Lahmu Coffee Table is a minimalist coffee table created by Stockholm-based designer Sizar Alexis. The creation of Lahmu was inspired by a deeply personal experience of its designer, who, upon returning from the maternity ward with his wife and newborn son in April 2020, found themselves in strict isolation to shield their family from the pandemic. This period of isolation, reminiscent of the designer’s own childhood experiences during the war in Iraq, where his family sought refuge in a makeshift bunker within their home, laid the groundwork for Lahmu. Lahmu, drawing its name from a deity in Mesopotamian mythology known for its protective qualities against demons and sickness, embodies a physical and emotional fortress through its design.

The designer channeled the concept of a bunker into two sculptural furniture pieces, reflecting on the protective nature of such spaces against both visible and invisible threats. The furniture, characterized by its strong, monolithic forms and a sense of stillness, serves not only as a functional item but also as a symbolic representation of safety and protection. The collection includes large side tables or stools, which can be combined to form a bench or a low sideboard, alongside a smaller set comprising a coffee table and a vase. These pieces are inspired by bunker architecture and are crafted from two contrasting types of wood: American cherry, chosen for its warmth, and red oak, which undergoes a burning process known as shou sugi ban to achieve a charred surface. This duality in materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the pieces but also underscores the theme of protection and resilience inherent in their design.