The Musical Coffee Table That Plays Percussion Sounds

Ever wished your living room coffee table could double as a musical instrument? For drummers and rhythm enthusiasts, a standard table just doesn’t cut it — unless it can actually play percussion sounds. One designer took the idea of functional furniture and fused it with beat-making capability, creating a coffee table built for both coffee and creativity.

Tor Clausen’s ‘Musical Rumba Series’ coffee table, handcrafted in his Washington studio, plays authentic drum kit sounds — no apps or digital effects required. It features real acoustic drum tones including snare, mid tom, bass drum, high tom, vibraslap, tubular bells, cowbell, cajón, and crash cymbals, letting you jam with friends anytime.

What Is the Musical Rumba Series Coffee Table?

The Musical Rumba Series is a one-of-a-kind coffee table designed by Tor Clausen in his Washington-based workshop. Unlike regular tables, it’s engineered to produce actual drum sounds. Its body doubles as a soundboard, and integrated mechanisms trigger realistic acoustic percussion when tapped or played. It’s crafted not just for placing cups, but for laying down beats.

What Sounds Can the Table Produce?

This table isn’t limited to one or two tones. It accurately replicates a full range of percussion instruments:

• Snare drum
• Mid tom (medium tom drum)
• Bass drum
• High tom
• Vibraslap
• Tubular bells
• Cowbell
• Cajón (a box-shaped percussion instrument)
• Crash cymbals

Each sound is distinct and responsive, making it feel like you’re playing a real drum kit — minus the bulky hardware.

Why Would You Want a Percussive Coffee Table?

Whether you're a drummer looking for a new creative outlet or just love spontaneous music sessions, this table turns any space into a jam zone. It encourages interaction, playfulness, and brings rhythm into everyday environments. Imagine gathering around the coffee table not just for conversation, but for a mini rhythm jam with friends.

How Was the Table Designed and Built?

Tor Clausen constructed the table in his personal workshop in Washington. While the article does not detail the exact build process or materials used, it emphasizes that the table is capable of producing true acoustic-style percussion sounds, not electronic simulations. Each component is designed to be both functional (as a table) and expressive (as a drum).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Musical Rumba Series table really playable like a drum set?

Yes. The table is designed to produce real acoustic-style percussion sounds — including snare, toms, bass, and cymbals — that respond to being played like an actual drum kit. It doesn’t rely on digital effects or samples.

Who is the designer of the Musical Rumba Series coffee table?

The table was designed by Tor Clausen in his studio located in Washington. He created it as part of his ‘Musical Rumba Series.’

What kinds of drum sounds can you make with the table?

The table includes snare, mid tom, bass drum, high tom, vibraslap, tubular bells, cowbell, cajón, and crash cymbals. These are authentic acoustic percussion tones, not synthesized or electronic sounds.

Can multiple people play the table at once?

Yes. The table is designed for interactive play, meaning multiple people — such as friends or bandmates — can play different parts or sounds together, just like a drum kit.

Is this table available for purchase?

The article does not specify whether the Musical Rumba Series coffee table is commercially available. It was created as a custom, artisan piece in Tor Clausen’s workshop.