Modern Coffee Tables Come In Many Shapes And Materials

By Vera Dordick | Published on Jan 20, 2016

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Fritsch triangle table design - 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.

Ammann Cardboard 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.

Ammann Cardboard Table Closer Edge - A side view of the table shows that it's not just a plan slab of material.

Art coffee table design - This sturdy table includes a planter and a game detail for interest.

Art coffee table design with green accent - The thick slab of the tabletop also features a live edge and prominent wood grain.

Glass top coffee table for gym room - 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.

Carpenters Workshop Table - 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.

Carwan Coffee Table from Karen Chekerdjian - 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.

Carwan Table CloseUp - The undulating grain of the mahogany wood is stunning.

Carwan Gallery Table - This table is also from Cherkerdjian's Trans Form collection and is made of stainless steel.

Carwan Triangle Silver Table - 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.

Casati Table of Chicago - The Casati Gallery of Chicago has lots of lovely mid-century Italian pieces like this table.

Casati Booth Sunburst Pattern - The sunburst pattern of the wood grain is so attractive and the architectural metal base adds interest.

Colombari Coffee Transformable Table - Available at Galleria Colombari.

Colombari oasis Table from Legion etrangere collection - 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.

Andrea Brandi Colombari Tall Table - 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.

Colombari Tall Table Detail - The striped top is unique.

Era Studio Half Table Lights - 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,

Carlos Trucchi coffee table design - 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.

Erastudio Apartment Gallery Table Design - 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.

Colorful Firma Casa Table - 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.

Fragments small table from Dutch desiger Lex Pott - 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.

Fritsch ceramic table design

Thomas Fritsch coffee table

All Gallery Coffee Table - Available at Gallery ALL.

Grajales small stacked table - 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.

Grajales stacked table - The luster Bishop gives to the wood is amazing.

Grajales Stacked Table Design - Upon closer inspection, it's possible to see the wood grain in the stacked slabs.

Cristina Grajales Gallery - Depending upon the light and the angle, the piece also takes on the look of stone.

Beautiful wood table with simple lines - Sometimes beautiful wood, clean lines and a simple shape are all you need to make a statement.

Mysercough Water coffee Table

Mysercough Water Table Close Up - Every angle provides an interesting perspective.

Atlantis table from Sarah Myerscough Gallery - The Atlantis Table is available through the Sarah Myerscough Gallery.

Brian Thoreen Coffee table - 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.

Parrish console table - This edition of the table is in green, commissioned for DesignMiami/ 2015.

Rand Company triangular table - 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.

Korean artist Kim Jin sik console table - 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.

Seomi Puddle Table Sang Hoon - Both these tables, from the Seomi International Gallery, were created by South Korean designers.

Organic design Seomi Puddle Table - 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.

South African designer Xandre Kriel Coffee table - 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.

Southern Guild Kriel Slate Table - High shine means high interest in this case. Such a stunning slab table!

Southern Guild Mangled Metal Table - Also from the Southern Guild in Africa, this unique cast metal table is a conversation piece for sure.

VIVID Kyttanen A Void table - "A Void" by Janne Kyttanen, is a geometric masterpiece.

VIVID kyttanen void view table - The stunning shape of this table, combines with the geometry, offers a slight different view from every perspective.

Geometric lines coffee table from Janne Kayttanen - 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."

Modern Coffee Tables Come In Many Shapes And Materials

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Art coffee table design with green accent

Carwan Coffee Table from Karen Chekerdjian

Colombari oasis Table from Legion etrangere collection

Erastudio Apartment Gallery Table Design

Fragments small table from Dutch desiger Lex Pott

Atlantis table from Sarah Myerscough Gallery

South African designer Xandre Kriel Coffee table

Geometric lines coffee table from Janne Kayttanen

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. — 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.

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. — 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. — 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.

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. — 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.

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. — 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. — 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.

The sunburst pattern of the wood grain is so attractive and the architectural metal base adds interest.

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.

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.

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, — 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.

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. — 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.

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. — 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.

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.

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.

The luster Bishop gives to the wood is amazing. — 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. — 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.

Sometimes beautiful wood, clean lines and a simple shape are all you need to make a statement.

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.

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. — 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. — 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. — 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.

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.

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!

Also from the Southern Guild in Africa, this unique cast metal table is a conversation piece for sure. — 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. — “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.

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." — 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.