Recent design trends tend towards the most use one can get from an object. That said, to those who think modular and smart furniture the height of design, it turns out 18th-century table and cabinet designers already did it much better.
Abraham and David Roentgen were a German father and son team of carpenters. They lived in the 18th century and were famous throughout Europe for their inspired and complex creations, combining hidden compartments, automatic drawers, advanced mechanisms - all wrapped up in spectacular wooden design. I'd like to introduce to you 5 incredible creations that will showcase their unbelievable work, still astounding 200 years later.
|
The Berlin Secretary Cabinet
This cabinet is considered by many as the most famous creation of the Roentgen family. It was made for Freidrich Wilhelm II, King of Prussia. This cabinet holds many secret parts that can all be opened with the push of the button, opening in a way you never suspected. Th head of the cabinet contains a gold-decorated clock.
|
The work desk Abraham Roentgen made for his patron
This work desk was built by the father of the family to his main patron, Johann Philipp Waldorf, as a thanks for many years of support. Almost all parts of the table can be moved and opened, which unveils the hidden ells Johann could, as a central figure in the Catholic Church, to hide his personal documents. At the end of the work day, the table can even transform and be used for praying - thus filling two key roles in the life of the patron.
|
The rolltop table of David Roentgen
The son, just as skilled as his father, uses what he was taught and adds some impressive mechanical innovations. A single key opens almost every compartment and drawer in this table, according to how deep it is entered and to which direction it points. Instead of painting his work, David went another way and built it with different and exotic trees from all around the world, giving it deep and rich tones and hues.
|
The dressing table
At first look, this simple dressing table doesn't look like one of the most complex European furniture creations of the 18th century. A deeper look, however, will find a world of drawers and secret compartments, meant to contain all beauty secrets of a noble woman. This table was apparently ordered as a wedding gift from Friedrich August III, ruler of Saxon, to his new bride. The main mirror hides underneath the surface of the table, and a large tray can be opened in front of it, used apparently to mix different powders.
|
|
The musical dolls of David Roentgen
David used the mechanical secrets he learned at the family workshop to make other things, as well. This automaton was one of his most famous creations. It was a secret project of his made to surprise his patron, King Louie XVI as a gift to his wife - Mary Antoinette. This elegant music doll still works and makes beautiful music to this day.
|
These Skyscraper Designs Could Change Cities Forever
Just because they aren't being built yet doesn't mean that they aren't the most unbelievable skyscraper designs on drawing boards around the world. Take a look.
Pivotal Historical Scenes Frozen in the Frame of a Moment
A collection of rare historical moments you probably won't find in textbooks.
10 of the Most Outlandish Building Designs Ever Conceived
These 10 architectural projects push the envelope far enough to reach another planet. Here are 10 of the most outlandish construction projects ever conceived.
This Yacht is Made from The Stuff of Dreams
Tour the interiors of this liquid-hydrogen-fueled futuristic yacht!
5 Gorgeous 18th Century Cabinets and the Secrets They Hold
These 18th century creations of furniture and mechanism take utility and art and mix them together to create something amazing.
These Thanksgiving Decorations are a Feast for the Eyes
These delightful Thanksgiving decorations will get you into the holiday spirit.
Showy Art Deco Architecture Reimagined in Modern Buildings
Art deco is the classic style characteristic of New York City architecture. This gorgeous style is having a resurgence, here are 5 examples
These Photos Bring to Life the Most Beautiful Reflections
These photographs are really spectacular. The conditions were exactly right for the photographers to capture these images. Enjoy the stillness here.
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
These Incredible Photos Will Take Your Breath Away!
Enjoy some of the most spectacular photos from the Smithsonian Magazine's 15th annual contest.
These Photos Are Just Gorgeous, and Won Prizes...
Did you know you can take amazing photographs with your little iPhone? Just look at these insanely beautiful winners of this years iPhone photography contest!
See Vintage Post-War New York in All Its Photogenic Glory
Take a trip down memory lane with some fabulous and fascinating vintage photos of New York City as it used to be in the glory of the post-war period...
Reviving History: AI-Generated Selfies of Iconic Figures
An AI artist has reimagined how famous historical figures would look like taking their selfies. Check out these incredible portraits.
Admire Some of History’s Finest Photos Reimagined in Color
We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to see history through vintage photographs, but wouldn’t it be fun to see all these photos in color?
