It’s a certainty in life that even if I have several coasters in my house, the minute that I actually need one to put my drink in, I won’t be able to find a single one. It’s one of life’s mysteries just like you never have a bookmark when you need to mark down a page even though you know you own a ton of bookmarks. So the easiest solution would be to not use coasters at all. Well, of course that would probably leave some marks on your table. The other solution would be to have a table with built-in coasters.
If you use your table a lot for various drinks like coffee, juices, or just plain old water, having this kind of table would be pretty convenient. The Polka Coffee Table is a concept for a table that reimagines functionality and aesthetics in furniture design. Inspired by a simple sketch of a cone, Liam de la Bedoyere developed a table surface featuring inverted cork cones that serve as built-in coasters. The arrangement of these cones across the table surface creates a visually engaging polka-dot pattern, blending form and function seamlessly.
Designer:
The cones are approximately 90–100mm in diameter at the top, provide stability and are perfectly sized to support cups. Cork was chosen for its tactile qualities and natural resistance to heat and scratches, making it an ideal material for everyday use. Each cone is individually lathed and joined to the table, emphasizing craftsmanship and attention to detail. This design not only offers practical benefits but also adds a playful, sculptural element to interior spaces.
This kind of concept exemplifies innovative design thinking, where everyday objects are reinterpreted to enhance user experience and visual appeal. It started out with just a sketch and an idea and he ended up playing with the form. He experimented by flipping and rearranging the cones until he was able to come up with something that is functional, stable, and pleasant to the eyes.
It’s a reminder that good design doesn’t always have to shout — sometimes, it’s the subtle, thoughtful touches that make all the difference. With the Polka Coffee Table, Liam de la Bedoyere has created more than just a surface to rest your drink on; he’s crafted a conversation piece, a clever solution to a common problem, and a beautiful example of how design can quietly improve our daily lives. So the next time you’re scrambling for a coaster, maybe what you really need is a table like this, one that’s already thought of everything for you.
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