Design
Christopher Gentner
Landscape Coffee Table.
The table is made up of four interlocking levels of steel with a hand-applied textured pewter finish. The application of pewter has the appearance of liquid silver, giving the surface an organic texture. The table floats seamlessly on a steel base and stands 2″ above the ground. Each table is made to order… thus, the pewter pattern is unique to each piece.
Image courtesy of: Pavilion Antiques and 20th C
We love Christopher Gentner and the company he founded in 2011. Gentner Design stems from Gentner’s emphasis on sculpture and how that adds to his creations of modern home furnishings. The Chicago-based designer graduated with a BFA in metal smithing from the Cleveland Institute of Art and apprenticed under a wide range of jewelers and sculptors.
Gentner was able to quickly develop his reputation as a foremost authority for metal fabrication and metal furniture. One of the designer’s biggest achievements was the re-creation and fabrication of the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House gates.
The T Table Collection and Paper Chandelier above.
Image courtesy of: Design Milk
The T Table Collection is a wonderful minimalistic table collection made from darkened stainless steel. The tables consist of two different sizes that create multi-dimensional surfaces, designed so that they can be positioned in three different ways. In addition, the tables are also able to nest within one another.
Gentner honed his skills through his apprenticeships and was able to develop a “language of sculpture.” He has remained passionate about the small details and renowned craftsmanship.
Bottle Stand. Made from brass and completely handcrafted in Chicago.
Image courtesy of: 1st Dibs
Gentner credits the foundation of his design philosophy to the basis of his line of furniture, lighting, and objects. The collection is entirely based in metal and incorporates only natural materials such as leather and wood… challenging our thoughts and preconceived ideas.
After he successfully built a hammock-like structure to keep ants out of his cat’s food bowl, Gentner realized the unlimited scope of ideas. About his inspirations, he said “Everyday instances inspire pieces in my collections. They get expressed more and more, and somehow end up for sale.” (courtesy @TheScopeNYC)
Baltic Occasional Table. Made from bronze with a lightened or darkened patina.
Image courtesy of: Nisi B Home
Gentner committed himself to creating a comprehensive collection and not just working on occasional pieces of furniture. In 2013, he debuted a line of lighting, furniture, and accessories that showcased his mastery in metal.
The first piece was the Baltic Table, a table handcrafted out of solid bronze with waterfall edges and slices of negative space.
The evolution of Gentner’s work isn’t clearly defined by a specific style; rather, it is his intrigue with a design’s purpose that is clearly expressed in each piece. He says, “I see potential in everything, which is one of the reasons I’m drawn to the functionality of my work.” (courtesy @TheScopeNYC)
Tube Desk Lamp, 2016. Inspired by Sumi-e, Japanese black ink drawings, the lamp flows as if stroked in one consecutive line. The dimmable LED desk lamp is available in two finishes, darkened brass or tarnished brass. Handcrafted completely in Chicago.
Image courtesy of: Gentner Design
Often times, people are not sure what they are seeing when they come in contact with Gentner’s works. They may say, “Is it a sculpture or a stool?” The second comment however is, “Oh, it’s actually really comfortable.”
We couldn’t agree more!
