A straight edge is the simplest and most classic form of a table edge. It has a 90-degree angle at the top and bottom, and the thickness of the wood of the table or furniture piece is well showcased with this edge shape.
To reduce the risk of injury, the upper and lower angles of the straight edge can be slightly sanded, meaning the angle is slightly broken and no longer sharp-edged – this is also referred to as a trimmed edge. Such an edge can be easily produced by machine, and in addition to solid wood panels, other materials such as chipboard, MDF materials, and plywood can be processed.
In addition to the good processing possibilities of various materials, straight edges have further advantages: On the one hand, they are relatively inexpensive to produce and do not require extensive manual processing. On the other hand, extension leaves or folding add-on surfaces can be easily attached, as the edges are simply rectangular – which is quite difficult, for example, with a live edge table, at least if the side edges of the tabletop are also designed as a live edge.
There is great flexibility with frame shapes; feet can be placed at the four corners or a frame can be mounted under the tabletop without having to consider special edge shapes. Especially the corner position of the feet is not possible with a Swiss edge. And relatively thin tabletops can be used. Live edge tables and tables with beveled edges, for example, look better the thicker the tabletop is – with straight edges, this is not an issue.
Overall, the straight edge on furniture and tabletops offers a lot of advantages if one can do without special optical features. In addition, it is relatively inexpensive and can be manufactured by machine from various materials, and is simple and uncomplicated to handle. It also offers the widest selection of combination possibilities between frame and tabletop and allows for numerous expansion options – whether as a dining table with extension leaves, as a desk with an angled extension table, or as a catering table for flexible setup for different-sized groups of guests.
In short: Tables with straight edges are versatile and functional.
