Illusion Clear Acrylic Side Table by John Brauer for Essey

Illusion Clear Acrylic Side Table by John Brauer for Essey — a draped tablecloth with no table underneath, hand-formed from one sheet of clear acrylic.

Designed by John Brauer for Essey, handmade in Germany.

The Design Story

John Brauer founded Essey on an idea he calls Symbolic Functionalism: an object should use a symbol or a metaphor to express what it does. Illusion is its purest example. Walking past a Copenhagen café, Brauer saw long square cloths draped over round tables, photographed them and spent months persuading a workshop that a cloth could become its own table. The answer is a single sheet of acrylic, molded by hand, that stands on the tips of its folds.

Why You’ll Love It

Illusion makes people look twice: guests reach out to lift the cloth and find nothing underneath. In clear acrylic it almost disappears, letting the rug and the light through, yet it is solid enough for a drink, a book and a small vase. Each one is shaped by hand, so yours is unique.

Made for Real Life

A soft damp microfiber cloth keeps it gleaming; skip paper towels and harsh cleaners. For another conversation piece, see Chambre Copper and Teak Hanging Mobile by Riki Watanabe.

Product Details

Where It Shines

Beside a sofa, as a nightstand, in an entry or in a pair as a coffee table.

Questions We Hear Most

Is there really no table under the cloth?

None at all: the folds of the acrylic sheet are the structure, and the corners become its feet.

Where is Illusion designed and made?

Designed by John Brauer for the Danish company Essey and hand-molded in Germany.

Can Illusion go outdoors or in a bathroom? (our advice)

Keep it in dry indoor rooms; it is made for living spaces.

Will the clear acrylic scratch?

It can, so dust it with a damp microfiber cloth and never use paper towels or abrasive cleaners.

Where has the Illusion table been recognized?

It is sold at the MoMA Design Store, held in the collection of MoDiP in the UK, and in Italy was chosen as one of the 100 most beautiful objects.

How do I style Illusion? (our styling advice)

Next to a deep sofa or a bed, on a patterned rug that shows through it, or in a pair as a playful coffee table.

For the Trade

Sourcing for a client’s home, a hotel, a studio or a corporate gift program? Members of the LoftModern Trade Program (interior designers, architects, contractors, builders, home stagers and commercial buyers) receive trade pricing, up to 20% off retail on eligible brands, plus round-the-clock concierge support for stock checks and lead times. Apply once with your business details; we reply by email with your account.

Why We Love It

The side table that makes everyone look twice.

Shipping Info