a sculptural side table inspired by handwritten love letters and the letter M

Transforming the Ritual of Letter Writing into Sculptural Design

As handwritten letters quietly disappear from daily life, designer Maja Stamenković translates the ritual of correspondence into a sculptural object. Named Love Letters »M«, the collectible side table reimagines the letter M as a three-dimensional form, crowned by a triangular volume inspired by the flap of an opened envelope. The project continues Stamenković’s ongoing Love Letters series of nightstands, where the drawer previously took the form of an envelope.

In this new iteration, the envelope is abstracted into geometry and typography: the letter M becomes the structure itself, shifting the series from functional storage furniture toward a more sculptural and artistic expression that reflects on the tactile and emotional value of handwritten letters. More than a functional side table, Love Letters »M« operates as a sculptural and symbolic object that encourages users to pause and reconnect with slow, tactile gestures in an increasingly digital world.

all images by Marijo Zupanov, unless stated otherwise, courtesy of MA_ST_AR

Seven Layers of Materials compose Love Letters »M« side table

The piece by designer Maja Stamenković combines natural, recyclable, and salvaged materials, including solid walnut, Portogallo Rosso marble, painted aluminum, stainless steel, painted MDF, tiles, plexiglass, and brass. Each layer symbolizes a different generation; the table is composed of seven elements representing seven generations, becoming a vessel of memory, continuity, and heritage.

First presented at the Venice Design Biennial 2025 within the exhibition Collectible under the theme Extinction / Salvation, the project reflects on how extinction today affects not only ecosystems but also empathy, imagination, and cultural rituals. Love Letters »M« was also awarded Silver at the London Design Awards 2025 in the category Product Design – Unexpected Design. The project suggests that everyday objects can act as quiet carriers of memory, meaning, and emotional continuity, preserving something of the disappearing art of handwritten letters.

walnut, Portogallo Rosso marble, brass, painted aluminum, painted MDF, tiles, plexiglass, painted stainless steel

triangular volume in envelope-like form, evoking the intimate act of sending or receiving a letter

seven distinct elements, each carrying its own story

layering of colorful, contrasting materials, forming a harmonious composition