To begin rounding out 2023 product introductions, Hightower’s in-house design team, Hightower Studio, is unveiling three new table collections: Draper, Posie, and Flux. Each was designed to adapt to the varying needs of users in many commercial environments, assisting with work, conference, study, respite, and beyond.
Draper is a collection of nesting side and coffee tables offered in four sizes, including an adjustable height option for “coffee to conference to cocktail” moments in addition to meeting needs for diverse working styles. Each table is complete with fully upholstered two-tier drum bases and comes in a wide variety of tabletop options in laminate/wood veneer and eco-composite by Kvadrat Really. Draper lends to overall sustainability goals as it is Indoor Advantage Gold (IAG) certified.
Influenced by traditional draping tables–hence the name–Hightower Director of Design Shawn Sowers also drew inspiration for the design from fond childhood memories. “This table was born out of an artifact from my childhood. Some of my favorite pieces of furniture were ottomans and tables created by my grandmother who was an upholsterer and sewer; my grandparents would take old utility spools and upholster shag carpet on them. Consider Draper a highly elevated version of this creation, combined with the French cloth merchants' draper tables where they would let fabrics flow freely.”
Posie is comprised of artfully designed side and coffee tables that can nest together for a fun, clustered aesthetic. The tables have a round, recessed top inside of a teardrop outline, making for a playful addition to any lounge environment. The tables’ design concept began with Sowers’ collection of recessed tray tables found at antique shops in Sweden.
“We were trying to do something that was unexpected in terms of the form—a really thin, light, mixed-material table,” Sowers noted. “The tray relief defines a different shape that’s a counterpoint to that teardrop or pedal shape. You still have a small flat area, say for a cell phone or tablet.”
Posie is offered in a broad range of powder coated base colors in addition to several tabletop finishes including both White Oak and Walnut solid wood, and painted White Oak in thirteen subdued hues. Posie is ideally suited for hospitality projects in addition to ancillary spaces in education and the workplace. It is also IAG-certified and Red List free.
Flux is where function and choice combine to deliver an optimal work environment, and is truly an ideal state of mind where we feel and perform our best. Answering the call for more height-adjustable laptop tables in the Hightower portfolio, Flux consists of multiple base options for standard height, plus a sit-to-stand that offers even more flexibility. For an elevated design element, Flux includes a fabric sleeve around the middle column that can feature a specific COM or one of the thousands of pre-approved fabrics from Hightower’s graded-in partners.
Hightower’s signature design approach meant Flux had to be taken beyond the standard commodity solution of the traditional laptop table. “We’ve provided more choice to interior designers with the upholstered sleeve which also adds some visual mass and makes more of a bold statement,” Sowers explained. “A lot of these standard tables have metal poles that adjust and that's good for a basic offering, but now we have an elevated option.” Adding to its appeal, Flux is IAG-certified as well.
“With all of our new seating options gaining steam, we knew it was time to come out with refreshed table designs that meet the needs of various environments and users,” said Natalie Hartkopf, Hightower co-owner and CEO. “We are a certified B Corp, which is a testament to our commitment to sourcing sustainable materials, like using Kvadrat Really as an option for these tables. Sustainably sourced options extend the life of our offerings for ongoing reuse. This is a priority for us—of course in addition to creating beautiful, unique products—so we are ensuring we continue to stay ahead of the curve with these releases.”