Shadow Box End Table

The Shadow Box End Table from Four Hands is a square glass-walled cabinet on a slim iron frame, built to show off objects as much as to hold a lamp. Tempered glass encloses the body of the table, and the matte-black iron keeps every edge crisp. Brass knobs mark the door, and a shallow drawer runs on metal side-mount glides. Leg levelers on the feet keep it steady on uneven floors.

It belongs to Four Hands' Belmont collection, which takes its cues from stately 17th and 18th century cabinets and rebuilds them in dark metal and clear glass. The shadowbox idea is the collector's case, the kind of display that makes a handful of small things look deliberate. Black iron against warm brass pairs well with leather, velvet, and aged wood, and the glass lets the contents set the color.

Set it beside a sofa or lounge chair and fill the glass compartment with shells, small ceramics, matchbooks, or travel finds, then rearrange them with the seasons. The drawer takes remotes, coasters, and reading glasses so the top stays clear for a lamp and a drink. It also works as a bedside table for someone who would rather look at their collection than hide it.