Naos Action Coffee Table (likely the 'Galax' or 'Vela' model)
Table (Motion Coffee Table) · Contemporary High-Tech / Italian Modern (Late 20th - Early 21st Century) · Naos (Italian design house), often associated with designers like Andrea Casati or Donato D'Urbino.
Type
Table (Motion Coffee Table)
Style Period
Contemporary High-Tech / Italian Modern (Late 20th - Early 21st Century)
Material
Tempered safety glass, chrome-plated steel, brushed aluminum, and a lacquered or metallic-finished steel base.
Age Estimate
Likely manufactured circa 1995-2015 based on the mechanism design and finish.
Dimensions
Height: 16-18 inches; Width (closed): 34-40 inches; Width (extended): up to 60 inches. Low-profile typical of lounge furniture.
Origin
Made in Italy; modern luxury furniture market.
Designer/Maker
Naos (Italian design house), often associated with designers like Andrea Casati or Donato D'Urbino.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 (Retail/Secondary Market) depending on specific model and mechanism smoothness.
Description
An avant-garde Italian motion table featuring two overlapping elliptical glass surfaces. The table utilizes a sophisticated internal gearing system that allows the user to rotate the top tiers outward, expanding the surface area while maintaining a balanced, sculptural aesthetic. It is a hallmark of 'Action Furniture' designed for dynamic modern living spaces.
Key Features
Synchronized telescopic rotation; dual elliptical glass panes; heavy-duty circular metal pivots; weighted low-profile base for stability during expansion.
Color & Finish
Clear glass tops with polished edges; the base is finished in a matte metallic silver/grey; polished chrome or brushed nickel circular hardware caps.
Construction Method
Precision engineered mechanical assembly; featuring a synchronized geared mechanism that allows the glass tops to rotate and expand.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mechanical bolting and high-strength UV-cured adhesive bonding of metal to glass; high-quality precision engineering with smooth kinetic movement.
Wood Grain & Species
None; purely glass and metal construction.
Surface Treatment
Sand-blasted or powder-coated base finish; tempered and polished 'pencil edge' or 'flat polished' glass treatments.
Upholstery Details
None.
Hardware & Fittings
Industrial-grade ball-bearing swivel mechanisms housed under circular metal caps; recessed floor levelers likely present under the base.
Origin & Provenance
Made in Italy; modern luxury furniture market.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the glass appears free of major chips; motion mechanism seems intact; minor surface scratches or 'swirls' on the base and glass are expected with age.
Interesting Facts
Naos is known as the 'master of motion' in furniture design, holding numerous patents for kinetic tables that change shape with a single hand movement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'High-Tech' design movement's influence on domestic interiors where functionality is expressed through visible mechanical ingenuity.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Tonelli Design or Roche Bobois pieces, but Naos is distinguished by the specific circular pivot caps and synchronized gear-driven expansion.
Care & Maintenance
Clean glass with non-abrasive microfiber and ammonia-free cleaner. Avoid placing heavy weights on the edges when fully extended. Periodically check pivot caps for tightness.
Value Estimate
$1,500 - $3,500 (Retail/Secondary Market) depending on specific model and mechanism smoothness.
Sustainability Notes
High durability and repairability due to mechanical nature; glass and steel are 100% recyclable, and the piece lacks toxic foams or treated woods.