Furniture

Staff -- Interior Design, 2/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Max Longin

Dreams take flight in the innovative Float bed. Developed by the German mathematician and designer Max Longin, the bed comprises a sleeping surface held by four suspended stainless-steel cords that are attached to a frame of wood and stainless steel. The tautness of the cords balances the mattress in the center of their pulling strengths yet also allows it to sway gently. Tools and instructions for the bed's assembly are included, and its components can be configured to become a compact transport case when the piece is dismantled. Float comes in three standard sizes, including California king, and in woods such as oak, walnut, maple, and elm. Custom sizes and finishes are available. 37 Alphorn, Mannheim, Germany 68169; max-longin.com. circle 332

Councill

This traditional concept goes triangular with the maple Nesting Tables 2004-011. The angular tops of the graduated trio are poised on tapered legs that are also triangular. The largest is an equilateral; each side measures 24 inches. The range of 40 of-the-moment hues includes this lively Poppy. P.O. Box 398, Denton, NC 27239; 336-859-2155; councill.com. circle 333

Maxine Snider

The Tansu table borrows its name from the Japanese Sendai tansu, a classic chest of drawers. This modern version, in natural quartered maple, contains four drawers (one of which locks) and a pullout writing shelf; its dimensions are 29 by 29 by 20 inches. 116 West Illinois Street, Suite 7E, Chicago, IL 60610; 312-527-4170; maxinesniderinc.com. circle 336

Vitra

Is it a table? Is it a stool? You decide—any of Jasper Morrison's Cork Family pieces is suitable as either. Formed from large sections of pressed cork granulate, each stands at a stout 13 inches with a 12-inch diameter. 29 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10014; 888-278-2855; vitra.com. circle 334

Halcon

Lauren Rottet and Richard Riveire's Attaché Portfolio coffee table is so good-looking and useful that the president of this manufacturer has one in his own home. A spin-off of the design duo's successful case-good line, the table comes in three sizes, including an end-table version; with optional casters; and in a range of veneers and ChemColor lacquers. 1811 Second Avenue Northwest, Stewartville, MN 55976; 507-533-4235. circle 335

Modern Fan Company

The Pharos ceiling fan is one cool cat. This zephyr of retro design combines painted plywood blades, mouth-blown opal-white glass, and a matte nickel-plate finish. A dimming switch and speed control are incorporated in a wall-mounted panel or hand-held remote control. 701 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520; 888-588-3267; modernfan.com. circle 337

Loophouse

These Urban Pets are much less maintenance than your average dog or cat. The fluffy lambskin pillows are part of a collection that also includes beanbags and rugs. They're offered in 26 colors and in long, medium, and curly wool piles. Through Designtex, 200 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014; 800-221-1540; loophouse.com. circle 338

John Boone

The Triple X cocktail table gets its name from its crisscrossing base of solid cast iron. (The stretcher is twisted iron.) The inset Roman-travertine top is 30 by 50 inches. Easily customized, the table is 18 inches high. 1059 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10021; 212-758-0012; johnbooneinc.com. circle 341

Usona

The beauty of this piece is more than skin-deep. Behind the sleek and handsome exterior of the Fully Lacquered CR21 lie eight shelves of striated zebrano wood. The piece measures 93 by 19 by 30 inches and is offered in seven standard lacquers and three finishes: natural, bleached, or slate. 113 South 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; 215-496-0440; usonahome.com. circle 339

Principle Furniture & Millwork

Link teaches a thing or two about educational furniture. Made of quartered ash, walnut, or rift-cut oak, this smart collection includes study carrels with glass dividers that double as writing surfaces, library and computer tables, and credenzas. Tabletop linoleum comes in gray, black, or sea foam. 105 Prospect Way, Osceola, WI 54020; 715-294-1400; pfmi.com. circle 340