# Loopy Kitchen Tables The Obi Dining Table Incorporates Smooth Slots for Temporary Storage By Amelia Roblin | Published 2013-02-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/obi-dining-table References: [paakkanen.fi](http://www.paakkanen.fi/tuotesivut/obi.html) & [hagi-take.co.jp](http://www.hagi-take.co.jp/pro/english/magaru/products/obi_dining.html) The Obi dining table collection is made up of five pieces with a charming character. Wood is the primary material in their manufacturing, but the composition of each element cannot be considered simplistic. Designer Mikko Paakkanen form-pressed timber into [beautiful curves and bends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-furnitures) that are not overly common in lumber furnishings. The tabletop has been sculpted to feature a round-ended slot with a second ledge below the eating surface, adding an unexpected opening in its silhouette. The backrests of the chairs flaunt elegant bowing gaps that mimic the Japanese kimono sash (obi). These unique aspects of the Obi [dining table set](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophisticated-dining-furniture) make it more aesthetically pleasing and practical than most. You can tuck newspapers and laptops into the table and sweaters and magazines into the chairs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 51% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sculpted Furniture:** The use of form-pressed timber to create unique curves and bends in furniture design. - **Functional Silhouettes:** Incorporating unexpected openings and ledges into furniture design for added practicality. - **Aesthetic and Practical Combos:** Designing furniture that is both visually appealing and highly functional. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Opportunity for manufacturers to explore new techniques in sculpting and shaping wood to create unique furniture pieces. - **Interior Design:** A chance for interior designers to incorporate furniture with functional silhouettes into their projects. - **Home Accessories:** Potential for designers and manufacturers to create complementary accessories for furniture that adds both aesthetic value and practicality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elegant Table Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tangent-table.md) - [Origami-Inspired Lit Table Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightup.md) - [Perplexingly Angular Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tadashi-side-table.md) - [Geometric Table Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solis-collection.md) - [Puzzling Geometric Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linked-side-table.md) - [Stacked Wood Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plane-dining-table.md) - [Geometric Cutout Side Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designated-table.md) - [Effortless Glass Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbital.md) - [Subtly Smart Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/etto-table.md)