The 5 O’Clock Lie

Design

The 5 O’Clock Lie is a low table with a mirror top that behaves a little differently than expected. Designed by Philippe Starck, it uses a raised, curved perimeter to shift reflections at the edge, while the center stays clean and precise. And that contrast is the point: a calm surface surrounded by a slightly surreal rim.

The silhouette stays light. The legs are slim and just a touch inclined, so the table reads sculpted without feeling precious. From across a room it looks simple, but it rewards a closer look.

Materials & build

Glasitalia makes the top in either bronze glass or extra-clear glass, both at 0.31 in thick. The glass is curved along the perimeter using complex manufacturing techniques, then manually silvered to create the mirrored finish. The raised edge forms a subtle lip, which is where the reflections stretch and distort.

Underneath, the supporting structure matches the character of the top. With the extra-clear mirror, the legs and structure are nickel-finished steel. With the bronze mirror, they are bronze. Nothing is custom-made, which keeps the offering focused and consistent.

Comfort in use

This is a coffee table that works best when it’s doing its job, not asking for attention. The center area is completely even, so objects sit flat and stable, and the reflection there stays true. But along the edge, the mirrored rim adds a soft visual break—useful when the surface is otherwise pristine.

The raised perimeter also gives a quiet sense of containment. It doesn’t turn the table into a tray, but it does create a boundary that feels intentional.

Placement & lifestyle

The 5 O’Clock Lie comes in two sizes with different heights: a round version at 36.22 in diameter by 17.72 in high, and a rectangular version at 68.90 in long by 33.86 in wide by 15.75 in high. Either one can anchor a seating area without adding visual weight.

It suits interiors that mix clean lines with a few reflective surfaces, or rooms that need a lighter center piece between deeper upholstery tones. And because the reflection is part of the experience, it plays well with natural light and evening lamps alike.

Longevity

Mirror finishes always bring a certain honesty to a room. They show what’s around them, and they show how they’re treated. Glasitalia’s approach here is built around precise glasswork and careful silvering, so the effect looks deliberate rather than decorative.

With straightforward care and thoughtful placement, the table holds its presence over time. It’s a design that stays interesting, even after the first impression wears off.