FontanaArte Tavolo con Ruote Coffee Table, Glass Top on Industrial Wheels, 6 Sizes

The FontanaArte Tavolo con Ruote is a low glass coffee table on four industrial casters, made for living rooms, lofts, lounges and studios where a coffee table should be easy to move and strong enough to anchor a seating group. A thick sheet of ground float glass sits directly on the wheels, held by painted metal brackets, so the whole table is just two things: glass and wheels. At 9.84 in (25 cm) high it sits lower than most coffee tables, which keeps sightlines open across the room, and it comes in four square and two rectangular sizes from 39.4 in (100 cm) up to 59 in (150 cm) across.

Quick facts

• Product: Tavolo con Ruote (Table with Wheels) coffee table
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item numbers (MPN): 140 x 70 cm F1000TB150TR00; 100 x 100 cm F1110TB150TR00; 110 x 110 cm F1120TB150TR20; 120 x 120 cm F1130TB150TR30; 150 x 100 cm F1010TB150TR10; 150 x 150 cm F1140TB150TR40
• Type: Low coffee table on wheels
• Best for: living rooms, lofts, family rooms, hotel lounges and lobbies, galleries, showrooms and studios
• Height: 9.84 in (25 cm), all sizes
• Rectangular sizes: 55.1 x 27.6 in (140 x 70 cm); 59.1 x 39.4 in (150 x 100 cm)
• Square sizes: 39.4 in (100 cm); 43.3 in (110 cm); 47.2 in (120 cm); 59.1 in (150 cm)
• Top: ground float glass, transparent
• Base: four free-rolling industrial wheels on painted metal brackets, black
• Materials: glass, metal
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Gae Aulenti (1980)
• Styles: Modern, Contemporary, Minimalist, Industrial

FontanaArte lists ETL (Intertek) certification as pending for every size.

Materials and build

The idea came from the factory floor. FontanaArte describes the trolley its plant used to move sheets of glass as the starting point: Gae Aulenti kept the wheels, replaced the wooden shelf with a chunky sheet of beveled glass and turned a piece of equipment into a living-room table. The production top is ground float glass, flat and optically clear, and its thick edge shows the green tint typical of heavy glass.

Each corner carries a free-rolling industrial caster in a painted black metal bracket fixed under the glass. The casters are real workshop hardware, with solid black wheels, so the table rolls easily on hard floors for cleaning or rearranging. Treat it as a coffee table, not a seat or step.

Size and placement

At 9.84 in (25 cm), Tavolo con Ruote is noticeably lower than a standard 16 to 18 in coffee table. That suits deep lounge sofas, low modular seating and floor cushions, and it keeps a large room feeling open. With taller, upright sofas, choose one of the larger tops so drinks and books stay within easy reach.

As general guidance, pick a size about half to two-thirds the length of the sofa and leave 14 to 18 in (36 to 46 cm) between the glass edge and the seat front. The 55.1 x 27.6 in rectangle suits a two- or three-seat sofa; the 59.1 x 39.4 in rectangle a long sofa or chaise; the 39.4 in and 43.3 in squares a pair of armchairs or a compact sofa; the 47.2 in and 59.1 in squares the centre of an L-shaped sectional or a lounge group in a lobby.

Where it works

Living rooms and lofts. On a concrete, terrazzo or wide-plank floor the casters and clear glass fit naturally, and the low height keeps the room airy. Roll it aside to clear floor space when needed.

Family rooms. A big square top in front of a sectional gives space for games, books and trays, and it moves out of the way easily.

Hotel lobbies, lounges and members' clubs. A recognisable design icon that works in front of banquettes and lounge chairs, and its clear top keeps a busy space visually open.

Galleries, showrooms and studios. The industrial reference and transparent top suit creative spaces, and the table can double as a low display plinth.

Style and pairing

Tavolo con Ruote is at home in Modern, Contemporary and Minimalist interiors and is a natural fit in Industrial lofts. It also makes a strong contrast in classic rooms with mouldings or parquet, where the casters bring a note of irony. Pair it with low, generous sofas in bouclé, linen or velvet, and with one or two sculptural objects on top. A patterned rug under it stays fully visible through the glass.

Why choose Tavolo con Ruote

• A glass top on real industrial casters: honest, simple and instantly recognisable.
• Six sizes, square and rectangular, all at the same 9.84 in height.
• Rolls easily on hard floors for cleaning or a quick change of layout.
• Clear glass keeps the floor and rug visible, so rooms feel larger.
• A 1980 Gae Aulenti design, still produced by FontanaArte.

Care

Clean the glass with a microfibre cloth and a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth. Wipe the painted brackets with a soft damp cloth and dry them. Keep the wheels free of hair and grit so they roll smoothly; wipe the treads with a damp cloth. Use coasters and felt pads under hard objects, and lift rather than drag heavy items across the glass. Roll the table on smooth floors only; lift it over rugs, thresholds and steps with two people.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the FontanaArte Tavolo con Ruote? All sizes are 9.84 in (25 cm) high.

What sizes are available? Rectangular 55.1 x 27.6 in (140 x 70 cm) and 59.1 x 39.4 in (150 x 100 cm); square 39.4 in (100 cm), 43.3 in (110 cm), 47.2 in (120 cm) and 59.1 in (150 cm).

Which size suits a sectional sofa? The 47.2 in or 59.1 in square usually fits the centre of an L-shaped sectional; the 59.1 x 39.4 in rectangle suits a long straight sofa.

Is it lower than a normal coffee table? Yes. At 9.84 in it is lower than the usual 16 to 18 in, which suits deep, low sofas and keeps sightlines open.

Does it really roll? Yes. It stands on four free-rolling industrial wheels, so it moves easily on hard floors.

What is the top made of? Ground float glass.

What are the wheels and brackets? Black industrial wheels on painted metal brackets.

Can I use it in a hotel lobby or lounge? Yes. It works well as a statement coffee table in lounges, lobbies and showrooms, and the larger squares suit seating groups.

Will the wheels mark my floor? Keep the wheels clean, and use the table on smooth, hard floors or low-pile rugs.

Is it certified? FontanaArte lists ETL (Intertek) certification as pending.

Where did the idea come from? From the trolley used at the FontanaArte plant to carry glass; Gae Aulenti replaced its wooden shelf with a sheet of glass in 1980.

Trade & project orders

Interior designers, architects and hospitality buyers can join the MetropolitanDecor trade program for trade pricing. We also prepare quotes for multi-unit and project orders; contact us with your quantities.

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