Essey Illusion Side Table, Clear Acrylic, by John Brauer

A tablecloth with no table under it: John Brauer’s hand-formed clear acrylic side table, made in Germany for Essey.

Illusion began in a café in Copenhagen, where the Danish designer John Brauer noticed round tables dressed in square white tablecloths that almost touched the floor. He took a few photos, showed them to a plastics workshop and asked whether such a cloth could be made to stand on its own. The answer was no; months later the first samples were ready. The result is a side table that looks like a draped cloth with nothing underneath: a single 3 mm sheet of clear acrylic (PMMA), molded by hand so that the folds carry the load. Because every table is formed by hand in Germany, no two are exactly alike. It stands 17.4″ high and 16″ across and weighs about 6.6 lb (3 kg).

Specifications

• Brand: Essey (Denmark)
• Designer: John Brauer, founder of Essey
• Model: Illusion (small), clear
• Type: Side table / end table
• Material: 3 mm clear acrylic (PMMA), seamless glossy surface
• Dimensions: 17.4″ H × 16″ Ø
• Weight: about 6.6 lb (3 kg)
• Construction: Hand-molded from a single sheet; every table is unique
• Made in: Germany
• Item number (MPN): ES-ILLU-C

Features

• Clear 3 mm acrylic (PMMA), molded by hand from one sheet
• Each table unique
• 17.4″ H × 16″ Ø, about 6.6 lb
• Seamless, glossy surface
• Designed by Essey founder John Brauer; made in Germany

Best for

Beside a sofa or armchair, as a nightstand in a small bedroom, in an entry for keys and mail, or in a group of two or three as a coffee table. Clear acrylic keeps small rooms feeling open. See also: Design Classics Riki Watanabe Chambre Copper & Teak Mobile, 3 Pieces.

Who this is not for

• Heavy loads such as large lamps or stacks of books: it is a light side table.
• Outdoor use: keep it indoors (our advice).
• Homes where it would be cleaned with paper towels or abrasive sponges: acrylic scratches.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009. Essey is the Danish design company founded by John Brauer around Symbolic Functionalism, using a metaphor to express what an object does. Its awards include the Red Dot, iF and Good Design awards; in Italy the Illusion table was selected as one of the 100 most beautiful objects, and it is sold at the MoMA Design Store and held in the collection of MoDiP, the Museum of Design in Plastics in the UK.

Buy once: durability and care

Clean with a soft, damp microfiber cloth; a mild glass cleaner or acrylic polish is fine. Avoid abrasives, solvents and paper towels, which scratch acrylic.

Frequently asked questions

How tall and wide is the Illusion side table?

It stands 17.4″ high and measures 16″ across.

What is the Illusion table made of?

A single 3 mm sheet of clear acrylic (PMMA), molded by hand in Germany.

How do I clean the Illusion table?

Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth and, if needed, a mild glass cleaner or acrylic polish. Avoid abrasives, solvents and paper towels.

What can I put on the Illusion side table? (our advice)

Drinks, a book, a small plant or a candle in a holder; keep heavy lamps and stacks of books elsewhere.

Which rooms and styles suit the Illusion table? (our styling advice)

Small living rooms, bedrooms and entries in modern, minimalist, Scandinavian or playful eclectic interiors; clear acrylic makes a room feel bigger.

Is every Illusion table identical?

No. Each is molded by hand, so every fold is slightly different and each table is unique.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Essey and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Ordering for a hotel, office, studio or corporate gifts? Contact us with models and quantities and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.