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Design your own tables

An idea with legs

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Table legs are a key part of the design process for a table. They should align with the table's overall aesthetic and harmonise perfectly with the model's shape. Tiptoe has broken with this approach. Almost ten years ago, the French brand launched table legs with a clamping system that redefined table customisation and encouraged users to think about how furniture enhances their lives.

Colourful table legs with a clamping system stand in front of a closed door. Next to it are stacked stools and a bench with a table lamp on top.

The success story of the French design brand Tiptoe began in 2015 with a set of table legs featuring a clamping system. Copyright: Tiptoe

The idea is not new. Back in the 1970s, artist François Arnal designed the "T9 clamp" at his Atelier A studio. His design featured a base with four screw clamps that supported a coffee table top. In 1982, internationally renowned designer Philippe Starck adopted the idea, developing a range of table legs for 3 Suisses. But the Arnal and Starck designs did not win over the masses. Tiptoe's approach, however, is doing so.

The venture that began almost ten years ago with a set of table legs has blossomed into a Europe-wide furniture company. The idea of the two co-founders Vincent Quesada and Matthieu Bourgeaux boils down to this: they wanted to create practical, timeless, high-quality and durable pieces of furniture at consistently fair prices. And they wanted their designs to be "made in Europe". It was clear to them from the outset that their table legs were just the first step.

A red table leg with a clamping system from the brand Tiptoe is mounted on a dining table. On the table is a plate with a dessert and fruit.

Tiptoe's table legs boast clamps inspired by the iconic 1970s "T9 clamp" design by French artist François Arnal. Copyright: Tiptoe

The Tiptoe table legs

With the Tiptoe table legs, customers can assemble dining tables, desks, coffee tables, bar tables and sideboards in a matter of minutes, without ever having to pick up a tool. The ingenious clamping system enables quick and easy assembly and adapts to a wide range of table tops, allowing users to create a piece of furniture tailored to their individual preferences. The understated design and wide array of colours ensure the legs complement any interior design style. The table legs are available in heights of 43cm, 75cm, 90cm and 110cm.

"In our opinion, the world doesn't need more furniture – it needs better-designed and better-made furniture," Bourgeaux explains. The market's response has proved him right. The concept of highly customisable furniture facilitated by multi-coloured table legs that come in different lengths has been a success, leading the two founders to develop more furniture designs. Today, their product range consists of various tables, chairs, stools (incl. counter stools), shelves, wall racks, storage solutions and sofas.

There is a table with yellow table legs with a clamping system in front of a window. Around the table are stools with yellow chair legs.

After launching its ingenious table legs in 2017, the next product Tiptoe launched was the Lou stool and counter stool. Copyright: Tiptoe

Eco-friendly elegance

Sustainability has been at the heart of Tiptoe's business strategy and values since the company was founded. 100% of the furniture is still manufactured in Europe as part of a sustainable and environmentally friendly concept. In 2019, Tiptoe officially acquired the status of a purpose-driven company under the PACTE law (action plan for the growth and transformation of companies). This offers companies the opportunity to include a social or environmental objective in their articles of association, as an addition to their economic purpose. This status makes compliance with the company’s sustainability commitments legally binding.

"We aspired to create sustainable pieces of furniture that would be with their owners for a long time; affordable pieces with a story to tell that are designed with care and without compromising on quality. Tiptoe furniture embodies an optimistic, creative and responsible vision of modern living," Bourgeaux and Quesada say.

A table stands in the centre of a room with a sloping glass roof. There are flowers and a bowl of oranges on the dining table.

Since the company was founded nearly ten years ago, co-founders Vincent Quesada and Matthieu Bourgeaux have further developed Tiptoe's product range with sustainability in mind. Copyright: Tiptoe

Strategically positioned for the future

Tiptoe achieved a significant breakthrough in autumn 2024, joining the Fermob Group as part of a long-term strategic partnership announced on LinkedIn by both brands. The collaboration is an important milestone for Tiptoe, both within France and internationally, strengthening its presence in the innovative and sustainable designer furniture and lighting sectors. Tiptoe is poised to reap long-term benefits from Fermob's expertise and international distribution network, which will help to accelerate its expansion, especially in Europe and the US. What will the design brand come up with next? We can't wait to find out.