tom ducarouge’s heat-reactive table for on running changes color when it gets warm

heat-reactive table for on running switches shade in heat

Tom Ducarouge creates a heat-reactive table for On Running that shows a deeper brown color when it gets warm. The designer shapes the two-part desk as the sportswear brand’s logo, resulting in a rounded table for the first and a U-shaped one for the second. There are circular stools around the heat-reactive table for On Running to accommodate the users, colored in the same shade as the worktop.

For the ensemble, the designer forges it from raw brown steel, retaining the unpolished and unpainted look of the material. Because of this, the design gives off an industrial look, which complements the soft-looking surroundings that the table inhabits. The table was presented at selected invites during the Paris Haute Couture Week 2025 between July 7th and 10th.

all images courtesy of Tom Ducarouge and Starkman & Associates

Underlighting to highlight the shape of the surface

To protect the heat-reactive table for On Running, designer Tom Ducarouge applies a clear varnish, thin and see-through enough to shield the surface from corrosion and wear while keeping the materiality at the same time. The coating allows the changes in the color, too, so when the user puts something hot on the surface, say a cup of coffee or a warm plate, the brown steel becomes even lusher, like a dark copper. As the designer posted on his Instagram, two videos showcase how easy it is for the table to shift its shade, inviting the users to play around with it and even ‘paint’ on it for a brief time.

Once it cools down, which is also quite quick, the color of the heat-reactive table for On Running returns to its normal shade. Even the stools are heat-sensitive since they’re made with the same material as the table. Then, under the surface, the design adds a built-in lighting system, which gives off a soft and warm glow. These are battery-powered, so there are no wires or need for plugs, and once they light up, they highlight the distinctive shape of the project. For the heat-reactive table for On Running, Tom Ducarouge has collaborated with the production company Starkmann, and so far, the project is a tailored one for the sportswear brand.

Tom Ducarouge creates a heat-reactive table for On Running

it shows a deeper brown color when it gets warm

there are circular stools around the heat-reactive table for On Running

each stool bears the brand’s name and logo

detailed view of the stools and table

view of the table during Paris Haute Couture Week | from here, all photos by Lucas Chemotti

the designer shapes the project to the brand’s logo

the multipurpose table can also be used for dinners and lunches

the second piece of the project is the U-shaped table

so far, the project is a tailored one for the sportswear brand

project info:

name: Heat-reactive table