London studio Barber & Osgerby has worked with Knoll on a collection of tables with light-fast and waterproof enamel tops that mean they can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The studio has exploited the potential of their chosen material by creating tables with a smooth, glossy surface that is impervious to water, won't fade in direct sunlight and is naturally antibacterial.

These qualities make enamel an unusually good material for versatile furniture that won't come to any harm outdoors.

"Materials that are typically good for outdoor furniture are not necessarily good for indoor and vice versa, but enamel is an exception," said studio co-founder Edward Barber.

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The tables come in a round version as well as a longer oblong style that can be produced to various lengths, in four rich colours, grey/green, a deep navy blue, dark grey and aubergine.

The enamel finish adds an intensity and depth to the colour rarely found in a painted surface.

"The colour has a depth to it unlike a paint finish which is very flat," Barber told Dezeen. "When we were experimenting with lots of colours, they all came out nicely. It has a natural appeal."