Derek Hennigar

A modern side table with four loops of steam-bent laminated oak, iron-stained and oil finished, with a glass table top
A contemporary wooden arm chair in walnut with red cushions on a gray background
A preliminary sketch of dressers with mirrors above for a custom bedroom suite.

Find your perfect table with four finish options

and many shapes and sizes to fit your space!

A sculptural wooden coffee table with a glass top. The base is a continuous line of steam-bent warm, brown walnut. The wood forms the outline of a pentagon resting on the floor with five integrated loops rising from the corners to support the top.
A sculptural wooden coffee table with a glass top. The base is a continuous line of steam-bent iron-stained walnut. The wood forms the outline of a diamond resting on the floor with four integrated loops rising from the corners to support the top.
A sculptural wooden coffee table with a rectangular glass top. The base is a continuous line of steam-bent iron-stained oak. The wood forms a long rectangle resting on two feet with four integrated loops rising from the corners to support the top.
A sculptural wooden coffee table with a glass top. The base is a continuous line of steam-bent warm, brown walnut. The wood forms the outline of a hexagon resting on the floor with six integrated loops rising from the corners to support the top.
A sculptural wooden side table with a glass top. The base is a continuous line of steam-bent cherry. The wood forms the outline of an equilateral triangle resting on the floor with three integrated arcs rising from the corners to support the top.
A sculptural wooden console table with a framed glass top. The base is a continuous coil of steam-bent walnut. Each of the three turns of the coil is connected to two runners on the floor and the frame of the top.

My work, in solid native woods, mixes established joinery, carving, and finishing techniques with my own Ordinary design perspective. While many pieces are one-of-a-kind and others are individuals of small series, all are made to last for generations, even to improve with age.

 

I originally called my work Ordinary Furniture as a response to the history of industrial furniture manufacture in my native North Carolina. As my designs have evolved and techniques improved, Ordinary Furniture has become an even more ironic name, but still one that acknowledges that no activity in human history is more common or important than gathering and cutting wood.

 

Ordinary Furniture is my solo wood shop, located in Polk County, North Carolina since 1993. Born in Asheville, I started working as a carpenter in Raleigh while attending NC State University, and I continue to learn about trees and how to use them. I strive to contribute to the millennia of woodworking before me and count among my influences modern sculpture (organic to geometric), wooden boat building, Scandinavian furniture design, and the Appalachian craft tradition. I work much of the wood I use from local logs.

Derek Hennigar standing next to a cherry cube cabinet. The cabinet has bookmatched panels of beautiful figured cherry.

Shows

Stop by the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville anytime to see select pieces.