There's nothing more difficult than designing a table that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing: while there are a number of highly recognisable design chairs and lamps, the functional constraints weighing down on a table seem so strong that the creative aspect seems to be relegated to the background.
Yet Scandinavian design is rich in iconic tables that are both functional and instantly recognisable, either because of a brilliant idea - such as Alvar Aalto's 'L-shaped leg' or the 'span legs' of Fritz Hansen's Super Ellipse - or because of a particularly skilful use of materials - such as the splendid wooden tables by Hans Wegner or the linoleum used by many contemporary manufacturers - or because of a strong formal innovation - in the style of Verner Panton.
