Arka Hourglass Metal Side Table

The Arka is one continuous piece of metal drawn in at the waist and flared at the top and base, so its silhouette does the decorative work and there are no legs, joints or fixings to look at. At 36.5cm across and 48cm tall it is small, which is the point: it slots into the gap beside an armchair where a four-legged table would not fit.

The finish is a deep matte black with no sheen, so it reads as a solid shape rather than reflecting the room. Against pale walls and light flooring it works almost as a piece of sculpture with a flat top; against darker paint it recedes and simply becomes useful surface. Either way it pairs easily with existing furniture because it commits to nothing. Its narrow waist also means it can be pushed close against a sofa base without the foot of the table fouling the upholstery.

It arrives pre-assembled, so there is nothing to build, and the wide base gives it a low centre of gravity that resists knocks better than a narrow pedestal. Use it as a lamp table, a drinks table beside a chair, or a plant stand. Wipe it with a damp cloth and dry it off; abrasive cleaners will dull the matte finish permanently.

• Diameter 36.5cm; height 48cm
• Single-piece metal construction with a deep matte black finish
• Supplied pre-assembled; no tools required
• Maximum load is not stated by the maker; suited to lamps, drinks and small plants
• Indoor use; a matte powder coat is not weatherproof
• Wipe with a damp cloth and dry; do not use abrasive cleaners
• Use a felt pad underneath to protect polished floors