wI0

Craft Scotland’s Directory is the go-to destination for those passionate about supporting Scottish craft and finding beautiful handmade objects.

Say hello to our new Minimo Console Table.

Whether adorning your hallway, living room, or entryway, the Minimo Console Table showcases high craftsmanship and discerning style.

Taking its clean lines and minimalist styling from our Minimo Bedside Table design, it is exquisitely handcrafted from the finest hardwood timbers to ensure generations of enjoyment and use.

The Minimo Console Table is characterised by inset chamfered panel construction and long, slim tapering legs.

The drawer fronts reflect the panelling of the sides and top, and feature sleek recessed finger pulls.

A low hanging shelf adds both balance and utility to this timeless design.

Shown here in sumptuous American Black Walnut. Available in a range of other hardwoods and finishes.

Enquire now to commission your own bespoke console table and elevate your home with a touch of handcrafted luxury.

DESIGNED & MADE BY GLENCAIRN FURNITURE

Overall dimensions:
90cm (H) x 90cm (W) x 30cm (D)

Memorial bench made for one of Edinburgh’s private neighbourhood gardens.

The inscription bears the words: “Handcrafted From The Trunk Of The Great Elm, 1897-2021”.

The bench was made from the timber of a huge Wheatley Elm which had to be felled due to weakness in part of the trunk.

The design is based on the Glencairn Furniture’s Novanta Dining Chair and Bar Stool.

The tree was planted in 1897 to commemorate to sixtieth year of the reign of Queen Victoria.

If you’re looking for something special, get in touch with us today.

Introducing the Novanta Bar Stool

Taking its design DNA from our dining chair of the same name, the Novanta Bar Stool exudes easy elegance through its harmonious proportions and exceptional craftsmanship.

Designed and made by Glencairn Furniture, this exquisitely handcrafted bar stool is available in a range of stunning hardwoods and upholstery options.

Shown here in solid oak and upholstered in sumptuous antique tan vegan leather - offering both a luxurious touch and easy maintenance. A choice of alternative fabrics are available.

Invest in quality craftsmanship with our handcrafted Novanta Bar Stools and upgrade your home bar or add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen island today.

Visit our website via our bio link to find out more, or DM us.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the use of veneer in modern day furniture making.

In this article we will examine what veneer is, discuss its various advantages and disadvantages when compared to solid wood, and look at how it should and shouldn’t be used in the manufacture of tables, desks, cabinets, bookcases and so on.

We will also investigate how consumers’ misconceptions surrounding veneer has led many furniture manufacturers to employ low quality construction methods in the pursuit of all things solid.

Read the full article here - https://www.glencairnfurniture.co.uk/blog/veneer-versus-solid-wood-furniture

Veneer Versus Solid Wood Furniture: Myths, Mistakes and Misconceptions In this article we will examine what veneer is, discuss its various advantages and disadvantages when compared with solid wood, and look at how it should and shouldn’t be used in contemporary furniture making.

Recently delivered.

A bespoke columnar plinth for a corporate client.

Handcrafted from American black walnut.

It’s often the simpler designs which are hardest to execute well.

But we’re happy with how this turned out.

A recent restoration project…

A 1950s Italian Sputnik Side Table in style of Carlo di Carli and Cesare Lacca.

Its provenance is somewhat shadowy and it came to us in a bad state of repair.

None of the legs and arms were of the same length, the central orb was badly warped, extensive woodworm was present, and some parts had deeply bitten black marks.

Perhaps most damaging, someone had attempted to sand and stain.

Given its previous state, the outcome was pleasing.

Sometimes bespoke is the only answer…

A client got in touch looking for a curved oak bench to fit with an existing round oak kitchen table. It also had to sit within a bay window. Unsurprisingly, she was struggling to find anything suitable on the high street or online.

The design we produced matched the curve of existing table and was utilitarian in its look - to reflect the traditional flagstone-floored kitchen. The curved mid-height shelf added strength and storage capacity.

It comfortably sits two adults or three young children and is handcrafted from solid European oak.

The client had planned to top the bench with cushions but abandoned the idea when she was so taken by the grain.

