You might find yourself inspired to make spicier, more colorful and more adventurous dishes when you plan on serving them off these tables. Each of these come from furniture and home décor designers based in Africa, and many are made from materials local to the designer’s country.
Weylandts.co.za
Teak Root Square Coffee Table
This table from Weylandts in Namibia might just be a coffee table, but you’ll bring your dinner into the TV room to eat off of it. Because the base is a real tree root, there might even be a little “timber movement” as the site describes it—it’s like a living table! It has a beautiful weathered look, and is incredibly stable.
This is another piece from Namibian company Weylandts. It has a beautiful Victorian look and the tabletop is made from natural mango wood. We love the dramatic carvings in the legs, which you can also get in a natural color with a copper clad tabletop.
This elegant table features a top made from the South African Yellowood tree, and coincidentally comes from the African furniture company African Yellowood. We love how the different shades of bark are revealed, and the tree stump legs keep the table sturdy.
Imagine taking your morning coffee and eggs at this hot red and orange table, depicting elephants in action, with husk-like legs. This is a product of Kenya and is surprisingly affordable.
This bright and playful table is made by Senegalese artisans who recycled automotive suspension springs (for the base) and aluminum cans (for the top). Two of these would make great end tables in a game or entertainment room.
This stunning table comes from Phases Africa, and the owner sources almost all materials from craft-workers, sculptors and woodworkers around Africa. The table is made from untreated hardwood ties that were used in most African railroads during the 19th century. It’s available in Yellow Jarrah wood and a few other colors, but we just think this bright red has a great energy.
This is another table from Phases Africa, and is handmade with the same type of railroad wood used in the previous table. It’s pictured here in the open position—it’s a great place to store precious silverware—but when shut makes for a great snack table in your entertainment room.
This chair comes from South African company Incanda, the owner of which grew up on a farm in the Southern Cape, which explains the rustic/chic look to most pieces. We love this multi-functional table, with drawers for storage, and a shape that’s easy to transport. Picture this on your lawn for a garden party.
This is another table from Incanda. We love the sleek, slightly blue glass against the smooth wood, giving it the perfect beach house look. The table comes in two sizes, and the larger one could make for a great eat-on-the-floor dining table.