Vitra EM Wood-Top Table

This 1950 design by Jean Prouvé has an intriguing history: It accompanied his Maison Tropicale project, a prefabricated metal housing system developed for the Republic of the Congo. The table takes it cues from the materials and construction of the house, utilizing folded sheet steel for its streamlined legs, connected by a steel stretcher. Paired with solid or veneered wood rectangular tops, it exemplifies Prouvé’s captivating economy of design. Choose from natural oak, smoked oak, or American walnut tops to create a conversation-starting custom table for any dining room or library. Made in Germany by Vitra, a manufacturer of iconic modern furnishings that’s widely represented in the Museum’s collection.

Jean Prouvé was trained as a metal artisan before expanding his work to include the full panoply of design—from letter openers to lighting to prefabricated houses. His designs encompass nearly everything that lends itself to industrial fabrication. He opened his first workshop in 1924 and, by 1947, had his own factory. Prouvé is also known for serving as the chairman of the committee that selected Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers’ design for the Centre Pompidou in 1971. Ten examples of Prouvé’s work are included in MoMA’s collection.