“Delighted with the curved oak bench we commissioned for our kitchen which sits in the window embrasure behind our round oak table. The bench complements the table and can sit at least two adults. It is both very comfortable and practical. Richard made the whole process of design and ex*****on very straight forward.”

- Kristina & John, Edinburgh

If you’re struggling to find your perfect piece of furniture, send us a message. Maybe we can help.

Experience the perfect blend of form and function with our new Scaffali modular wall shelving solution.

Handcrafted from a choice of premium hardwoods Glencairn Furniture’s shelving units are designed to be versatile and customisable, allowing you to create a storage system that fits perfectly in your home or office.

The Scaffali bespoke shelving system offers flexibility in design, empowering you to create a unique layout that complements your individual needs and aesthetic preferences.

The system is not only visually stunning but also built to stand the test of time.

The vertical support are characterised by beautiful undulating lines, while each shelf feature Glencairn Furniture’s signature ‘horizon’ curves on the front and sides.

Shown here in solid ebonised ash and solid European oak, the Scaffali comes in a range of stunning hardwoods including walnut and mahogany.

Dimensions, materials and finishes can all be tailored to your unique specifications.

Contact us today to begin creating a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects your style while meeting your organisational needs.

One of our ever-popular Chevron bookcases all set for delivery.

Did you know? You don’t have to live in Edinburgh to enjoy our beautifully handcrafted furniture - Glencairn Furniture delivers throughout the UK.

Handcrafted from solid oak, this version is off to a lucky home in Oxford.

Get in touch today to discuss commissioning one of our existing designs or something completely bespoke!

Q. What do you do when you want to put your feet up but your drink down?

A. Invest in a Glencairn Furniture Tavotto Footstool!

This combination footstool and side table is an elegant, multi-use, space-saving design for any living area.

Shown here handcrafted in African mahogany and upholstered in the client’s Romo Talulah Tourmaline fabric.

You can, however, choose from a range of premium hardwoods and finishes, and a selection of quality fabrics.

Dimensions shown are 55cm(L) x 55cm(W) x 48cm(H) but the Tavotto can be made to your exact specifications.

Get in touch today to discuss ordering your Tavotto Footstool.

Shout out to for the great upholstery work!

We don’t normally get involved in ‘repurposing’ furniture, antique or not so old, as it can be a laborious and therefore expensive process - one which often leads to inauthentic, frankensteinian results.

However a client’s request to widen the cabinet of an old (age indeterminate) drop leaf table piqued our interest. The fact that the existing piece had fallen to pieces meant there was little to lose.

Alterations were extensive. The client wanted the adapted version to be wide enough to house two sewing machines, with a shelf above for accessories.

The central cabinet was widened from about 25cm to 50cm, meaning new doors, base, shelf, rails, feet and central leaf were made. These were handcrafted from European oak, stained to match the colour of the remaining original components, and oiled.

The original hardware was retained throughout.

The results are quite pleasing. In our view, navigating the pitfalls and bear traps often synonymous with old furniture adaptations.

Can you spot the cat?

A recent commission for a solid oak coffee table - 1m x 1.6m.

Design details include a split top and shadow gaps around each leg to showcase the beautiful end grain.

After a lengthy inspection, the cat seemed reluctantly impressed.

Finished.

The heirloom toy box is now ready for delivery.

Made from solid oak with 24 ct gold gilded lettering, it’s to mark a baby boy’s first Christmas.

It’s also a fitting finish to a whirlwind year.

Wishing all our clients, friends and family a very merry Christmas and a wonderful 2024.

Q. What do you do when you have a 15 year old dining table and decide you want an extending leaf?

A. Go bespoke!

A client contacted us recently regretting not buying an extending leaf when he purchased the table nearly two decades ago.

Sadly, the store has since shut down.

No fear. We got to work quickly, handcrafting an extension from solid oak.

We matched the ‘male’ curve of the table to the ‘female’ curve of the leaf.

A coloured finish as close to the original as possible was applied.

The underside of the tabletop had one half of a specialist locking bracket. After some research, we managed to source the other.

The result? Room for additional guests this Christmas!

Turning chaos into stylish order with this oak and walnut shoe rack storage bench.

