Proportion is arguably the most important tenet of design either affirming or subverting our notions of what may or may not be home furnishings, whether it’s of use, and if that should even be the goal. Mike & Maaike’s unusual design for Rolly – a rolling table comprising four identical, circular elements – plays with size and scale relative to our understanding of mobile furniture, turning the typically utilitarian wheel into a larger than life element with equal visual weight as the tabletop.
This comically-large trio of wheels is the same dimension as the top, though the table’s horizontal surface appears seemingly larger when backlit by reflections from the slanted circles that prop it up. The rear wheel acts as a rudder, guiding the table to next destination. In an era of perhaps overwrought refinement, Rolly engages in a sense of play by making large what is usually small, leading us to consider form beyond expectation.
Crafted in solid birch, this smart structure swivels between serving cart and display table using its signature back wheel to do so. A minimal steel frame hides smaller hardware from view that might otherwise distract from its overall appearance. With great elegance, the wheels and top come together ensuring a stable solution for your finest glassware, even when it’s on the move. Perfect for doling out martinis in style, the table’s seemingly high center of gravity feels secure, even if yours won’t be in an hour or so.
In its simplest styling, Rolly is presented in a toned black or natural birch, which both showcase the wood grain’s distinctive variance. A bold black-and-white striped version with a sleek satin finish is an unexpected yet delightful addition to the fleet, demanding all kinds of attention. As each circle is identical yet positioned at differing revolutions in their cycle, the stripes intersect to form unique patterns and parallels all their own.
A growing trend for the graphic, this last Rolly is adorned with multiple different washes: a stone white, a natural top, a dandelion yellow, and a deep terra cotta. Again, allowing the grain to shine through, there is no obfuscation of material.
Simplicity is quite hard to achieve, distilling intention into the most recognizable forms, but Rolly is easy to digest and even easier to use. Wherever you happen to need fun and a flat surface, it can get there quickly and look great doing so.
To learn more about the Rolly Table by Mike & Maaike, visit mikeandmaaike.com.
Photography courtesy of Mike & Maaike.
