On the one hand I love it's sculptural quality - but I'd sure hate to sit there w/ cables over the middle of my table.

Perhaps a simple folding leg would be more appropriate and would feel better when dining.

I think it's awesome.

I wonder if a track could have been installed along the beam so that the cable was perpedicular to the table when open...don't know if that would work or be structurally sound.

And, how do you keep the cables and hooks from scratching and denting up the table top and wall when it is in the 'closed' position?

Very clever and stylish. I do think the table is wide enough to comfortably seat 4 people without the cable getting in the way. Plus, it looks great. Well done, Jason!

In response to bepsf's issue with the cable, I suppose you could attach a pully on the beam directly above the table end. That way, the cable would run along the bottom of the beam and then straight down onto the table. Not being an engineer or that spacially adept, I don't know if the cable would be long enough for the table to fold back up against the wall. Just a thought.

love love love love love it

I loooove the look of the diagonal cable. not every space coule pull it off, but when it works it's fabulous. I agree that it could get annoying, but it depends how the table is used. if it's more of a casual breakfast or work table, it's fine. but it you're entertaining on this table, it might be awkward. I kind of want to do something with the underside of the table for when it's folded up-- nothing much, just so it looks like it's supposed to be even when 'out of the way'.

i think it's too industrial looking for this space...maybe if it was an old loft with a lot of exposed brick and steel support beams.

Nice work! I love IKEA butcher block. It can be used for so many things.

All great ideas with the table.

I didn't put a folding leg because I am a pretty tall guy and know that they get in the way so I was trying to give people as much leg room as possible.

I debated on putting the cable perpendicular, but liked the visual of the diagonal cable and when it was up didn't want to have an exposed hook in the middle of the beam.

Was thinking of 2 things for the bottom when it was up.
1. A laser etching of some art or abstract item
2. place a vase on the bottom and place flowers in it.

More ideas please.

Thanks for voting everyone

www.jasonvalalik.com

Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to "season" the wood with butcher block oil per the instructions. It will keep the surface smooth, help the wood withstand changes in room humidity, and avoid water stains.

Jason,

I think it would look really good if the board appeared to continue down to the floor when the table is in the up position. It would make it look more purposeful when not being used as a table-

I agree with the diagonal cable choice; perpendicular would have been a bit boring. I have to say that I am in love with the robot art you have on the opposite wall <3

I like the diagonal too. It's unexpected to find a table that floats. Thumbs up!

I like the laser etching idea. just be sure to keep it very, very simple-- something you won't get tired of. a simple geometric/abstract pattern. and maybe incorporate those metal(?) strips that I imagine came with it? I could even go for adding more to make stripes, either in regular intervals or varying, perhaps some to the left or right of different lengths. it would compliment your robot.

Really cool basic concept! Thanks for sharing!

This is so creative!
I don't see the diagonal cable being anymore of an issue than low hanging lights or flowers or candles in the middle of a table. This would translate so well to "murphy countertop" or "murphy sideboard" and other versions of additional space. I can see this forming a kitchen island.

I would definitely do some sort of art on the bottom.

Loving this concept - thanks for sharing.

Ok all, so its been a year and I have figured out what to do with the bottom of the table. I painted it with some magnetic primer and then a chalkboard paint..

http://twitpic.com/sibx7

Love the idea and execution:
The chalk board idea is a nice touch...

Things I will do if i use this idea:

*treat the underside as a canvas and paint it something abstract perhaps. Think thats the artist in me seeing a usable surface though.

* or if using the chalkboard idea, attach a shelf beneath that would fold under when in use as a table but add a bit more usability when in its storage position.

* find a way of attaching a tea-light lamp or something similar whilst the table is in use.

I appreciate the idea. However, I disagree with the statement that you should just not pay attention to the length of the wire rope and plan on adding hardware later. That hardware is expensive, and complicates things. I think it is bette to keep a simple look. Also, my wife is not a fan of a hardware heavy, industrial look in our living room. I do like the butcher block though, where can I get some? I just had to use an old door.

I definitely don't have the tools, money, space, or ability to do something on this scale, but I may potentially attempt something smaller, with a fold-out leg instead of cables on the ceiling. Thanks for the inspiration!