Beyond its association as a generalized design motif from the Middle East, my familiarity with “Arabesque” mostly revolves around dance, specifically, the one-legged, outstretched, frozen-in-time posture that evokes that most elegant of fowl, the swan. But long before “Swan Lake” there was the architectural Arabesque—“a form of artistic decoration consisting of surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils, or plain lines”—used to excellent effect in Nienkämper’s Arabseque Conference Tables.

Arabesque Conference Table. Designed by Mouna and Silvio Russo. Manufactured by Nienkämper.

Nienkämper‘s Arabesque Table Collection Brings Baroque Flourish to the Office

As exemplified in these attractive conference tables, the notion of Arabesque has enjoyed a millennial revamping. Designed by Mouna and Silvio Russo, the Arabesque line displays the rhythmic linear patterns mentioned above, though they’re manifest in a more Modern guise.

In fact, I might characterize the Arabesque line as antique Moorish meets 70s psychedelia. The intricately-designed bases reflect both a starburst configuration and a proliferating pattern of concentric circles, suffused without by the tightly wound criss-crossings and geometric motifs that frequently characterize Middle Eastern textiles.

Nienkämper offers the Arabesque Conference Tables in multiple shapes and sizes, including circular, rectangular, long oval, and square. Finish options include bases in bronze or silver powder coated finish, and tops in glass, wood veneer, or wrapped in luxurious leather. The plethora of choices make these decorative and stylish tables an excellent choice for corporate, hospitality, and residential environments—“best of all, the Arabesque collection proves that modernism can be decorative.”

About the Manufacturer: Based in Toronto, Nienkämper “meets human needs while pursuing the highest ideals in design and manufacturing.” Admittedly, the furniture company “never compromises,” so it’s no surprise that their designs have earned many awards throughout the years. Among the company’s line of versatile and beautiful solutions for contract environments, standouts include Karim Rashid’s Kloud, the Senator® Nuvo Office Chairs, and the Vox Monogram Modular Desks.