I have always been intrigued by furniture that moved in some way – and I don’t mean on wheels! Tables that could slide or rise up in height or contain secret shelves that could pop-out when desired. Movement that would allow a piece of furniture to serve a surprise purpose other than just what was expected of it by virtue of its design as a coffee table, side table and such. Maybe it’s a male thing – I don’t know. Still I have had any number of clients of the female gender that have expressed great enthusiasm for these “tables that do something” – just as long as they looked good – a beautiful finish, sleek lines, and the right proportions. Women are more sensitive to these aspects than their male counterparts, I believe.

We’re all well acquainted with the ubiquitous extension dining tables (with or without hidden leaves) and even glass tops that can move and of course night tables and side tables that contain hidden shelves (usually located above the top drawer) that slide out and provide additional tabletop space. We’ve seen these for years. A little less familiar are coffee tables that can “rise to the occasion” and become dining table height with either a hidden gas lift or the newer (but certainly not new) electric motors – the same principle that has raised our televisions out of beautiful chests at the foot of our beds (especially in Las Vegas hotel rooms) for years. These tables can be “lifesavers” in rooms that need to double as a sitting-conversation area and dining space.

Among my most successful table designs have been the ones that have offered clients additional serving space – not to mention a conversation piece. I designed a two-level coffee table with a sliding top. The most popular shape in this style has been the rectangle (with radius or square corners), though clients have also used the square and round shapes as well. These tables can sit in the closed position or even slightly open and when additional serving space is needed, the top level can slide open (usually not more than 20”) to reveal another serving area below. And even magazines can be stored on the lower level and hidden from sight when the tabletop is closed. Finished in a stunning lacquer color or beautiful wood (or even a combination of the two) this table is a winner in any setting – truly a jewel.

I’ve also used more or less the same principle of the sliding top in a variation of this style wherein the top level splits in the middle and slides open to reveal a hidden well (that is usually mirrored) and can be used to store liquor bottles, serving dishes, etc. Recently this table was ordered by a client in a rich mahogany wood and was a wonderful compliment to the simple lines of his late 1940’s French furniture.

Another table design that has worked its charm on clients is the “pivoting top” side table done in either an oval or egg-shape. These tables are especially wonderful between two chairs or in front of a small sofa (or even two used with a larger sofa) so that when the top pivots open there are two serving surfaces that can be used. When not fully open, like the sliding coffee table, the top looks best (I believe) slightly extended and makes for a truly interesting and unusual look. And like the sliding table these are jewel-like in a room setting when shown in exotic veneers, mixed finishes or even polished or brushed metals.