Coffee tables come in all shapes and sizes, and are made from a variety of materials including glass, plastic, recycled components and wood. Some are functional, while others are more stylish than practical. Now, though, we believe we’ve discovered the ultimate coffee table. Why are we so confident? Because this is a table that’s actually made from coffee!
The material used to make the table is called Curface, developed by a group of industrial designers under the company name Re-Worked, who look for ways of recycling industrial waste.
Their material is made from a mixture containing recycled polystyrene coffee cups and coffee bean grounds. The result is durable, waterproof, hardwearing and strong, and is also malleable when heated, making it easy to work with. Just like wood, the material can be sawn and sanded, and the flat sheets are idea for tables and counter tops. Unlike wood it’s already naturally waterproof so requires no further sealing, finishing or maintenance. The finished product has a smooth texture with a faceted look suitable for a range of decors, and, as it contains 30% coffee grounds, even smells slightly of coffee for a while after manufacture.
So far, the company has experimented with tables, restaurant counters, chairs and stools, and also more ambitious projects such as structural screens. As the material is so strong, in theory it could be used to construct an entire building. Currently, the company are producing pieces on a commission-only basis; but who knows? In the future, you might be able to get your office caffeine kick from a desk actually made from coffee.
Here at the Wholesale Coffee Company, we’re proud to supply a range of top quality beans at great wholesale prices. And if some of the grounds from our coffee beans ended up coming back as furniture, we’d be even prouder. For more information, please visit our coffee beans page.