







EM Table
Made by Vitra
Designed by Jean Prouvé
Jean Prouvé designed the EM Table in the 1950s as part of his vision for the Maison Tropicale, a prefabricated structure that pushed the boundaries of what industrial construction could achieve. The table carries that ambition into the domestic interior without compromise.
Its steel base is defined by a distinctive crossbar that traces the actual flow of forces through the structure. This is engineering made visible, a gesture that is as compositional as it is functional. The powder-coated finish, available in Deep Black and Prouvé Blanc Ecru, preserves the material honesty of the original while meeting the demands of contemporary production.
- Designed by Jean Prouvé, 1950s
- Powder-coated steel base in Deep Black or Prouvé Blanc Ecru
- Natural oak oiled top available for quick shipment
- Suited to dining rooms, studios, and professional environments
Produced by Vitra under the stewardship of the Prouvé estate, this table holds a place in the longer history of modernist furniture, alongside works from the Cité chair to the Standard. It reads equally well in an archive-minded residence or a rigorously designed workspace.
Typically ships in 2-4 weeks.
Pairs well with

EM Table
Product Details
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Measurements
Shipping & Returns
Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.
Warranty
Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Vitra. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "EM" stand for in the EM Table?
The "EM" designation refers to the table's base construction, which Prouvé developed with a crossed steel support that visually expresses the distribution of structural forces. It is a name tied to the engineering logic of the piece rather than a decorative concept.
What tabletop and base finishes are available?
The steel base is available in Deep Black and Prouvé Blanc (Ecru) powder-coated finishes. The quick-ship configuration pairs a natural oak oiled top with a Deep Black aluminum base. Additional options are available on inquiry.
How does Jean Prouvé's industrial background shape this table?
Prouvé trained as a metalworker before becoming one of the most influential furniture designers of the 20th century. His work consistently prioritized structural honesty, and the EM Table's visible crossbar base is a direct product of that philosophy, where form follows the path of force.
Is the EM Table appropriate for both dining and workspace use?
Yes. Its proportions and materiality make it equally suited to a dining environment and a professional workspace or studio. The combination of an oak top and steel base gives it a presence that reads well in both domestic and contract settings.
How does Vitra authenticate the EM Table's original design?
Vitra holds the license to produce Jean Prouvé's furniture designs and works from original documentation and prototypes. Each piece is produced to specifications aligned with Prouvé's original intent, ensuring fidelity to both the construction method and the material character of the 1950s originals.
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