Fun and Games Tables

Teckell represents a complete re-imagining of the foosball table. Image via Teckell.For the design-aware who also like the occasional game of foosball, or table tennis or pool, the pickings have historically been, shall we say, somewhat slim. In general, the options were either of the lumpy, blocky, woody variety or of the flimsy, shoddy one. Little wonder they’re usually relegated to basements, garages or dim game rooms—out of sight and, more often than not, out of mind. A few companies are changing all that, creating game tables that demand some prime real estate. 

Take the Teckell Calcio Balilla collection—foosball tables that shift the paradigm. A joint effort from B.lab Italia and Adriano Design, the pieces have more in common with a sculpture than with quotidian game tables. Gregg Brodarick, the managing director of B.lab Italia explains genesis like this: “When we asked Adriano to design a new product for us and they came back with a design for a foosball table entirely in crystal, pure madness! We took up the challenge with enthusiasm and we created Teckell.” Perhaps the most stunning piece in the line is the Cristallino Gold LE—a foosball table constructed of crystal and aluminum with 24-carat-gold-plated accessories. 

If pool is more your forte, we’ve got something for you, too. Also sleek and totally cutting edge—initially developed over a two-year span by Australian designer Craig Nottage—Nottage Design collection features transparent-top tables made of glass beneath a layer dubbed Vitrik, the first and only clear playing surface in the world. While they look totally space age, the tables actually replicate the rolling-resistance of a cloth-topped surface, allow for spin and wear hard, so they'll hold up for countless competitive games. A custom-finished ball set is used with the tables, and the company offers a range of accessories, all equally well-designed. Nottage Design's revolutionary G-1 pool table with a clear playing surface. Image via Nottage Design.

As is so often the case, the ping pong tables from 11 Ravens were born from designer Bernard Semerdjian’s love of the game. A noted graphic designer, Semerdjian decided to apply his talents to his passion. For his first table, the Theseus, “My intent was to have it be as simple as possible and yet striking at the same time,” he explains. “I always try and design something that will push the limits of each of these table designs while maintaining a practical functionality that serves this simple and brilliant game."

The Theseus ping-pong table grew out of a graphic designer's love of the game. Image via 11 Ravens.

So if you're mind and body are tempted by the thought of a foosball table or ping-pong table or pool table, but your design soul says no, maybe these fun, innovative pieces will turn change your mind, and bring some fun out of the depths and into the light.