Last Updated on April 15, 2025 by Team Ideas24
Furniture pieces have evolved over generations, but we seldom find unique ones. This beetle-inspired table with wings is a great centerpiece indoors or outdoors! Its minimalist design combines function and beauty into one.
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The Beetle Table With Wings
The Beetle Coffee Table from designer Paul Schreiber is a really neat piece of furniture inspired by the Volkswagen car. This table is made from a series of connected parts, and each piece can be manipulated to reveal a compartment inside; the compartments can be used for magazines, remote controls, daily planners, and other items.
Made from Ash, its legs are modeled after the Beetle’s iconic curves. The legs are crafted in a looped arch and give the table a slight floating look.
Radhika Dhumal, a young interior and furniture designer from India turned a simple sketch into a brilliant piece of brilliant furniture named Elytra.
Elytra’s name derives from the hard shell covering that protects the delicate soft wings of insects, mostly found on beetles.
It took Rhadika five weeks from the time she started doing the sketch up to the production of the coffee table.
It wasn’t a smooth journey from the start. One of the challenges she faced was making the glass inlays move. But she received support from highly skilled local furniture makers.
Elytra features a fold-out glass inlay similar to that of a beetle. It expands to 90 degrees from the main body of the table. This increases the surface area so the user can enjoy the extra space for food, coffee, and books. It also comes with insect-inspired legs, a rounded head, and a beetle-shaped main body.
The sophisticated legs of this table are made of solid wood and are lacquered in black or white, while the top surface is made of tempered glass.
The glass top can be folded upwards and placed in the solid wood side panels, or even be completely removed when the table is not in use. To ensure stability, the table legs are supported by rubber supports.
This table is not only functional as a table to put your coffee on. It’s also a decoration that you can put in your showcase or other areas in your house.
Rhadika’s goal was to make the most out of the design and build process. She wanted a piece of furniture that is unique but also functional.
Radhika is now finishing her master’s at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India. She received the EDIDA Award in Student Category for her unique coffee table. You view more of Rhadika’s work here.
What do you think of Elytra?
Why Tables With Wings Are Gaining Popularity
In today’s homes, where space is often limited and design plays a bigger role than ever, furniture has to do more than just look good. It has to adapt, perform, and sometimes surprise. That’s exactly why the table with wings has become a rising favorite among modern homeowners and interior designers.
Function Meets Flexibility
The growing demand for multipurpose furniture has made the table with wings an ideal solution. These tables are designed to expand when you need more surface area and fold back when you don’t. This makes them perfect for small apartments, multifunctional rooms, or homes where space needs to be dynamic. You can use the extra space for dining, working, or hosting, then fold it back to free up the area.
Sculptural Appeal
Design-forward furniture has a way of catching attention, and the table with wings is no exception. Its expanding form creates visual interest, especially when the fold-out wings are crafted with unique shapes or contrasting materials. In the case of the Elytra coffee table, the wings mirror the elegant motion of a beetle’s wings, blending art and function into one stunning centerpiece.
Sustainability and Minimalism
Minimalist living encourages homeowners to own fewer but better pieces. A table with wings fits that lifestyle. Instead of buying separate side tables or workstations, one multifunctional design does the job. That translates into fewer materials used, less clutter, and more thoughtful living. Designers are also leaning into sustainable practices by using responsibly sourced wood, recycled glass, and eco-friendly finishes in their builds.
A Statement of Innovation
People today don’t just want furniture—they want conversation pieces. The table with wings speaks to creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its clever engineering and organic movement make it more than a functional item. It becomes a reflection of design thinking. That’s why these pieces are gaining visibility in design showcases and winning awards, just like the Elytra did.
As homes get smaller but expectations get bigger, furniture must keep up. Tables with wings offer a clever response to this shift. They’re beautiful, smart, and built to serve more than one purpose. It’s no surprise they’re becoming a modern staple in homes that value both form and function.
Practical Uses for a Table With Wings in Different Rooms
A table with wings isn’t just a beautiful piece of design—it’s also incredibly practical. The ability to expand or contract the surface gives it an edge in modern homes where space needs to work smarter. Whether you live in a compact apartment or a spacious house, this type of furniture brings adaptability into everyday life. Here’s how you can use a table with wings in different parts of your home.
Living Room: Coffee Table and Display Surface
In the living room, a table with wings serves as a flexible centerpiece. Keep it folded for a sleek, minimalist look when you’re just using it for coffee or remote controls. When guests arrive or you’re serving snacks, unfold the wings to create more space for serving trays, drinks, or even board games. Some designs even include built-in storage underneath the wings, which is perfect for stashing away magazines or tech accessories. It becomes both a focal point and a hidden organizer in your main living space.
