TRICKY TABLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1001, 18 June 1930, Page 6

TRICKY TABLES

NEW AND INGENIOUS IDEAS IN CONSTRUCTION TAKING NEW TURN There is no article of furnishing that has been treated more successfully, or produced in more fascinating variety, than the small occasional table which, in sitting-room, lounge or | study, contributes so greatly both to | beauty and comfort. Indeed, the ' modernist movement shows an espe- | cial fondness for occasional tables; | they seem to be a favourite speciality with designers who frequently devote the greatest thought and practical ingenuity to their construction (says an English writer). Sometimes a small circular-topped table may have drawers and cupboards in the pedestal on which it stands; others may have two or even more table surfaces, one above the other, and again, others, such as the new tables of plate glass and metal, have smaller, adjustable portions on which glasses, cups and saucers or ash-trays may be placed. And there are tables of every conceivable shape, round, oval, square, oblong, with six sides and with eight. Your occasional table may be constructed of one of the gorgeous and semi-precious timbers such as palissander, macasar ebony, or bubinga—or if these seem too expensive, there is weathered oak, which is very fashionable just now and is an exquisite silver-grey colour; or lacquered wood —brilliant red or blue or green cellulose—contrasting with the shining sil- ■ very effect of nickel; or lastly, nickel and plate glass, which is quite the | latest innovation of modernistic fur--1 nishing and is a rather fascinating combination. If the table top is of plate glass you will find that it picks up and reflects the prevailing colours of tile interior in a really beautiful manner. It will almost seem that ■the glass itself is coloured, and, of course, as the colour is all reflected, it forms a completely harmonious element in the scheme. | Many of these tables are quite low —less than two feet. They are intended for fireside use and are just the right height for reaching coffee or cigarettes from the depths' of an easy chair. Others, rather taller, may be placed in the corner of a room, or before a window-; and an additional modern table-lamp may be placed upon them with excellent effect. The nests of tables, generally either painted or lacquered, which may be put away one beneath the other, are very useful, and they occupy exceedingly little space when not in use. These do not, perhaps, lend themselves to the distinctive originality of the best modern occasional tables. These are an essential part of the furnishing . scheme of an up-to-date lounge or sitting-room; while if you desire to. enliven an old room without refurnishing, a carefully chosen occasional table may ofteu enable you fr* find rJociVotl hft’op