Capitalism debuts 34-legged table that "democratises discomfort"

Design collective Capitalism has unveiled The Uncomfortable table, which has 34 legs to ensure that all dinners have an awkward eating experience.

Named The Uncomfortable, the unconventional table plays on the common frustration of being sat at the end of the table with an inconveniently placed leg during family gatherings and celebrations.

"In almost all middle-class Spanish families, there's always someone stuck with the leg," explained the creatives behind the Capitalism project. "We decided to democratise the discomfort with a table where everyone gets a leg."

"Our goal is quite simple: we want people to think, 'Damn, I got the leg'. The difference is that, with this table, everyone has the chance to experience that feeling equally."

Measuring 2.75 meters in length, the table's 34 legs were purposefully designed not for structural necessity but to distribute inconvenience equally among all diners. This deliberate focus on discomfort prioritises concept over practicality.

"The concept challenges traditional design by not aiming to be useful or functional but instead addressing this inequality in an ironic way," the group told Dezeen.

Over half of the legs were designed and produced by Capitalism, while the remainder were sourced pre-made, several of which were taken from popular table designs in Spain.

"Since our goal was to represent a collection of tables within a single piece, many of the legs were taken from tables that have been bestsellers in Spain," said the group. "Others were custom-designed to balance the composition and create contrast."

Each leg was crafted and treated differently, with chrome-plated and galvanised steel legs shining alongside copper and methacrylate ones.

The contrasting materials were intended to create a visual cacophony that highlights the table's disruptive intent and mirrors the diversity of family dynamics across Spain.

The chaotic sprawl of legs was unified by a four-centimetre-thick solid oak tabletop that was finished with a blend of teak oil, linseed oil and additional varnishes that enhance both its durability and natural aesthetic.

"We wanted the table to feel timeless—something that wasn't tied to any specific style or era, yet somehow belonged to all of them," said the collective.

"The robustness and longevity of oak worked perfectly in our favour to achieve this."

The piece is currently on display at CUPRA City Garage. Capitalism, an anonymous group linked to the creative world, describes itself as a collective that reflects on and questions the paradoxes of modern society.

Other furniture recently featured on Dezeen include a reissue of an IKEA steel-framed shelf and a marble door punctuated by nine porthole windows.

The photography is by Miguel de Guzmán / Imagen Subliminal.

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