Home Office: Expandable Work Surface
Not everyone has a dedicated office room, and that’s where a winged table shines. In a small workspace or multi-purpose room, a table with wings can double as a compact desk during the day and fold back when not in use. Need to spread out papers or bring out your laptop and tablet side by side? Just unfold the wings and turn a small table into a productive workstation. This is especially helpful for those who work from home but need to maintain a flexible layout.
Dining Area: Flexible Entertaining
A table with wings fits perfectly in dining areas where the number of diners often changes. On an ordinary day, it functions as a cozy table for two or four. But when friends or family come over, the wings can be extended to accommodate more place settings. This lets you entertain without needing a bulky dining table that takes up permanent space. For small kitchens or eat-in nooks, it offers the same versatility without overwhelming the room.
Bedroom: Nightstand or Vanity Setup
In the bedroom, a compact table with wings works as a space-efficient nightstand or makeshift vanity. Folded down, it keeps things simple—ideal for holding a lamp, alarm clock, or book. When you’re getting ready or need more surface area to lay out your skincare or makeup items, the wings can be extended. It adds extra room without making the furniture feel too heavy or permanent in the space.
Entryway: Drop Zone with Flexibility
The entryway often becomes a landing zone for keys, bags, and mail. A table with wings here can adapt to the changing needs of the household. You can keep it minimal on most days, using just the center space. But during the holidays or when hosting, you can expand the wings to hold gift bags, seasonal décor, or even serve as a mini beverage station for guests. The flexibility allows it to match your lifestyle, whether it’s everyday function or occasional flair.
Creative Studio: Art or Craft Station
If you’re into painting, drawing, or crafting, this kind of table provides the space you need only when you need it. Fold out the wings when working on large projects, then tuck them away once you’re done to keep your studio organized. It’s an ideal choice for hobbyists who need a workspace that adjusts to their creative flow.
A table with wings adapts to your needs as you move through your home and your day. It’s not just about saving space—it’s about gaining function without compromising design. With its versatile surface and beautiful form, it earns its place in almost any room.
Comparing Elytra to Other Tables With Wings
Tables with wings come in many styles, from traditional drop-leaf designs to high-end transformable furniture. But not all are created equal. Some prioritize utility, while others lean into artistry. Elytra stands out by blending both. It’s not just a table—it’s a sculptural piece that elevates the idea of what a table with wings can be.
Design Inspiration and Aesthetic
Many tables with wings follow a familiar formula. Drop-leaf dining tables, for example, offer foldable panels on either side, often supported by brackets or swinging legs. These are common in compact apartments or kitchens, built with function in mind. Their look is usually straightforward—wooden top, clean lines, sometimes a rustic or modern farmhouse style.
Elytra, on the other hand, is rooted in biomimicry. Its name comes from the wing covers of beetles, and it visually reflects that origin. The shape of its glass panels, the curvature of the wood, and the insect-inspired legs make it a piece of art as much as a functional table. It’s rare to see such a strong connection between form and nature in standard expandable tables.
Material Quality and Craftsmanship
Most fold-out tables use engineered wood, laminate, or MDF to keep costs low and assembly simple. While they do the job, they often lack the tactile richness or lasting quality of hardwood and tempered glass.
Elytra is crafted from ash wood and fitted with lacquered details. It uses tempered glass not just for aesthetics but for durability. The materials are carefully selected for both beauty and strength. And unlike mass-produced flat-pack furniture, Elytra was made with hands-on attention from skilled makers. It reflects fine craftsmanship rarely found in most table with wings designs.
Functionality and Innovation
Function is where traditional tables with wings typically shine. You can expand them to seat more people or add space for serving. The mechanisms are simple and practical. But they often lack visual intrigue.
Elytra also expands, but in a way that feels more fluid and organic. Its fold-out glass panels extend at 90-degree angles, resembling the motion of beetle wings. This movement adds a poetic quality to its function. It invites curiosity. Instead of hiding its mechanism, it celebrates it. It’s a tactile experience, not just a utility.
Versatility and Placement
Most expandable tables are designed for specific use—dining, crafting, or entryway storage. They’re meant to blend in with their surroundings. Elytra does the opposite. It draws attention. It’s suited for living rooms, lounges, or gallery-like interiors where it can be appreciated both for how it works and how it looks. It adds visual value in spaces where aesthetics matter as much as utility.
When comparing Elytra to other tables with wings, it’s clear that it redefines the category. It takes the basic function of an expanding surface and turns it into a story—one inspired by nature, supported by design, and crafted with care. While other tables with wings serve a purpose, Elytra transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.
Conclusion
The Elytra table with wings is a striking blend of nature-inspired design and smart functionality. It offers more than just surface space—it adds sculptural beauty to any room. Its thoughtful craftsmanship and creative form make it a standout among modern multifunctional furniture.
While you’re here, why not learn how to build a Cassette Tape Coffee Table?
