FontanaArte Teso Console, Three-Shelf Glass Sideboard by Renzo Piano, 94.4 in

The FontanaArte Teso console is a long, low glass shelving unit for living rooms, entries, home libraries and reception areas, where it works as a sideboard, a media console or an open book shelf beneath artwork. Three float-glass shelves, each 94.4 in (240 cm) long, are carried by short glass uprights and held together by chromed metal ties and fittings; the unit is open on both fronts, so it can stand against a wall or float in the room as a low divider. At 32.2 in (82 cm) high, the top shelf sits at a natural height for lamps, framed pictures and objects.

Quick facts

• Product: Teso console, open glass sideboard and low bookcase
• Brand: FontanaArte, Milan, Italy
• Item number (MPN): F2720CO150TR20
• Type: Console table, low bookcase, media console, room divider
• Best for: living rooms, entries, home libraries, home offices, hotel lobbies, reception areas, galleries and boutiques
• Width: 94.4 in (240 cm)
• Height: 32.2 in (82 cm)
• Shelf depth: 13.8 in (35 cm), from the assembly instructions
• Shelves: 3 float-glass shelves, 15 mm (0.6 in) thick, per the assembly instructions
• Structure: float-glass uprights, chromed metal ties, washers and feet
• Open: on two fronts (usable from either side)
• Materials: glass, metal
• Assembly: assembly required; FontanaArte supplies illustrated instructions
• Certification: ETL (Intertek) pending
• Designer: Renzo Piano (1991)
• Styles: Modern, Minimalist, Contemporary

FontanaArte lists ETL (Intertek) certification for the Teso console as pending.

Materials and build

Everything structural you see is glass. FontanaArte's assembly instructions list three glass shelves of 2400 x 350 x 15 mm (94.5 x 13.8 x 0.6 in), short glass beams and glass shoulders that act as uprights, and a set of chromed rods, washers, closing caps and chromed feet that tension the stack together. Rubber O-rings and nylon washers sit between metal and glass so the two never touch directly.

Because the shelves are 15 mm float glass, they read as a clear plane with a fine green edge line, and the books or objects on them seem to float. The console is open on both long sides, so it is equally finished from the back. It arrives as a kit and needs to be assembled following the maker's instructions; with long glass shelves, plan for two people.

Size and placement

At 94.4 in (240 cm) long, Teso is a full sideboard length: it suits a wall of about 10 ft (3 m) or more, or the back of a long sofa in an open-plan room. At 32.2 in (82 cm) high it sits just above typical table height, so a table lamp on the top shelf lights the room comfortably, and artwork can hang 6 to 10 in (15 to 25 cm) above it.

With a shelf depth of 13.8 in (35 cm), it takes standard hardcover books, vinyl records and most media equipment while staying slim enough for a hallway or entry. As a room divider behind a sofa, leave at least 30 in (76 cm) of walkway at each end.

Where it works

Living rooms and libraries. A long, light place for books, records and a few chosen objects, with a lamp and a picture above. Because the shelves are clear, the wall color or wallpaper stays visible.

Entries and hallways. In a generous entry it replaces a heavy sideboard with something that keeps the space bright, with room for keys, a tray and a lamp.

Open-plan homes. Placed behind a sofa or between living and dining zones, it divides the space without closing it off, and it is finished on both sides.

Reception areas, hotels and boutiques. A display console for brochures, books or product, behind a reception desk or along a lobby wall, with an architectural pedigree that suits design-minded brands.

Style and pairing

Teso is Modern and Minimalist at heart and fits easily into Contemporary interiors. Against a deep painted wall in blue, green or charcoal it becomes almost invisible and lets the objects stand out; against a pale wall the green edges of the glass draw the line. Pair it with a sculptural table lamp, framed prints leaned rather than hung, and a mix of horizontal and vertical book stacks. It sits well beside the matching Teso table and bookcase.

Why choose the Teso console

• Three 94.4 in float-glass shelves on glass uprights: storage that looks weightless.
• Open on both fronts, so it works against a wall or as a room divider.
• Shelves 13.8 in deep, enough for books, records and media.
• Rubber and nylon washers between glass and metal, chromed fittings throughout.
• Part of Renzo Piano's Teso glass collection for FontanaArte, from 1991.

Care

Dust shelves with a dry microfibre cloth and clean them with a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth. Wipe the chromed fittings with a soft dry cloth; avoid alcohol and solvents. Spread weight evenly along each shelf, keep heavy items near the uprights, and place felt pads under hard objects. Check the fittings occasionally and keep the unit on a level floor. Do not climb on or lean on the shelves.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the FontanaArte Teso console? It is 94.4 in (240 cm) long and 32.2 in (82 cm) high, with shelves 13.8 in (35 cm) deep.

How many shelves does it have? Three glass shelves.

What is it made of? Float-glass shelves and uprights with chromed metal ties and fittings.

How thick are the glass shelves? 15 mm, about 0.6 in, according to FontanaArte's assembly instructions.

Can it be used as a room divider? Yes. It is open on both fronts and finished on both sides, so it can stand behind a sofa or between living and dining areas.

Will it hold a TV or media equipment? The 13.8 in deep shelves take most media players and a slim TV on the top shelf. Keep heavy items near the uprights and spread weight evenly.

Does it need assembly? Yes. It is assembled from glass shelves, glass uprights and chromed fittings following FontanaArte's illustrated instructions; plan for two people.

Is it suitable for an entry hall? Yes, in a hall of about 10 ft or more. The clear glass keeps a narrow space bright.

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

Is there a taller version? Yes. The Teso bookcase uses the same system at 78.7 in (200 cm) high.

Who designed it? Renzo Piano, as part of the Teso glass collection for FontanaArte; the console dates from 1991.

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.