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Modern Coffee Tables Come In Many Shapes And Materials

After a bed, a table is the most functional — and necessary — piece of furniture in your home.  Tables come in all shapes and sizes, for all sorts of uses. Wood, glass and metal may be most common, but modern coffee tables are increasingly created with a variety of materials in a host of forms and contours.

The Thomas Fritsch Gallery has a collection of interesting tables, such as this one. Designed by artist Roger Capron in 1955, it is a gorgeous modern piece.View in gallery
The Thomas Fritsch Gallery has a collection of interesting pieces, such as this one. Designed by artist Roger Capron in 1955, it is a gorgeous modern coffee table.
What may look like a typical table, this piece is actually a honeycomb structure made of corrugated cardboard that is covered with fiberglass and polyester resin.View in gallery
What may look like a typical table, this piece is actually a honeycomb structure made of corrugated cardboard that is covered with fiberglass and polyester resin.

The Amman Gallery of Cologne has many interesting modern tables that use new combinations of materials and combinations of new and old ones. Nucleo is a collective of artists and designers directed by Piergiorgio Robino based in Torino, Italy.

A side view of the table shows that it's not just a plan slab of material.View in gallery
A side view of the table shows that it’s not just a plan slab of material.
This sturdy table includes a planter and a game detail for interest.View in gallery
This sturdy modern coffee table table includes a planter and a game detail for interest.
The thick slab of the tabletop also features a live edge and prominent wood grain.View in gallery
The thick slab of the tabletop also features a live edge and prominent wood grain.
Glass-topped tables are nothing new but this appealing piece combines an unusual choice of pink glass with a base that plays on the concept of a gym and strength.View in gallery
Glass-topped tables are nothing new but this appealing piece combines an unusual choice of pink glass with a base that plays on the concept of a gym and strength.

Secondome of Rome  is a design platform that focuses on worldwide emerging designers and innovative projects. The studio’s Body Building collection by Milan-based Italian design duo Alberto Biagetti and Laura Baldassari  “explores the idea of the body, its potential and the discipline of perfection…” says the gallery’s description.

This coffee table from the Carpenter's Workshop Gallery demonstrates that art form doesn't have to limit function. It's not a generic square or rectangular table, but it's highly functional.View in gallery
This modern coffee table from the Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery demonstrates that art form doesn’t have to limit function. It’s not a generic square or rectangular table, but it’s highly functional.
Gorgeous mahogany wood grain is enhanced by the uneven surface of this coffee table designed by Karen Chekerdjian. The shiny copper plated brass base provides a modern counterpoint to the warm wood. From the Carwan Gallery.View in gallery
Gorgeous mahogany wood grain is enhanced by the uneven surface of this coffee table designed by Karen Chekerdjian. The shiny copper plated brass base provides a modern counterpoint to the warm wood. From the Carwan Gallery.
The undulating grain of the mahogany wood is stunning.View in gallery
The undulating grain of the mahogany wood is stunning.
This table is also from Cherkerdjian's Trans Form collection and is made of stainless steel.View in gallery
This modern coffee table is also from Cherkerdjian’s Trans Form collection and is made of stainless steel.
Chekerdjian's IQAR table "blurs the line between origami and metallurgy," says the description. It is made from one sheet of aluminum, and folded by hand.View in gallery
Chekerdjian’s IQAR table “blurs the line between origami and metallurgy,” says the description. It is made from one sheet of aluminum, and folded by hand.
The Casati Gallery of Chicago has lots of lovely mid-century Italian pieces like this table.View in gallery
The Casati Gallery of Chicago has lots of lovely mid-century Italian pieces like this table.
The sunburst pattern of the wood grain is so attractive and the architectural metal base adds interest.View in gallery
The sunburst pattern of the wood grain is so attractive and the architectural metal base adds interest.
Available at Galleria Colombari.View in gallery
Available at Galleria Colombari.

While space-saving furniture is all the rage for city dwellers, it’s not a new concept.  This Coclea Table was produced in Italy in the 1970’s. It is made of lacquered wood and has a mechanical elevation system to transform it from a modern coffee table to a cocktail table.

