The Chelsea Flower Show will feature a custom ping pong table this year, designed as a functional piece of art by Cornilleau and UK illustrator Clare Therese Gray.
The table celebrates the 80th anniversary of Cornilleau, Europe’s leading outdoor table tennis brand. Gray, recognized for her botanical motifs and layered storytelling, redesigned one of the company’s classic models with floral patterns drawn from the fields of Northern France, where the manufacturer is headquartered.
A table that doubles as garden decor
The design combines Cornilleau’s engineering with Gray’s artistic vision. The finished product suits modern gardens, high-end terraces, or any outdoor area where design matters.
Gray said the project let her highlight the beauty of Northern France. “Cornilleau’s tables provided an ideal surface,” she explained. “Their clean, sculptural shape made it easy to integrate floral elements across the design.”
The table will appear at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, an event dedicated to outdoor design and craftsmanship. Darren Mason, Cornilleau’s UK managing director, described the collaboration as a way to transform one of their tables into a design object.
Mason noted that Gray’s focus on nature matches the brand’s view that outdoor games should be both functional and beautiful. This approach aligns with a broader trend in garden design, where furniture must serve a purpose while also improving the look of a space.
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Outdoor spaces as extensions of the home
Gardens have become more important in home life. Many homeowners now see them as part of their living areas, not just places for plants. This change has increased demand for furniture that works well and looks good.
Cornilleau’s work with Gray is part of a larger effort to make game tables stand out in outdoor settings. The brand has been working with artists to turn its products into decorative pieces that draw attention.
The same trend appears in other outdoor design areas, where usefulness and appearance are now equally important. This mirrors how indoor furniture has always been judged on both form and function—now gardens and patios follow the same rules.
The table’s floral designs also reflect a growing interest in nature-based styles. While botanical themes have been popular for years, today’s versions favor abstract, layered looks over literal depictions. Gray’s design follows this style, mixing realism with a sense of fluidity.
Visitors can see the table at the Chelsea Flower Show, where it will be part of the innovative garden displays.
