New Classics: The Jane Coffee Table
Hovering low and adding strong horizontal lines, this minimalist floating slab has beautiful proportions and a distinctive presence
Architects and interior designers often design pieces to fit their clients' needs, and sometimes these designs work so well, the designers use them again. Sometimes the design is so versatile that they'll even produce them for retail. Luckily, interior designer Roseann Repetti and her husband, architect West Chin, decided to do just that with their minimalist Jane Coffee Table. It's a beautifully proportioned table that has the appearance of a thick slab that hovers just a few inches over the floor.
Though the table is hollow (making it more portable), it has the look of a thick slab, which gives it visual heft and a strong presence.
Jane Coffee Table
As heavy as it looks, it floats. The Jane Coffee Table's top is perched atop a much smaller base, which makes it appear to hover a few inches above the floor. This is more dramatic on a hard surface like hardwood or concrete ...
... while a rug softens the effect. The white table's crisp lines contrast nicely with this shaggy brown area rug.
It also provides a strong contrast to curvy furniture, like Arne Jacobsen's Egg Chair.
Jane Coffee Table
It comes in a variety of finishes, including snow Corian, American walnut, natural, oak and espresso.
The proportions in this room reference the proportions of the ocean, horizon and sky, emphasizing long horizontals with the soaring ceilings. Thus the furnishings are low relative to the ceilings. Many of today's deep and midcentury modern–inspired sofas and lounge chairs have low profiles like these, making the Jane's low height (11 inches) the right fit.
Side note: Check out the way the photographer lined up the horizon line and the line at the top of the fireplace surround.
Side note: Check out the way the photographer lined up the horizon line and the line at the top of the fireplace surround.
The Jane emphasizes surface over height. Its lines give great perspective when it's photographed by a clever pro.
Jane Storage Coffee Table
if you like to keep your coffee table books off the coffee table's surface, this storage version is a good answer for you. If you're like me, you have about five remote controls — and this table will help you keep them corralled and hidden.