CPH 10 Desk by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec

The CPH 10 is the large desk in the Copenhague series. Four symmetrical legs in water-lacquered solid oak, angled outwards and set back from the corners, support a 160 x 80 cm tabletop at a height of 74 cm. On this surface, two screens fit side-by-side, or one screen and enough room to spread out papers; and since it is indistinguishable from a standard table, it easily doubles as a dining table in a studio apartment.

The tabletop is bare: HAY does not provide drawers or cable management for this model. This is a deliberate choice for the series: the same piece serves as a desk, meeting table, or dining table depending on the room where it is placed.

Three tabletop materials, three uses

Linoleum is not vinyl: it is oxidized linseed oil mixed with wood flour and resin, pressed onto a jute backing. It is matte, warm to the touch, does not reflect light from overhead lamps, and absorbs the sound of a plate being set down. However, it will show marks if you cut on it. Laminate is the opposite: a hard, sealed surface that is resistant to water and the heat of a dish, and more reflective. Finally, water-lacquered wood veneer leaves the grain visible and ages like wood: it is the most beautiful and the most delicate of the three.

In all cases, the edge of the tabletop is lacquered to match the tone of the base: this is what gives the table its continuous line when viewed from the side.