This interesting piece is the Oasis Desk from the Collection “Légion étrangère” by Italian designer Alessandro Mending. It was produced in Italy in 1988. It is also available at the Galleria Colombari in Milan.View in gallery
This interesting piece is the Oasis Desk from the Collection “Légion étrangère” by Italian designer Alessandro Mending. It was produced in Italy in 1988. It is also available at the Galleria Colombari in Milan.
Designed as a tall stools by Italian designer Andrea Brandi, these pieces would also work as tall tables. Created in 1985, they are painted iron with seats covered by leather.View in gallery
Designed as a tall stools by Italian designer Andrea Brandi, these pieces would also work as tall tables. Created in 1985, they are painted iron with seats covered by leather.
The striped top is unique.View in gallery
The striped top is unique.
While a half-table like this can be a stylish solution for smaller spaces, it's also a stunning addition to any room. The style of the legs is particularly eye-catching,View in gallery
While a half-table like this can be a stylish solution for smaller spaces, it’s also a stunning addition to any room. The style of the legs is particularly eye-catching,
Italian designer Carlos Trucchi created this whimsical piece that plays off of the idea of place settings. All of his pieces are unique and signed. This one is available through the Erastudio Apartment Gallery.View in gallery
Italian designer Carlos Trucchi created this whimsical piece that plays off of the idea of place settings. All of his pieces are unique and signed. This one is available through the Erastudio Apartment Gallery.
Another unique table from the Erastudio Apartment Gallery is this one, reminiscent of an insect's back. Both the ovate shape and the line down the middle give the impression of a shell.View in gallery
Another unique modern table from the Erastudio Apartment Gallery is this one, reminiscent of an insect’s back. Both the ovate shape and the line down the middle give the impression of a shell.
This table is an excellent example of the colors and masterful craftsmanship of the leatherwork in the collection. The stunning detail in this table would be a conversation piece in any setting.View in gallery
This table is an excellent example of the colors and masterful craftsmanship of the leatherwork in the collection. The stunning detail in this table would be a conversation piece in any setting.

Brazilian tradition made modern is the focus of a recent work by the Campana Brothers. The pair is known as  the godfathers of contemporary Brazilian design. Their colorful collection focuses on the skills of traditional saddlery, but brings together stitching, traditional designs, complex patterns and a wide array of details. Together, it makes a very fancy and evocative collection.

Rather than just make pieces from polished stone, Dutch designer Lex Pott, who is known for his reinterpretation of basic geometric shapes, let's the organic form of the stone feature in his pieces.View in gallery
Rather than just make pieces from polished stone, Dutch designer Lex Pott, who is known for his reinterpretation of basic geometric shapes, lets the organic form of the stone feature in his pieces.

Fritsch ceramic table designView in gallery

MoreINSPIRATION

Ceramic-topped tables are popular and the deep reddish orange accent in these modern coffee tables from the Thomas Fritsch Gallery keep make them particularly striking. Designed decades ago, they are still current and desirable.

Thomas Fritsch coffee tableView in gallery

Available at Gallery ALL.View in gallery

Some modern coffee tables are meant to be more artful than functional, like this amazing work.  This piece in copper is from the Metsidian Series, 2015, by designer Janne Kyttanen.  According to the artist, “Metsidian represents a moment in time, an eruption that melds two divergent materials together. The prehistoric evolves into the futuristic as the organic volcanic obsidian form transforms into a clean, fluid chrome mesh. The result is a compelling metamorphosis; the impossible becomes reality.”

While it might look metallic, this stacked side table, by artist Stephen Bishop is made of walnut. It is available at the Cristina Grajales Gallery.View in gallery
While it might look metallic, this stacked side table, by artist Stephen Bishop is made of walnut. It is available at the Cristina Grajales Gallery.
The luster Bishop gives to the wood is amazing.View in gallery
The luster Bishop gives to the wood in this modern console table is amazing.
Upon closer inspection, it's possible to see the wood grain in the stacked slabs.View in gallery
Upon closer inspection, it’s possible to see the wood grain in the stacked slabs.
Depending upon the light and the angle, the piece also takes on the look of stone.View in gallery
Depending upon the light and the angle, the piece also takes on the look of stone.
Sometimes beautiful wood, clean lines and a simple shape are all you need to make a statement.View in gallery
Sometimes beautiful wood, clean lines and a simple shape are all you need to make a statement.

