Ping Pong Table Deceptor

Finnish conceptual artist and designer Janne Kyttanen is known for inventing 3DTI, a technology capable of customizing almost any 3D-printed project. He has been a leader in 3D printing innovation since the 1990s, helping to revolutionize the way designers and artists approach manufacturing and design in the 21st century.

Kyttanen began his studies in 1996 at the Elisava School of Design in Barcelona before moving to Amsterdam to graduate at the Gerrit Rietveld Academie. After an introduction to 3D printing, Kyttanen began considering the world through wireframes and skeletal web-like structures. Kyttanen turned what he called a “bogus business plan” into an expert 3D printing design company called Freedom of Creation. Kyttanen later sold his company to 3D Systems. He remained as creative director from 2011 to 2016.

Whether fashion, fixtures or ping-pong tables, Kyttanen is responsible for several firsts in the world of 3D printing. In 2000, he created one of the world's first 3D-printed dresses and was the first to commercialize 3D-printed products on a large scale, including lights, shoes, phone cases and furniture. One large lighting fixture reportedly took him around six months to create.

Hyundai, Asics, Nivea, Nike, Phillips and L’Oreal were among the early adopters of Kyttanen’s technology, which led to multiple award-winning collaborations with numerous brands. The Cube, a consumer-level 3D printer, earned Kyttanen the American Technology Award as well as the Good Design Award in 2013. He created the first 3D-printed objects acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work is now in the permanent collections of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology Museum and Museum of Arts and Design, as well as Germany’s Vitra Design Museum.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of Janne Kyttanen tables, decorative objects, seating and more.

An alluring sitting area doesn’t have to be in the exact center of the room, but an antique or vintage center table is a great tool to partition off such an area.

By definition, a center table is a piece of furniture that is placed in the center of a room. Initially these appeared in the foyer or entryway before making their way into the living room. While one might keep seating furniture such as sofas against the walls to avoid limiting movement and closing off space, a center table in the living room can fill this central space without restricting the flow of the room.

One of the purposes of a center table is to anchor the rest of the furniture. It draws the eye to a specific area and invites guests to sit down. When thinking about how you’ll arrange your furniture, a good rule of thumb is to set tables an arm’s length away from seating. For instance, place a coffee table about 18 inches from a sofa so that it is within reach but not too close. In more modern layouts, tables are sometimes placed to the side to leave a large open area for foot traffic.

Because of its central position, a center table is one of the first things people will notice when entering a room. It’s important to consider how a center table can add to a room, as it’s a crucial element for defining the feel and theme of a room. Some center tables are mainly for decor, while others can be a great place to sit around over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Center tables are perfect for displaying decorative objects, floral arrangements, books or a cluster of prized antique vases given the prominent position of your table and the attention it will get.

The clean lines and organic forms that we typically associate with mid-century modern center tables means that they will bring a dose of sophistication to a space, and examples from the era can be found in square and round shapes. Wood tables were popular with furniture makers of the period, but versions in glass and marble are also widely available. Because Art Deco designers frequently incorporated ornamental embellishments such as exotic animal hides and veneers in their seating, case pieces and other furniture, your Art Deco center table will likely make a strong statement in any room. Alternatively, if you’re searching for something small and unassuming, Regency tables could be an option for your space.

Find a growing collection of antique and vintage center tables on 1stDibs today.