Audo Copenhagen Umanoff Side Table

The Audo Copenhagen Umanoff Side Table proves that great mid-century modern design from the 1950s remains genuinely relevant today - this isn't just nostalgia, it's a reissued piece that actually functions well in contemporary homes. Originally designed by American industrial designer Arthur Umanoff, this side table balances walnut and brass on a rounded top and tripod-inspired frame that challenges convention through clean lines and clever details. Despite its decidedly small footprint at 40cm diameter and 43cm high, it makes a big visual impact while fitting spaces where typical side tables would feel cramped. The solid walnut top with oil finish brings warmth and depth, while the brushed brass frame adds that subtle metallic accent without being flashy. Available in two sizes to scale for different spaces, it works beautifully beside sofas for coffee mugs and books, next to beds as compact nightstands, or scattered around living rooms wherever you need a small surface.

What makes the Umanoff genuinely useful beyond just looking like authentic mid-century design is how that tripod base provides rock-solid stability without the visual bulk of four-legged tables - the three angled brass legs create architectural interest while taking up minimal floor space. The walnut top is solid wood rather than veneer, so it handles daily use without being precious, and the oil finish repels moisture while highlighting the wood's natural grain. The brushed brass finish on the frame helps conceal minor scratches and fingerprints, developing character over time rather than looking pristine forever. The compact 40cm diameter is perfectly sized for essential items - a lamp, book, and glass - without becoming cluttered, and the 43cm height works with standard sofas and beds without awkward reaching. The timeless, understated elegance means it works whether you're committed to mid-century aesthetics or mixing it into more eclectic spaces where the clean lines provide visual contrast. Perfect for holding flower-filled vases, piles of magazines, or just giving you somewhere to set down your coffee without walking to another room.

Audo Copenhagen was formed by uniting MENU, by Lassen, and The Audo, creating a brand that reissues iconic designs from influential designers like Arthur Umanoff alongside contemporary pieces. Umanoff (1923-1985), who studied at Pratt Institute and the American School of Design before working with Post Modern Ltd, Howard Miller, and other manufacturers, believed design should be beautiful, functional, and accessible. He used natural materials like wrought iron, rattan, walnut, and birch to craft stylish, inviting furniture with clean, tapered lines and timeless elegance. The Umanoff Side Table reflects his philosophy perfectly - accessible design that combines natural materials with understated sophistication, creating furniture that enhances daily living through thoughtful proportions and quality craftsmanship rather than trendy details that date quickly.