Mysercough Water coffee TableView in gallery

This three-piece modern coffee table is the epitome of art, architecture and technology all at the same time.  Created by glass manufacturer Christopher Duffy. Duffy’s design team spent a year developing the table. Made of sculpted glass, Perspex and wood, it is arranged like a 3-D representation of a geological map, manipulating perceptions of depth.

Every angle provides an interesting perspective.View in gallery
Every angle provides an interesting perspective.
The Atlantis Table is available through the Sarah Myerscough Gallery.View in gallery
The Atlantis Table is available through the Sarah Myerscough Gallery.
LA-based designer Brian Thoreen created this geometric coffee table in mixed black marbles, brass, steel, and wood. Handles by the Patrick Parrish Galery, the table comes in various colors.View in gallery
LA-based designer Brian Thoreen created this geometric modern coffee table in mixed black marbles, brass, steel, and wood. Handles by the Patrick Parrish Galery, the table comes in various colors. This edition of the table is in green, commissioned for DesignMiami/ 2015.
This edition of the table is in green, commissioned for DesignMiami/ 2015.View in gallery
Designed exclusively for DesignMiami/, this modern console table by Jonathan Nesci is made of anodized aluminum and acrylic. Only six are available, each in a different color.
Designed exclusively for DesignMiami/, this console table by Jonathan Nesci is made of anodized aluminum and acrylic. Only six are available, each in a different color.View in gallery
The Iconic triangular shape of this table is by Brazilian designer Joaquin Tenreiro. Created in 1960, table is made of jacaranda with an ochre yellow underpainted glass top. This piece is a prime example of how modern designs look fresh even decades later.

View in gallery

An industrial-looking piece, the console was designed by Korean artist Kim Jin sik. Made from mirror Stainless steel and Volakas marble, it is truly modern table.

Both these tables, from the Seomi International Gallery, were created by South Korean designers.
View in gallery
This piece is called TABLE+GLASS, by designer Kim Sang Hoon. The interplay between the undulating metal pieces and the curved glass are particularly stunning.
View in gallery
The organic shape of the glass looks like a molten puddle on top of the undulating base.
This table by South African designer Xandre Kriel is made of a stone slab, polished in such a way that it appears to have a grain. The edginess of the table is enhanced by the roughness at the lip of the table.View in gallery
This table by South African designer Xandre Kriel is made of a stone slab, polished in such a way that it appears to have a grain. The edginess of the table is enhanced by the roughness at the lip of the table.
High shine means high interest in this case. Such a stunning slab table!View in gallery
High shine means high interest in this case. Such a stunning slab table!
Also from the Southern Guild in Africa, this unique cast metal table is a conversation piece for sure.View in gallery
Also from the Southern Guild in Africa, this unique cast metal modern coffee table is a conversation piece for sure.
"A Void" by Janne Kyttanen, is a geometric masterpiece.View in gallery
“A Void” by Janne Kyttanen, is a geometric masterpiece.
The stunning shape of this table, combines with the geometry, offers a slight different view from every perspective.View in gallery
The stunning shape of this table, combines with the geometry, offers a slight different view from every perspective.
Again focusing on geometric lines, designer Janne Kyttanen created this magnificent polished bronze tabletop. Finnish artist Kyttanen is a "digital sculptor creating multidisciplinary work at the intersection of 3D printing, virtual & augmented reality."View in gallery
Again focusing on geometric lines, designer Janne Kyttanen created this magnificent polished bronze tabletop. Finnish artist Kyttanen is a “digital sculptor creating multidisciplinary work at the intersection of 3D printing, virtual & augmented reality.”

Yes, they’re meant to be functional, but  designers have created an endless range of modern coffee tables tables that are as much art as furniture. No matter if they are made of stone or glass, whether they are hand-sculpted or 3-D printed, or whether they are merely functional or highly decorative, modern tables offer an endless range of choices.