“Art is only art when it is synonymous with living,” said Alexander Girard, who is widely recognized for his work in textiles and furniture. The designer was true to his words when he created the Girard Coffee Table (1948) for Knoll®. The art of this coffee table is its book-matched walnut veneer tabletop, organic shape and smooth 45-degree beveled edge. The “living” part is in how the table can be positioned with either the straight or asymmetrical side toward the seating area, providing a large surface area in a relatively narrow footprint. Girard’s work has been the subject of many museum exhibitions, including a 2004 retrospective at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Manufactured by Knoll according to the original and exacting specifications of the designer.