5 Unique Coffee Table Designs

By Susan Kleinman

The base of this coffee table is machine-made and industrial looking, while the top is hand-hewn and all natural. The overall effect? Striking, sophisticated and absolutely one of a kind.

"What really inspires me is the idea of marrying something that is rustic with something manmade," says interior designer Alan Tanksley who created the table for a New York City apartment.

The table's base is from a classic Warren Platner table, an iconic 20th-century piece that is usually sold with a round stone or glass top. To replace the standard surface, Tanksley worked with noted New York furniture source Tucker Robbins, who had an oval top custom made of hand-hewn mountain pine.

"You can see the maker's hand in the pine top," says Tanksley. "It's grooved, and has a very organic feel and look to it."

In addition to creating a unique look for Tanksley's clients, the table serves a practical function in the space. "I liked putting the ellipse on the round base in that particular situation," the designer says, "because it nestles into the L-shaped banquette perfectly."