Popular Swedish YouTuber Simone Giertz, known for her innovative and often out-of-the-box ideas, has designed and built her own spinning coffee table, doubling as an ottoman. Inspired by a lack of solutions in her own living room setup, Giertz exemplifies how responding to functionality problems with resourcefulness and determination can spark impressive innovation.
Giertz’s design concept revolves around a structure that has both a “table mode” and “ottoman mode” with shelves and legs on either side which stay fixed. Every element of the design is functional, from the height of the cushion to the alignment of the shelves. If the spinning table is in ottoman mode, the fabric cushion sits at the same height as her couch. In table mode, the spun surface locks in and sits flush with the static shelves on each side.
This spinning affordance is activated when the user pushes down on a spring-loaded brass lever. This disengages the rotating wheel and allows the middle of the design to spin. When the end of the lever reaches the next notch, it clicks into place and holds the table or ottoman steady in its position. The path for this mechanism is cut into the side of wood with the YouTuber’s CNC machine, lovingly dubbed CNCelia. Giertz does not shy away from showing the quirky trial and error process she went through to both use her CNC machine properly and get the mechanism to work smoothly.
The static element of the design is further stabilized by brass rods that connect the adjacent legs. Along with its functionality, the metal’s luster contrasts and accents the wood. Giertz’s final addition was to install hinges, and turn the empty space in the middle of the spinning structure into a storage compartment. As whatever is stored in this space will be spun around, it is suitable for things such as blankets and stuffed animals.
The final product is made with a light-toned hardwood, finished with a varnish that highlights the natural grain. The design “ended up being kind of accidental mid-century modern,” says the YouTuber, and the warm tones integrate well into her bright living space.
While this piece is one-of-a-kind couture, the YouTuber’s documented process gives a blueprint for those wanting a spinning coffee table for their own living spaces, and for those who have the courage to take on the project themselves.
