From Centre Court to Crafted Surfaces: Keeping the Spirit of the Game Alive
As the curtains close on a thrilling Roland Garros and all eyes turn towards the lawns of Wimbledon, tennis fans around the world find themselves in a brief but charged interlude. The Roland Garros final between Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday 8th June, reminded us all why we love the game, an electrifying duel of skill, resilience and youthful ambition. While we have never designed a full scale tennis court or created tennis accessories, the game has made its way into our workshop in a rather unexpected yet inspired form.
A few years ago, Silverlining Furniture had the pleasure of designing a bespoke table tennis table in collaboration with renowned interior designer Katharine Pooley. Commissioned for a private luxury games room, the piece reflects our enduring passion for craftsmanship and playful sophistication.
Though a far cry from the scale of Wimbledon or Roland Garros, this table tennis table celebrates the same spirit of competition, elegance and precision. Every element of its design was approached with the same care and rigour we would apply to a statement piece of furniture or a bespoke yacht interior.
The table’s surface is crafted from diamond matched fumed and figured eucalyptus veneer, chosen not only for its stunning grain pattern but also for its rich, dark tone that evokes timeless luxury. The base, made in the same timber, anchors the piece with quiet strength. Subtle but significant detailing elevates the design further: drawers are concealed within each side of the table, inlaid with satin brushed brass and fine leather, offering discreet storage for the bats and balls. The playing surface itself has been engineered to be hardwearing while delivering a superior bounce and feel, a rare fusion of aesthetics and function.
One of our favourite details is the bespoke net, fashioned in perforated dark green leather. This small flourish pays tribute to the classic colour palette of tennis while also nodding to our commitment to material innovation. It is a piece that bridges the traditional and the contemporary, a table for play, yes, but also a sculptural object that commands presence in the room.
As we await the opening serve at Wimbledon this July, we are reminded that great design, like great sport, is about rhythm, balance and instinct. Collaborations such as this one allow us to step into new territories, expanding our creative repertoire without ever straying from our core values: precision, integrity and beauty in execution.
At Silverlining, we believe that even the most playful object can be a canvas for craftsmanship. Whether it is a dining table, a games console or indeed a table tennis table, our goal remains the same, to create pieces that endure, engage and spark joy.
So while we may not have graced Centre Court, our take on the game lives on in walnut veneers and leather nets, in the laughter of friends gathered for a match and in the quiet satisfaction of owning something truly one of a kind.