Feast Your Eyes on a Series of Stunning Wildlife Photos
Robert Irwin, son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, is traveling the world taking photos of wildlife. Here are some of his best shots!
11 Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide Inspired by Nature
Let’s delve into the world of organic architecture and consider 11 noteworthy examples of buildings that took their inspiration from nature.
Fascinating Doors of London! The Beauty is Remarkable
This photographer has a curious eye for the remarkable doors of London.
These Photos of Myanmar Are Absolutely Stunning
Kyaw Kyaw Winn is a very talented photographer from Myanmar. Here is a selection of some of his best shots.
Telosa: 400-Billion Dollar City Built in the US Desert
What's up with this trend of building cities in the middle of nowhere?
I've Never Seen Such Fascinating & Moving Photos Before!
Get ready to have a look at some of the most touching and fascinating sights you've ever seen!
Striking and Brilliant Astronomical Photography, a Collection
Take a trip to the farthest reaches of the universe and back to our home planet with this ultimate collection of astronomical photography
Let These Wonderful Photos Fill Your Day with True Joy
These pictures tell some beautiful stories, and all of them unite to make you feel that life is a joy!
20 Stunning Photos of Women in the Most Gorgeous Dresses!
Get ready to appreciate a showcase of the most outstanding pieces of fashion along with some of the most picturesque locations on the planet. Enjoy!
These Lighthouses Are Each More Beautiful than the Last...
Used since ancient times, the lighthouse was both a guide and a warning. These monuments are so sturdy, they take nature's beating without a flinch!
Admire the World Up Close with Macro Photography
Beauty is in the details, and you can take a really close look at the world around you with these incredible professional macro photos
Some Photos Are Worth Much More Than Words
Amazing photos of fantastic moments in time, captured for posterity. They don't need descriptions, they just are.
Step Inside Some of the World's Most Stunning Mosques
Mosques are a place of worship. They are places in which class, wealth, status and ethnicity disappear. Take a look at 10 of the world's most beautiful mosques.
X-Ray-ting Discoveries: 13 Cool Finds That Will Amaze You
Explore the fascinating world of x-rays in these cool and quirky pictures.
The Small Things in Nature Are the MOST Precious!
All 22 of these genius macro shots will reveal the captivating hidden beauty of nature to you from a brand new, and much closer look
Bask in the Glory of Mother Nature
After taking a look at these amazing photos, it should become clear that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with!
These Wonderful Pictures Are Proof of Nature’s Wonders
If we don't preserve and defend it, nature may disappear - this is why the Nature Conservancy holds an annual photography competition.
5 Quirky & Imaginative Homes Built On a Shoestring Budget
These homes are proof that something incredible can be created on a shoestring budget while being kind to the environment at the same time. Take a look.
35 Classic National Geographic Photos You'll NEVER Forget
National Geographic's Best Photo Collection presents stunning contest winners.
Have You Ever Seen Such Alluring and Artistic Photography?
What's better than a collection of photographs of stunning locations? Adding models wearing beautiful dresses, of course!
14 Unique and Unconventional Urban Designs That Inspire
Let’s check out some truly amazing examples of smart urban planning designs that every city in the world should take inspiration from.
15 Photos Showcasing the Beauty of Cities
We collected some amazing photos of 15 big cities around the world, which are simply fun to look at!
19 Images of Deceptive Moments You’ll Never See in Reality
Photographers have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, and these 19 images will be a little daunting to your senses.
22 Celebrities Who Make Getting Older Look So Cool
These celebrities are ageless!
These Photos Have Amazed the World...
From the epic majesty of our galaxy to the pure, simple beauty of a tortoise interacting with a butterfly, these photos are wonderful.
15 Gripping Images Reflecting the Duality of Life on Earth
A look at a collection of digital collages that show how some people from different regions have completely opposite lives from one another.
25 Photos That Tell an Amazing Story
Extraordinary photos from recent years who have really made an impact on all who see them.
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
Feel the Solitude: These Photos of the Arctic are Breathtaking!
Step inside one of the most solitude places on Earth. Finnish Photographer Tiina Törmänen captures the vast, icy beauty of this most remarkable and breathtaking place.
These Photos Will Undoubtedly Make Your Eyes Go Crazy
Some photos make you do a double-take, but the 24 you're about to see will make your eyes go crazy!
21st Century Architecture is Really Stunning to Behold...
While modern architecture can be divisive, there's no denying it makes you sit up and take notice. Here are 14 stunning examples of 21st Century architecture.