Header: Hsintzu (Cindy) Chang
River & Stones is a table with a deep personal meaning for its creator, Hsintzu (Cindy) Chang. Inspired by river stones, the coffee table evokes the beauty of mountain rivers where she used to play as a child. The harmonious structure of the table is meant to evoke the stillness of water in the fast-paced, urban world.
Mimicking the serenity of water flow
River & Stones design mimics the movement of water over black river stones, or more accurately, the feeling of peace the designer felt witnessing this scene. The wavy glass table resembles the movement and flow of water. The stainless steel supporting the glass top is based on the clarity and stability that the designer experienced in her youth. The marble pattern on the table legs resembles black stones submerged in a river, bringing the natural scene to life.
Crafting art from glass, steel, and marble
Because of its wave-like quality, thermoformed glass was chosen as the material for the top. The thermoformed glass remains durable and translucent despite its seemingly fragile appearance. The metal support is made from CNC-machined stainless steel, while the stone elements are made of marble. The marble-finished legs give the design a realistic river-stone appearance, preserving its artistic essence.
Design as a tool for connection
The table’s design aligns with Chang’s design philosophy, which views design as a tool for connecting with users on emotional and physical levels. Objects transcend their primary use as functional items in everyday households and transform into containers for experiences and stories.
“A piece of furniture can affect how people feel in a space, how they relate to their environment, or how they find a moment of stillness in a busy day.”
Hsintzu (Cindy) Chang
The design combines memory and production techniques in a way that makes it simultaneously meaningful and functional. According to Chang, the design is meant to be sentimental and effective without being overbearing. Sometimes, all it takes is a small, nature-inspired coffee table to bring calmness to busy daily lives.
The intricate design of River & Stones brings a miniature landscape into a domestic area. By combining nostalgia with artistic and production exploration, the design showcases how a simple everyday object can change both the aesthetic and the energy of a space. A subtle reference to a mountain river flowing over black stones can sometimes be all you need to relax and escape the mundane reality of busy urban life. The River & Stones table has won the prestigious Sit Furniture Design Award in the Coffee Table category. The international furniture design prize is awarded annually, and the 2026 submission deadline is open until April 16.
