Plato and Aristotle: A Unique Pair of Bedside Tables

A Fusion of Philosophy and Design

The project, created by designer Daniele Mezzetti, features a pair of bedside tables that are similar yet distinct from each other. Plato, the left bedside table, embodies an upward development. It is embraced and supported by a rectangular ring, which also adds a slimming effect. The lower part of Plato consists of two drawers, while the upper part boasts three small shelves for books, objects, or other items. The design cleverly hides the widening trays through a square-shaped groove, maintaining a clean and linear aesthetic.

Aristotle, the right bedside table, is also embraced by a rectangular ring, but in this case, it pushes the table down and acts as a leg that firmly supports it on the floor. Aristotle features a single shelf that extends to the right, providing a convenient space to store items such as books or a telephone.

The supporting structure of the bedside tables is made of metal and can be customized with different finishes, including brass, corten, chrome, or gold. The tops and drawers are crafted from wood, which can also be personalized with various finishes or coloring options. For practical reasons, the bedside tables can be mirrored, with Plato on the right and Aristotle on the left.

Plato and Aristotle are not only functional bedside tables but also serve as design elements for the entire bed wall. Plato's vertical development allows it to double as a small bookcase, with its three shelves capable of holding a variety of books or decorative objects such as vases or frames. Aristotle's downward development, on the other hand, provides a single shelf for convenient storage of items like a book or a telephone.

The design of Plato and Aristotle began in Rome in February 2021 and went through several modifications and iterations before reaching its final form in May of the same year. The project required extensive research and creative problem-solving to overcome the challenge of creating two bedside tables that were combined yet had opposite developments. The result is a unique and innovative design that breaks away from the conventional notion of identical and mirror-like bedside tables.

Plato and Aristotle, created by Daniele Mezzetti, have been recognized for their outstanding design and creativity. The project was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that demonstrate exceptional ingenuity and contribute to improvements in quality of life.