From kanna finish to intricate geometries, 10 innovative console table designs in wood

An essential asset of the furniture design industry owing to its durability and versatility, wood as a material has always been a valuable resource. Synonymous with the multifunctionality of wood are console tables that can be set up in any space owing to their compact size and applied for various uses adding to their multifaceted usage. Juxtaposing the timelessness of wood with the multifaceted quality of console tables, console table designs in wood can adapt to a variety of interior interior design settings. Designers like Nada Debs, Nipa Levien, Frédéric Saulou and more have abstracted typical console tables with a contemporary twist. From sycamore wood to Japanese chestnut to oak, these designers have explored the materiality of wood for contemporary console table designs that circle the spectrum from sculptural pieces to minimalistic designs.

STIR has curated a selection of 10 console table designs in wood from iconic brands, industrial designers and galleries

1. Ippodo Gallery - Console

Console by Japanese furniture designer Toshio Tokunaga for New York based Ippodo Gallery crafted using Japanese horse-chestnut adorns a minimal design that can be integrated into a multitude of interior settings. The texture of the console table uses the 'kanna' finish which assists in hand carving the table to perfection.

2. A-Symmetry Console by Frédéric Saulou

Crafted by French contemporary designer Frédéric Saulou in Massif oak stained and marble granite, the A-symmetry console is built using the tension of two heterogenous materials and the convergence of shapes and lines. Although both are natural, the materials despite their differences balance each other visually. The structure of the table comprises two identical shapes that are facing each other but in an inverted manner rendering a skilful harmony.

3. Selima console by Paolo Castelli

Endeavouring on the route to sustainable design , Italian brand Paolo Castelli uses solid eco-friendly ash to create the Selima console. This versatile console table is available in natural ash with an acetic finish, bleached or walnut-stained version with an open pore finish. The wood pores are deliberately left open thereby allowing the veneer to retain its natural appearance. The console frames are embellished with matt champagne-coloured metal inserts.

4. Carapace console by Nada Debs

Carapace console by Lebanese designer Nada Debs from the Cosentino Capsule Collection renders the synergy of opposing materials through a playful geometric composition of both natural and industrial elements. Adopting the studio’s signature Carapace pattern, the materials and geometry mould perfectly together through the craft of marquetry.

5. M_008 console by Benni Allan for Studio Monolith

This idiosyncratic console table crafted using oak by architect and furniture designer Benni Allan, playfully softens the space around it owing to its rippled form. A juxtaposition of a part pedestal and part console, its sculptural triple-column geometry diffuses the boundaries of utility and form.

6. Pidi by Smaram

The ‘Pidi’ console table with its sleek lines and contemporary design by Smaram is an eye-catching accent piece from their inaugural collection. Championing fine Indian craftsmanship, the masterfully crafted piece of long wooden members are cradled on metal plates and appear to levitate off the ground. The wooden members with markings of their age add a unique history and personality to this elegant console.

7. No secret drawer console by Doshi Levien

Multidisciplinary designers Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien founders of Doshi Levien , crafted the 'No secret drawer' console for Galerie kreo. Inspired by Doshi’s Indian roots, the console table’s decorative borders are abstracted from vibrant handwoven Indian sari, balanced with dark rosewood. A secret drawer enhances the intimate sensuality of the work.

8. BTRFL Console Desk by Cédric Breisacher

BTRFL console crafted by French designer and sculptor Cédric Breisacher in sycamore wood, is carved by nature itself. The top is cut following the wood lines lending each piece its unique character with shapes and lines that appear synonymously joined from the top to the bottom. Simple and slightly curved, it can be integrated into every interior setting.

9. Ring console by Stephan Bishop

The Ring console crafted using Douglas Fir and ink by Los Angeles-based designer Stefan Bishop. This sculptural console table materialises nature and presents it in the form of functional art, uplifting the functionality of a console table through its constructive product design and matt black colour.

10. Console table by Luke Malaney

Hand sculpted out of solid ash by Brooklyn-based woodworker and furniture designer Luke Malaney, this wooden furniture has a whimsical approach to design. The one-of-a-kind furniture piece is crafted using old joinery, viewing elegant design through animated lenses. Ensuring functionality wrapped in sculptural design, the wavy form of the table complements the materiality of wood.

Text by Ria Jha