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James De Wulf’s bespoke gaming tables in concrete combine practicality, style and fun
Los Angeles-based artist and designer James De Wulf
Image: James De Wulf
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James De Wulf’s bespoke gaming tables in concrete combine practicality, style and fun

The artist and designer creates customised tables for analogue games like poker and billiards, each sealed and crafted for durability and aesthetic transformation over time.

by Ria Jha
Published on : Jul 20, 2024

Los Angeles-based artist and designer James De Wulf has garnered attention for his unique and inventive concrete creations. De Wulf creates customised game tables that breath new life into the subgenre of home furnishings. His ongoing collection features tables for various games, including ping pong, pool, poker, shuffleboard, Mahjong, chess and backgammon. “I like video games, but they separate you from your surroundings. With analogue gaming, you are enhancing your current environment with a little fun, some competition and maybe even exercise,” the furniture designer shares.

Dedicated to exploring the boundaries of his craft, De Wulf masterfully blends concrete technology with sleek modern designs that result in interesting table forms. His works harmoniously incorporate materials such as bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel and iron, producing product designs that are both functionally robust and aesthetically captivating.

The Imperial Poker Table, a substantial piece weighing 204.117 kgs (450 pounds), is designed for both indoor and covered outdoor settings. Each table design is meticulously sealed with a distinctive finishing wax, ensuring durability and a refined appearance. Over time, the table will develop a natural patina, enhancing the material used to create it and adding to its timelessness. This gradual transformation not only underscores the table's quality but also makes each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

The James De Wulf Shuffleboard Table is a vibrant piece measuring 274.32 cm (nine feet) in length, and is crafted from concrete reinforced with carbon fibre, ensuring exceptional strength and durability. The pucks glide effortlessly across the meticulously finished concrete surface, offering players a smooth and satisfying experience. The table's bold, rugged design not only makes a striking visual statement but also enhances the overall gameplay.

The iconic James De Wulf Concrete Billiards Table is also crafted from concrete reinforced with carbon fibre, ensuring strength and stability. The playing surface is finished to provide a smooth, high-performance experience and is elegantly layered with premium black felt. High rebound rubber rails and cup rims enhance precision, allowing for accurate and controlled shots. Additionally, due to the surface texture, balls glide effortlessly into the hand-pierced leather pockets.

The latest addition to the James De Wulf gaming collection is the Mahjong Table which caters to both card players and board game enthusiasts with its thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship. Constructed with a solid concrete top and base, this table offers durability and stability. The top is beautifully decorated and reinforced with a double bronze perimeter and a surrounding play area, adding both strength and elegance. At the centre of the table, a rich mint velvet cover provides a luxurious and smooth playing surface.

The James De Wulf custom contemporary concrete Ping Pong Table features an acid-stained centre line and carbon fibre reinforcement, ensuring both precision and durability during gameplay. Designed to double up as a dining table, it comfortably seats 10-12 guests, making it a perfect addition to any entertainment space. This dual-purpose table embodies De Wulf’s commitment to innovative design, offering a practical piece for any setting.

Furthermore, the concrete Backgammon Game Table is meticulously crafted and custom-made to ensure a perfect fit for its intended environment. The surface is sealed and waxed, giving it a distinctive lustrous finish that is as durable as beautiful. Over time, the table will develop a gradual patina, enhancing its unique character and adding to its appeal.

Combining style and practicality, each avant-garde game table in his collection proclaims a commitment to quality, innovation and aesthetic excellence, transforming everyday furniture designs into intruiguing works of functional art. By infusing traditional gaming with modern craftsmanship, De Wulf not only enhances the gaming experience but also elevates the ambience of any space.

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