Coffee tables are the centerpieces of many living rooms, both visually and functionally. It is often an area where not only people but objects also gather, whether books, phones, or even food. That’s why it’s not unusual to see trays, boxes, and other containers on or under these tables, which may ruin the table’s charm. But what if the table had these storage spaces built into it and hidden from view until needed? That’s the genius design that this artistic Persian-inspired piece of furniture offers, turning a normal-looking coffee table into a cocktail table for social events and get-togethers.
Designer: Kouros Maghsoudi
Some coffee tables do have built-in shelves or levels used to store books, sometimes also knack-knacks and other objects. These, unfortunately, are often on display even when they’re not needed, and they’re definitely not that useful for things you need to put on top occasionally, like a bowl for fruits, an ice bucket for drinks, and the like. You can always just use any bowl or container for those purposes, but finding ones that match the design of the table could be a daunting task.
The Taarof Table solves this in a rather creative way by having those conventional “party” containers built into the table, specifically its legs. The low coffee slash cocktail table is held up by a stack of pouf-like circles that seem to extend beyond and above the tabletop. Those short cylinders, however, are where the magic happens.
Three of them have lids that reveal the secret inside them. One corner of the table has a perforated sheet of metal that serves as a pewter ashtray. Another can be used as a fruit basket or container for snacks like peanuts. Finally, one has a double-walled bucket for keeping drinks cold. It’s a simple yet effective design that offers functionality that integrates perfectly with the design of the table. You don’t have to remove them when not in use and they continue to serve as aesthetic parts of the table’s design.
Despite the glossy finish, the table is actually made from FSC-certified wood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard). It also uses zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) lacquer for that marble-like shine. Even with very simple and basic shapes, the Taarof Table adds a distinct charm to any living space while also providing functionality that doesn’t get in the way when not needed.
