It has been nearly ten years since the collaboration between award-winning designer Cecilie Manz and Nikari began. In 2018, Manz designed the Separat room divider, which combined the best aspects of Danish and Finnish design traditions – it works in every room of the home while adding both beauty and functionality. Now the collaboration between Manz and Nikari continues on the same philosophy.

Just like the Separat room divider, the Taso tray table is designed to work in all kinds of spaces. It is a beautiful and functional surface for bedrooms, living rooms, and transitional spaces alike. It is easy to carry from one place to another. Because its shelves are shaped like compartments, items won’t fall off when the table is moved. The cross-shaped solid-wood structure is sturdy and sculptural.

A meticulous design process

Manz drew inspiration for Taso’s design language from traditional serving trolleys.
“I always work a lot with 1:1 models, a method I really appreciate as you instantly see what you are doing”, Manz explains. “Changes are made constantly in this process, until you feel certain enough to proceed to more detailed drawings and models.”

For Manz, functionality is everything. “Design is not art” she says. “It serves a practical purpose.”

Manz has also studied design in Finland, and she believes Finns take functionalism and simplicity even more seriously than Danes. She says Finnish design thinking has deeply influenced her own work. She refines details for a long time and searches for the right materials for each specific purpose – seeking the perfect balance where functionality becomes harmonious beauty.

“Wood is super-suitable material that speaks loud or subtle, shows light or dark, soft or hard. Very hard to beat.” — Cecilie Manz

Wood is uniquely versatile

Wood is one of Manz’s favorite materials. She remembers climbing trees after school as a child. Beyond this emotional connection, she values wood’s versatility as a furniture material.

“Wood is super-suitable material that speaks loud or subtle, shows light or dark, soft or hard. Very hard to beat.”

At Nikari, wood and the preservation of traditional woodworking skills are at the heart of everything, making the collaboration with Manz a natural fit. “Nikari’s dedication to high quality stands out, now more than ever as fewer and fewer take their craft seriously”, Manz says.

At Nikari, we also love wood because, beyond its functionality, it is a soulful material. It brings natural softness, dignity, and calm to interiors. And as Manz puts it: “Atmosphere is an important word in an interior. You immediately sense when there is none.”

The Taso tray table likewise brings wood’s calming presence into a room. And when another part of the home calls for a peaceful touch – or an extra surface – Taso can be easily carried from room to room. Beautiful and practical.