Explorer 2 Side Table by Jaime Hayon: A Sculptural Icon Reimagining Modern Interiors
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: When Furniture Becomes Art
We’ve all encountered pieces of furniture that go beyond function — pieces that spark emotion, spark conversation, or simply stop us in our tracks. The Explorer 2 Side Table by Jaime Hayon fits this category effortlessly. It doesn’t just exist in a room; it animates it.
Imagine a table that feels like a jelly bean from the future or a tiny satellite landing gracefully in your living room. Imagine a piece that looks as though it leapt straight out of an art gallery but remains practical enough to hold your morning coffee. That’s Explorer 2 — bold, sculptural, humorous, and unmistakably Hayon.
If you’ve been craving a design object that makes your interior feel more alive, more expressive, more “you,” then Explorer 2 might be the perfect match.
2. The Story Behind the Explorer Collection
The Explorer collection, created by the Barcelona-based design powerhouse BD Barcelona Design in collaboration with Jaime Hayon, represents a daring step in contemporary furniture. The collection started with the “Explorer 1” table, then expanded into coffee tables, dining tables, and the now-iconic Explorer 2 Side Table.
At its heart, the collection is defined by:
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Curved, joyful shapes
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Surprising color combinations
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A sculptural silhouette
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Playful elegance blended with serious craftsmanship
These pieces aren't trying to blend in. Instead, they celebrate individuality and creative freedom — qualities BD Barcelona has defended for decades.
The Explorer series feels like it belongs in a universe where design is allowed to be fun again. And honestly? We love that.
3. Jaime Hayon: The Visionary Behind the Design
To understand Explorer 2, we need to understand Jaime Hayon, the designer with an imagination as wide as the cosmos.
Hayon is famous for blending:
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Humor
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Craftsmanship
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Nostalgia
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Fantasy
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High-end materials
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Whimsical compositions
He has a unique ability to merge art and design into a single identity — like if Salvador Dalí redesigned your living room while staying mindful of everyday functionality.
His signature style is instantly recognizable: round, friendly forms; glossy or matte finishes; doll-like silhouettes; and colors that make spaces feel more optimistic.
Explorer 2 is exactly that — optimistic furniture.
4. Why Explorer 2 Steals the Spotlight
Among the Explorer family, the Explorer 2 Side Table stands out because it’s small yet incredibly powerful visually.
Here’s why:
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Its proportions feel playful and compact.
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It acts as a sculpture even when it’s not being used.
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The shape looks different from every angle — almost like it’s alive.
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Its smooth surfaces reflect light in eye-catching ways.
Explorer 2 is the kind of piece guests notice instantly and remember long after leaving.
If design could wink at you, this table probably would.
5. A Design Inspired by Space Exploration
The Explorer family draws inspiration from the Explorer space shuttle — hence the name. This influence shows up in its smooth, aerodynamic shapes and floating silhouette.
Think about it:
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The table top resembles a compact landing surface.
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The legs feel like organic boosters or pods.
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Its curves evoke satellites drifting through orbit.
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The colors echo the vibrancy of cosmic imagery.
This is interstellar design, condensed into a small, lovable object that fits next to your sofa.
6. A Playful Aesthetic With Elegant Structure
One of the magical things about Explorer 2 is how it balances opposites:
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Playful but sophisticated
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Futuristic yet warm
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Minimalist yet expressive
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Compact yet visually bold
Much like candy-colored sculptures or abstract toys, the table feels approachable. But spend a moment admiring its craftsmanship, and you'll notice its refinement.
The more time we spend with Explorer 2, the more its personality unfolds — like a character in a story.
7. Material Innovation: What Makes the Table Special
Explorer 2 isn’t just pretty — it’s thoughtfully engineered.
Materials Used
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Fiberglass body with matte lacquer finish
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Solid alder wood legs, also lacquered in matte
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Dark gray painted glass top
Why These Materials Matter
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Fiberglass ensures the table has a smooth, seamless surface that allows its curves to shine.
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Alder wood adds warmth and stability, grounding the design.
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Painted glass gives the top a sleek, polished finish with extra depth and richness.
Together, these materials create a piece that feels futuristic yet surprisingly natural — like a blend of high-tech and handcrafted artistry.
8. Dimensions & Scale: Compact, Yet Visually Mighty
The Explorer 2 Side Table comes at:
Ø 60 cm x H 46 cm
This size is ideal for:
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Small apartments
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Beside sofas or lounge chairs
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As a bedside table
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Paired in multiples for a playful cluster
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Added next to a statement armchair
Despite its modest size, it never looks insignificant.
It’s the little table that refuses to be overlooked.
9. Color Expressions: Multicolor vs. Monochrome
Just like its sibling designs, Explorer 2 is available in both multicolor and monochrome options.
