tabletop intrigue

Although I’m not entirely convinced that patterned tabletops will stand the test of time, they do a decent job of catching the eye–in a good way. Via Sensory Impact: Kinkyform’s Nopattern and Zenvironments tables are the result of collaborations with budding/established graphic artists. The signed, laser-cut wooden tables snap together without the use of glue or nails, and are scratch and waterproof.

For slightly less frenetic patterns, Scandinavian Surface features prototype printed tabletops on their website. Though not currently in production, it’s worth contacting them here if you’re interested in a quote. Images are via: Poppytalk and Astrid at Flickr.

One of the more famous “pattern pioneers” is Patricia Urquiola, who we first featured here. Her Damasco tables are decorated with a combination of lacquered inlay Asian silkscreen and damask fabric patterns. Available at Unica, the tables are available either round or square, both with the ever-popular popular wenge-stained finish.

Tord Boontje is another prolific pattern designer, with glass being his preferred medium. Above: the simply-named “Oval table” features a laser-cut steel frame with powder coating and a printed glass top, while the gorgeous Rialto Deco is pure printed glass with ghostly floral silhouettes. He does use wood in one instance – his The End Nail Table is made from wood, nails and spray paint. Although interesting, I find it difficult to stomach the sky-high price tag: $11,800.

Anna-Katriina Tilli & Mari Relander’s delicate Anemone is fairly basic – a powder-coated metal frame and a sandblasted glass top. Where it obviously stands out is the handmade lace (available in black, silver or red), whose effect becomes readily apparent by looking at the leafy shadow cast on the floor.

The beautiful Yakuza table has somewhat dark underpinnings, with its name derived from the heavily-tattooed Japanese mafia of the same name. This intricately detailed coffee table is covered with Asian artwork which is digitally printed onto a flesh-toned veneer surface. Like many of the other tables featured in today’s post, the Yakuza is intriguing, stylish and utterly unique.