Handcrafted from solid oak, the unit incorporates space for 12 pairs of shoes or boots and includes two spacious drawers.

The addition of a vegan leather upholstered seat makes putting on and taking off shoes a real pleasure.

The bench comes with a matching coat rack, echoing the chamfered edges and solid walnut handles of the bench.

Are you looking to bring style and order to your hallway or vestibule? Get in touch with us today!

Creativity Needs Constraints

We set ourselves the challenge to design a chair which had as few angles as possible but didn’t compromise on comfort or looks.

The result is the Novanta Dining Chair.

Its striking simplicity belies the carefully thought out proportions and ratios which combine to achieve the three ingredients of a successful chair - comfort, strength and looks.

The gently pitched back support - a mere 10 degrees - is the only angle other than 90 degrees in the chair’s design. This provides optimal lumbar support, promoting healthy posture for a relaxed dining experience.

The Novanta Dining Chair is meticulously handcrafted from solid European oak, ensuring durability and longevity that surpasses mass manufactured standards. It is also available in a range of beautiful hardwoods, including walnut, white ash and cherry.

The chair's seat is upholstered in sumptuous antique tan vegan leather, offering not only a luxurious touch but also ensuring easy maintenance and excellent resistance to stains.

An armless version of the Novanta Dining Chair is also available upon request.

Whether gracing a chic and modern dining room or complementing a more traditional aesthetic, our Novanta Dining Chair effortlessly elevates any space with its timeless beauty and exceptional craftsmanship.

Sitting down is about to get a lot more interesting!

Coming soon - The Novanta Dining Chair by Glencairn Furniture.

Q: What do you do when you have an awkward corner in your living room, one where regular, shop-bought furniture just doesn’t fit?

A: You go bespoke!

A client recently moved into a lovely mews house. However the top floor has low eaves and challenging skirting board configurations. This made finding a suitable TV stand a real challenge.

Despite their best efforts, nothing online or on the high street come even close to fitting.

The situation was further complicated by their desire for any new stand to match the existing Scandinavian-style white ash furniture.

No fear. Glencairn Furniture created a low-slung, triangular design which echoed both the material and design of their existing furniture.

The resulting Stretta TV Stand combines practicality and style in equal measure.

Exquisitely handcrafted from a white ash, the Stretta’s triangular shape lends itself best to a corner.

But its bold design also means it makes a real statement when positioned more centrally.

The Stretta is not short on practicality either.

A wide and deep mid-height shelf allows the space for a number of media units to sit side by side. While the twin holes at the back and the overhanging top mean that unsightly cables and adaptors remain hidden.

The client was pleased:

“We had a tricky space in which to fit a TV console and so found Richard. And we're glad that we did.

“What he has built is class. The colour perfectly matches the tones in the living room, he replied to all our communication brilliantly and it's fantastic to know that if we ever need any furniture again that he exists.”

- Svend Larsen, Edinburgh

If you’re looking for beautifully handcrafted furniture, go bespoke and get in touch with us today!

Lots of friends but not lots of space?

Meet the Divisio Extending Dining Table from Glencairn Furniture.

Starting at 175cm in length, the Divisio pulls out to 265cm to accommodate two solid oak leaves.

This enables you to comfortably sit 8-10 people depending on whether you use one or both leaves.

Shown here handcrafted in solid European oak, the table is characterised by subtle table top curves and sweeping aprons.

The Divisio is available in a range of different dimensions, woods and finishes

Get in touch today to commission your own extending dining table.

Bespoke shelving

A client was looking for shelving to match a recent whisky cabinet commission - particularly to replace a rather crude veneered chipboard radiator shelf.

Utilising the same ‘horizon curve’ profile of the cabinet’s top, we handcrafted these shelves from solid European oak. The oak was finished in the cabinet’s same ‘raw’ oil-wax finish.

The undulating vertical supports were crafted from solid ash and given an ebony finish to tie in with the cabinet’s feet.

Taken together, they bring cohesion and calm to a living and dining space which had previously been a mishmash of differing styles, materials and finishes.

Looking to improve your living space? Get in touch with us today.