The Mid-Century Guitar Pick Side Table
The guitar pick profile is an absolute staple of mid-century modern design. Emerging during the post-war organic modernism movement, this iconic tri-symmetric geometry was popularized by pioneering designers who wanted to break away from the rigid, sterile rectangles of traditional furniture. It mimics the fluid, soft shapes found in nature. While this form works beautifully as a full-sized coffee table, this scaled-down version is specifically engineered to bring those proportions into tighter spaces as a highly functional accent piece.
What makes this table incredibly unique is its architectural versatility. Traditional square or round side tables can feel restrictive, forcing you to align them perfectly with the arm of a couch. Because of its three-sided asymmetric nature, the guitar pick table can be rotated in any direction to seamlessly nestle into a tight corner, sit perfectly between a pair of angled lounge chairs, or soften the hard corners of a modern room. It acts as an artistic, sculptural placeholder for your morning coffee or a book.
Choose Your Material: Plywood or Solid Hardwood
I offer this side table in two distinct, high-grade material styles depending on the aesthetic of your collection. Both options feature quality walnut with absolutely no stains, dyes, or synthetic plastic glossy clear-coats to chip, scratch, or cloud over time. Because wood is a natural product, your custom piece will feature its own unique, beautiful grain signature.
1. Architectural Walnut Plywood
Constructed from high-grade, architectural-quality walnut veneer plywood. With this option, I intentionally leave the layered plywood edge entirely exposed. Charles and Ray Eames famously championed honest materials, turning structural plywood edges into an iconic design feature rather than something to hide. It is a raw, authentic tribute to mid-century industrial design.
2. Solid Walnut Hardwood
This version is built entirely from quality solid walnut hardwood. Because it is solid wood, the natural grain runs continuously over the top and down through the steep edge bevel. It is a traditional build meant for those who want the clean look of solid hardwood, with the added benefit that solid hardwood stands up to daily abuse a little better and can usually be sanded down and refinished should something awful happen to it years down the road.
Crafted by Hand, One at a Time
- The Beveled Edge: The underside features a thin straight section at the very top edge before angling sharply away from the top, giving the table surface a light, floating appearance.
- The Tapered Legs: Supported by three solid walnut legs, turned by hand in my shop, and splayed out at a classic mid-century angle using quality mounting hardware. The legs come with mounting bolts pre-installed, so assembly is effortless: you simply screw the legs into the brackets until they sit tight and flush against the mounting plate.
- The 5-Coat Finish: I meticulously hand-apply five separate coats of quality oil and wax. It is a time-consuming process, but it yields a tactile matte sheen. It is not plasticky or dull—it simply lets the natural, rich glow of the walnut breathe. Every table includes a straightforward care guide (no harsh chemicals or spray furniture polish—just a damp cloth and water).
Dimensions & Specifications
- Point to Edge: ~19 7/8″
- Side Corner to Side Corner: ~20 7/8″
- Height: 18″ tall
Made to Order For You
Every single piece is built from scratch by me in my workshop. Because this is an authentic, handmade process, your table will take 3 to 4 weeks to craft (though it could be sooner if I am currently running a batch—feel free to message me for a real-time schedule update).
When it arrives, it will be stamped, signed, and numbered on the underside as a true registry of its craftsmanship.
louise –
It’s been in my house a few days and has been complimented by all who see it. Even better, WE love it!
Richard –
So beautiful I purchased a second one!
Tricia –
Beautifully crafted. Excellent packaging. Just what I was looking for.
Michael –
Wow, what a beautiful piece. We modified the overall size, so it was a custom order. No problem did not impact the overall delivery timeframe. Shipped fast with very high quality packaging to insure a perfect item was delivered. I’m ordering another piece tomorrow, so that should indicate how pleased we are with this walnut table. Beautiful, well made, sturdy, but still lightweight to easily move it around.
Jackie –
Well these side tables are absolutely beautiful! And Steve was a pleasure to interact with. Nice to buy something from the artistic craftsman that made it.
gary –
This is my second piece. Excellent product
Katty –
This is my second purchase. Excellent packaging, made it all the way to Colombia in perfect condition. Im a very satisfied customer.
Dennis –
This is third table that I have ordered from Steve. The color and craftsmanship is beautiful. Very well packaged for damage free shipping. Steve was incredibly easy to work with and was able to design the table to my specifications. High recommend.
Stephanie –
Beautiful table. It was easy to put together and is high quality.
Katty –
After taking my time looking on Etsy and based on the great reviews I read of previous costumers about this shop, I made the decision on buying my new side table. I was sure I was going to be pleased with it, and I was right, the craftsmanship is just perfection. So don’t you think twice, and go for it, you will be very pleased too.
bryh8vid –
I ordered the solid wood version. It’s a beautiful table. Experienced an easy purchase: good communication from the seller advising me of the anticipated completion date; table was packed safely; shipped timely; and it was easy to attach the legs. I highly recommend this artisan. Thank you so much for a high quality table!
Bill –
Beautiful little table, super easy to put together, and exactly as appears in pics. Nice work!
Paul –
Absolutely gorgeous table, shipped very quickly. It’s going to be a perfect addition to my MCM Tiki Office I’m currently building out. Packed incredibly well too. The finish is absolutely gorgeous on it too. Again super impressed.