Multicolor:
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Vibrant and energetic
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Perfect as a centerpiece
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Adds instant personality
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Feels artful and expressive
Monochrome:
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More subtle
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Works well in minimalist spaces
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Sophisticated and calming
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Highlights the sculptural silhouette
Whether you prefer bold or understated, there’s a version of Explorer 2 that matches your taste.
10. Functional Brilliance: More Than Meets the Eye
We often assume playful furniture sacrifices function — but Explorer 2 proves otherwise.
What It Offers Functionally
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A reliable surface for decor, books, or drinks
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A sturdy build thanks to its alder wood legs
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Easy-to-clean finishes
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A size that fits nearly any room layout
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Enough visual presence to stand alone or support larger furniture arrangements
Its comfort-forward proportions ensure it isn’t just a showpiece — it’s genuinely useful.
11. How Explorer 2 Elevates Your Interior
Place this side table in your home, and watch how the atmosphere shifts.
Explorer 2 Adds:
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A burst of playfulness
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A sense of movement
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Sculptural beauty
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A soft, organic presence
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A refined contemporary energy
It uplifts a space the way a good melody uplifts a mood — effortlessly, subtly, yet entirely.
12. Pairing Explorer 2 With Other Furniture Pieces
Styling the Explorer 2 is genuinely exciting.
Best Pairings Include:
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Soft, round sofas or lounge chairs
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Mid-century modern seating
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Minimalist Scandinavian furniture
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Colorful rugs
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Playful lighting fixtures
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Glass and chrome accents
It also pairs beautifully with other Explorer tables, allowing you to create a sculptural landscape of interconnected shapes.
13. Why BD Barcelona Design Continues to Lead the Avant-Garde
BD Barcelona Design has long been known for:
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Creative independence
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Risk-taking
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Artistic collaborations
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Limited-edition pieces
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A rebellious, non-conformist spirit
They don’t treat furniture like products. They treat them like creative expressions.
Explorer 2 is a perfect example. It doesn’t play by conventional rules — and that’s why it stands out.
14. The Explorer Series: Coffee, Dining & Side Tables
The Explorer collection includes:
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Explorer 1 Side Table
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Explorer Coffee Tables
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Explorer Dining Table
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Explorer 2 Side Table (our focus here)
Each model shares:
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Rounded geometry
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Color-driven personality
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Space-inspired shapes
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Hayon’s unmistakable charm
Placed together, they look like an abstract family portrait — quirky, whimsical, and beautifully unified.
15. How to Style Explorer 2 in Different Interior Themes
Let’s explore how this table adapts to various design aesthetics.
Modern Minimalist
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Choose monochrome version
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Pair with neutral seating
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Add glass or chrome accents
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Keep accessories minimal
Playful Contemporary
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Select multicolor
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Add bold art prints
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Mix geometric patterns
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Let the table be the fun center of conversation
Mid-Century Modern
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Warm wooden tones
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Organic upholstery
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Accent lighting
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Muted color palette
Eclectic & Artistic
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Mix with sculptural decor
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Layer books and ceramics
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Pair with expressive lighting
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Add textures like velvet or boucle
Explorer 2 always finds a way to shine.
16. Who Is the Explorer 2 Table Perfect For?
This table is ideal for anyone who:
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Loves artistic furniture
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Craves a sculptural accent piece
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Wants something truly unique
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Enjoys mixing playfulness with elegance
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Appreciates collectible design
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Wants to spark conversation with guests
It’s especially beloved among design enthusiasts, creative professionals, and homeowners who love bold interior choices.
17. Care Tips for Maintaining Its Beauty
With proper care, Explorer 2 stays gorgeous for years.
Recommended Maintenance
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Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth
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Avoid harsh cleaners
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Use coasters on the glass surface
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Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight
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Dust regularly to maintain its matte finish
Treat it like a small piece of art — because it is.
Is the Explorer 2 Worth It? Our Verdict
Absolutely — and then some.
Explorer 2 delivers:
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Creativity
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Quality
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Bold expression
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Function
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Durability
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Sculptural identity
In a world filled with mass-produced furniture, the Explorer 2 stands out as a meaningful investment — a piece that reflects not just taste, but personality.
If you're searching for a side table that doubles as a design statement, Explorer 2 is a winning choice.
FAQs
1. What material is the Explorer 2 table made from?
It features a fiberglass body, matte-lacquered alder wood legs, and a painted glass top.
2. Who designed the Explorer 2 Side Table?
It was created by world-renowned designer Jaime Hayon for BD Barcelona Design.
3. Is the table available in different colors?
Yes! It comes in both multicolor and monochrome versions.
4. What are the table’s dimensions?
Its size is Ø 60 cm x H 46 cm, making it compact yet visually striking.
5. Does Explorer 2 work with minimalist interiors?
Absolutely — the monochrome version is stunning in minimalist, modern, and Scandinavian-style spaces.
