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The Illusion Collection Defies Gravity One Glass Surface at a Time

10.29.24 | By
The Illusion Collection Defies Gravity One Glass Surface at a Time

Furniture should be made to look sturdy and dependable, but furniture designed to specifically look unstable? That’s the blurry line between art and furniture. Designed by Alain Gilles for French brand Glass Variations, the Illusion Collection takes the concept of stability and turns it on its head. Each piece, whether a table, desk, or console, gives off the impression that it’s moments away from toppling over, yet it’s sturdier than it looks, thanks to the clever glasswork.

A modern glass table with a rectangular top and semi-circular glass legs is placed in a minimalist room with light-colored flooring and walls

Defined by clean, geometric lines – rectangles, circles, half-rounds, and quarter-rounds – the Illusion Collection taps into the timeless aesthetic of Bauhaus design, but with a playful twist that makes the collection a masterclass example of optical illusions. Every piece features a layer that is textured or colored and draws your attention. Meanwhile, a second layer of clear glass quietly does the work of supporting the entire furniture while appearing virtually non-existent. That means that the furniture isn’t actually balancing on the tip of an arch but on the flat, sturdy surface of the clear glass.

Modern minimalist console table with a wooden surface and metal legs, positioned against a white wall in a room with a curved glass table in the foreground

A modern glass table with a rectangular top and semi-circular glass legs is placed in a minimalist room with light-colored flooring and walls

A glass table with a modern design, featuring a clear glass top and a distinctive, curved, pinkish-orange support leg, set against a yellow and white background

The visual play doesn’t stop at structure. The transparency of the glass creates a dynamic interplay between lines, colors, and textures, crossing and blending to form unexpected graphic effects. The gray or bronze-tinted glass creates a moody, sophisticated look while the pastel and opaline tones create a lighter, more ethereal feel.

A modern, transparent glass table with a rectangular top and two wide, curved legs. The table is set against a minimalist background with beige and white elements

A modern, minimalist glass table with clear and frosted panels is shown against a plain white background. The table features sharp angled edges and a curved design element

Whether you’re drawn to the frosted glass with its milky, soft texture or the clear glass imbued with color, each piece in the Illusion Collection offers something different. These statement pieces add a sense of intrigue to any space, making you question how they’re even standing in the first place. And while the collection may toy with our perception of balance, there’s no doubt that it’s the craftsmanship that really brings these designs to life.

A transparent glass table with a rectangular surface and two curved end panels serving as legs, set against a white background

A transparent glass table with a rectangular surface and two curved end panels serving as legs, set against a white background

close up of a transparent glass table

A transparent pink glass console table with a semicircular top and sleek, minimalist design

A transparent pink glass console table with a semicircular top and sleek, minimalist design

close up of a transparent pink glass table

A modern glass table accompanied by a black metal chair with a cushioned seat

A glass-top rectangular table with two curved black base supports is displayed against a white background

A rectangular glass table with a transparent top and legs, viewed from the front

close up of a transparent glass table

Alain Gilles \\\ Photo: Lydie Nesvadba

To learn more about the Illusions Collection by Alain Gilles, visit glassvariations.com. For more on Alain Gilles, head to alaingilles.com.

Photos by Mathilde Hiley and Studio B Helle.

As the Senior Contributing Editor, Vy Yang is obsessed with discovering ways to live well + with intention through design. She's probably sharing what she finds over on Instagram stories. You can also find her at vytranyang.com.