Out of the shadows
Seemingly perched on two legs, at first glance the Shadow chair seems to defy gravity. Take a closer look and you realise the “shadow” is a part of the chair and keeps it firmly upright. The chair comes in a number of finishes, but we like the classic walnut version best.
• Shadow chair in walnut, Dh9,790
Up, up and away
The UP Balloon table, meanwhile, offers a fun look at the ideas of levitation and buoyancy. It’s made from toughened glass, metal resin composite and toughened steel rods, but still manages to look incredibly light – like it might float off at any minute, taking your dinner with it.
• UP Balloon table, Dh57,745
Optical illusions
Another Duffy favourite is the Flying Carpet coffee table, which takes toughened glass, a digital print and powder-coated mild steel, and somehow manages to transform them into a table that appears to hover mid-air. The tabletop consists of a pixelated Persian rug design that’s supported by a hidden table leg, while a shadow-like base rounds off the illusion.
• Flying Carpet coffee table, Dh14,820
Nice to sea you
One of Duffy London’s best-known designs is the Abyss table, which combines sculpted glass, Perspex and wood to mimic the movement and shifting depths of an ocean floor. It’s a mesmerising piece that reflects the company’s preoccupation with concepts such as gravity, geometry and illusion.
• Abyss table, Dh123,000
Chalk one up
The beauty of the Chalk Board coffee table lies in the fact that you can decorate it any way you please. You’ve got the chalk and the canvas – cover it in reminders, messages, scribbles or amateur works of art. It’s your choice.
• Chalk Board coffee table, Dh3,760
Cities Boutique is located in Galleria Mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai; www.citiesdubai.com
sdenman@thenational.ae