The Mesa Table – Designed By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Widdicomb
Video credit: Sarah Derer
The Mesa Coffee Table- A Modern Masterpiece
Iconic Mid-Century Design
The Mesa Table is widely regarded as one of the boldest expressions of organic mid-century modern design. Its freeform, terraced silhouette captures the spirit of the American Southwest and helped solidify Robsjohn-Gibbings’s place among the greats of 20th-century furniture design.
Originally debuted in 1952, the Mesa Table was so ahead of its time that it earned a feature on the cover of House Beautiful that same year — a rare honor for a piece of furniture. Its biomorphic form, inspired by aerial views of New Mexico’s mesa lands, stood in stark contrast to the boxy lines of contemporary modernism. Instead of strict minimalism, Robsjohn-Gibbings offered a fluid, sculptural vision that bridged fine art and interior design.
Today, one of the tables is displayed in institutions such as the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, further cementing its place as a museum-worthy object of American design history.
Value & Rarity
As vintage design continues to surge in popularity, the Mesa Table has become one of the most sought-after collector pieces from the postwar era. Because it was produced in limited numbers and requires specialized craftsmanship, original examples rarely surface on the market — and when they do, they command attention. This appreciation reflects not only the piece’s rarity, but also its symbolic value in design history. For collectors, the Mesa Table represents a high-pedigree investment — one that blends cultural relevance with enduring beauty.
The Mesa Coffee Table- The “Design Trophy”
Sculptural Organic Design
The Mesa table stands as a celebration of form and function. Its asymmetrical, free-form slabs appear to float above one another, evoking natural topography. The low-slung structure supports a sense of casual elegance—perfect for spacious, informal living rooms in both classic and contemporary settings.
Dimensions, Materials & Finishes
- Material: American walnut
- Finish: Amber-Brown “Sienna”
- Design Era: Mid-century modern, circa 1952
- Structure: Two-tiered biomorphic top, solid platform base
- Size: 1760-6
Built for Ranch-Style Living
Designed at a time when ranch-style homes were becoming popular across the U.S., the Mesa Coffee Table was made for flexible, relaxed interiors. Robsjohn-Gibbings described the ranch house as “modern building in its most relaxed and unpretentious attitude,” and this table mirrors that philosophy. Its scale and informality made it a natural centerpiece for open-plan spaces and homes that favored comfort without compromising sophistication.
Designed By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for The Widdicomb Furniture Company
Crafted by the esteemed Widdicomb Furniture Company and designed by acclaimed modernist T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, the Mesa Coffee Table exemplifies the mid-century shift toward organic forms and regionally inspired mid-century modern design.
Robsjohn-Gibbings, known for fusing classical influences with modern sensibilities, partnered with Widdicomb throughout the 1940s and 1950s to create some of the most elegant and enduring pieces of the era. The Mesa Table stands as one of their most celebrated collaborations—merging American craftsmanship, natural materials, and a sculptural silhouette that continues to captivate collectors and interior designers alike.
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