Whether or not you are comfortable with the hard-edged steel aesthetic of this modern table-and-chairs combination, you have to appreciate the simple elegance with which this furniture set shifts between being a side and central table. When closed up, this unusual transforming table design is a bit formidable, looking almost impenetrably fortress-like, but underneath this curious exterior is a whole lot of function. Ten chairs are enclosed within its angular form, tucked beneath the narrow tabletop.

Aptly named The Monolith, this piece is envisioned as a sculptural object when not in use and a dining room table when expanded, though it seems (perhaps) more like a conference table in the office of some kind of high-powered urban professional or firm. The expanding table would be fairly inconspicuous if pushed up against a wall among ultramodern decor.

Viewed in that light, this would be a fantastic table for meetings at a design firm that could be converted for evenings and/or open houses to be a central table to house drinks, drawing, models and other functional/displays accessories.

Maybe the more domestic applications of this stark furniture set would be more clear if the designer were to depict the collection in a real-life interior design, surrounded by decorative and functional objects found in a home rather than in a minimalist white background.
The Monolith modern space-saving dining table design was created by designer Gioia Meller Marcovicz for a private collector in Paris, so maybe its true usage and natural environment will remain as mysterious as the table itself.
“The Monolith is a sculpture with a purpose, it transforms to dine 10 people, the table top unfolded measures 90 cm x 250 cm / mirror polished, the seats fold up each chair slots into the table, the sculpture measures 45 cm x 74 cm x 250 cm, the material is stainless steel.”
Photos by 747 Studios