Bethany –
The end table is beautiful and exceeded expectations. I was also very appreciative of the hand written thank you note. I would certainly shop here again for needs.
Brian –
The Modern Guitar Pick Side Tables are beautiful and well crafted.
Angela –
I was absolutely thrilled to receive my side table along with a hand-written note from its maker! Buying something that is handmade by a real person is so much more rewarding that getting some factory-made item imported from abroad. The design is simple and elegant, and the finish quality is perfect. This table is exactly what we were hoping for!
Vernon –
Well made tables. Beautiful finish. I purchased this guitar pick table with a custom height. I am using it to compliment the bean shaped table that I purchased previously. Looks and functions great!
eastesd –
Table arrived on time in excellent condition and was exactly what I expected. Would highly recommend.
Richard –
Beautiful piece. Well made and great customer service.
dwnosborne –
I bought this table 5 years ago and it remains so beautiful that I decided to purchase another to match. When I checked the size on line I discovered that the dimensions had been changed slightly. I contacted the artist who responded immediately and offered to fashion a matching table to size of my old one at no added cost. The table arrived within the estimated time frame and it is beautiful. There are instructions on how to care for it, but I have never done a thing other than not set hot items directly onto it. If you like how this table looks online you will not be disappointed with how it looks in your home.
Natalie –
It’s perfect! Very high quality.
Julie –
Bought solid walnut pair of picks to go along with large kidney table from SC. Very simple, modern & elegant shape allowing the lovely walnut wood qualities to show off. Very professional craftmanship. Delivery was well packed and easy to assemble. Overall quick turn around considering the high quality workmanship. Good, friendly communication too, from SC!
Julie –
Bought solid walnut along with 2 pick tables. Very simple, modern & elegant shape allowing the lovely walnut wood qualities to show off. Very professional craftmanship. Delivery was safely packed with the pick tables. Easy to assemble – just be patient in screwing in the legs, because there is a slight angle. Good, friendly communication too, from SC!
Victoria –
Solid construction, super cool shape; have it in a music room with guitars on the wall behind it and the look is perfect; highly recommend
sara –
Beautiful side table, well made and great communication with seller:) will not disappoint!
Monica –
Great quality with a minimal Scandic desgin…just love it!!!
Anne –
Beautifully constructed. Very high quality. I cannot give a stronger recommendation.
Gavin –
I really like this item, however the finish came damaged from the bubble wrap which is extremely disappointing.
Unfortunately I cannot have this replaced/fixed since I shipped overseas. Still giving this a 4/5 since it was exactly as expected, and nice quality.
Mary –
Table is beautiful, wood grain is so pretty! Amazing price for this high quality handmade item. Seller was very patient answering my questions and held it until I was ready for delivery.
Highly recommend!
Mikaela321 –
I highly recommend Steve’s impeccable wordworking skills and professionalism. I am so happy we chose this beautiful collector’s item over a mass-produced table. Thanks, Steve!
JC Cuayet –
Simple yet elegant design. Great craftmanship. Fits perfectly with my mid-century furnishings.
peter –
Five stars for two reasons: the table is a perfect complement to my Womb chair and looks beautiful in mahogany. It is just right for a cup of coffee and a laptop. I did have an issue in that while it came fully wrapped in bubble wrap and very protected, somehow it had a small scratch on the top. But Steve was very responsive and offered to repair or replace it immediately. Since I have some beginner woodworking skills myself, I lightly sanded and refinished the scratch and it is perfect.
Tracy –
This table is a beautiful piece! The attention to detail and workmanship is impeccable. I also appreciated that SCWoodworker worked with me to get the table shipped quickly before Father’s Day. I definitely recommend!
Robin –
Fantastic looking–just as we’d hoped!
Robin –
Fantastic looking–just as we’d hoped!
hildeborg –
I LOVE this table! It is so well done, and I hope to have it for a long long time! It came perfectly packaged, ahead of schedule, and with great care instructions. I’m excited to show it off!
Mary –
Steve was very willing to accommodate a last minute change of dimension. When it arrived (on time), it was perfect!!!! Will order again. E & M C
Michelle –
Steve was very communicative and responded quickly to my inquiries! His work is quite lovely, and the piece looks perfect in my living room. I will definitely come back to him if I choose to add more pieces in this style to my home!
Mindy –
These end tables were the perfect Christmas gift to my husband and match our mid-century furniture perfectly
Mindy –
The Kidney Bean and Guitar Pick side tables are the perfect scale for our home and the wood matches the walnut of our current furniture.
Daniel –
Everything was perfect with this item. Incredibly well made and the pricing was terrific… Great value!!!!
dwnosborne –
understated, beautiful feel, unique, shipped on time
mika –
I was looking for a vintage side table and came across Steve’s shop. I am so glad I did! The pictures really don’t do the table justice. It’s beautifully crafted, sturdy and just the right size. It was a pleasure doing business with Steve who was prompt to respond to my inquiries and extremely professional. I highly recommend him, I love my table.
Wesley –
I cannot speak highly enough of the pleasure it has been to purchase this table from SC Woodworker. He has been very conscientious in his communication and clearly takes great pride in his work. The tables are very sturdy and are made with top quality materials and great craftsmanship.