Consoles can be traced back to the late 17th century when the European aristocracy was much into decorative furnishings, designed for no specific purposes other than beautifying the space. The tradition never went away; moreover, with the advent of the Art Décoratifs movement, console tables became a much appreciated element by interior decorators and taste-makers of the time. For instance, Jean-Michel Frank – who appointed the stunning homes of Marie-Laure de Noailles and of Nelson Rockfeller to name but two-, always added a few consoles to his decorating plans. The Invisible Collection sells a wide variety of covetable consoles, designed by today’s star designers, including AD 100 listers.
We selected a wide variety of pieces that best represent the great creativity of our designers and the supreme craftsmanship of our skilled craftsmen. Given their nature and function, consoles are arguably one of the favorite furnishings that designers like to create. They can freely express their vision through uncommon shapes and the incredible variety of materials. For instance, Vincent Darré, best known as the enfant terrible of French design, created for OKA the Lyric Console Table, a whimsical piece in Nero Marquina marble, carbon steel, wood, stone and brass, inspired by Roman classical architecture and the English gardens sung by the Romantic poets. Another interesting take on materials comes from Elliot Barnes – an American designer who worked for many years alongside Andrée Putman - : he created the Zuma Console, an impressive design inspired by the waves at Zuma beach in California, made in gold lacquered resin, polished brass and… seaweed.
The same can be said of the Arca console, originally designed by RDAI – the studio founded by Rena Dumas, the brilliant mind behind Hermès stores’ aesthetic. Arca is now reissued by NOMA Editions, and is in recycled natural travertine marble. Plaster too is an inspiring, versatile material favored by Stephen Antonson, known as the “master of plaster”. We are delighted to share our curated selection of elegant consoles: these designs exude a powerful aesthetic that will catch the attention of art collectors and design aficionados.
