Dining tables

Vintage and Mid-Century Modern Dining Tables

The Mid-Century Modern dining table range in the Futureantiques collection includes exclusively original tables from the 1950s to 1980s, manufactured by leading Danish and Italian manufacturers. Each piece undergoes a comprehensive renovation in a Polish workshop, including structural repairs, sanding and oiling of the tabletops, and testing of the extension mechanisms. The tables are fully ready for everyday use as the centerpiece of a dining room.

The selection reflects the two strongest design schools of the era. From Scandinavia come teak and rosewood tables, known for their precision joints and intelligent tabletop extension systems. From Italy come tables with glass tops, travertine marble bases, and unusual design solutions that straddle the lines of modernism and space-age aesthetics. 

The Design and Features of Original Mid-Century Tables

Tables from the second half of the 20th century differ from contemporary reproductions primarily in the quality of the solid wood, the precision of the frame, and the sophisticated extension mechanisms. It's worth noting several details that attest to the originality of the piece.

• Solid teak or rosewood tabletops, often veneered using the "book-match" technique, with exposed grain patterns.
• Extension mechanisms with additional inserts, usually two, hidden under the tabletop or transported separately.
• X- or trapezoid-shaped bases in Italian tables from the 1960s and 1970s, made of chrome, brass, or marble.
• Signed frame and manufacturer's labels, placed under the tabletop, confirm the manufacture and production period.
• Hand-oiled finishes distinguish the original from a lacquered reproduction. 

Designers and Manufactories Represented in the MCM Tables Range

The Futureantiques dining table collection features works by renowned names from the Danish and Italian schools. Representatives from the Danish side include Arne Vodder (collaborating with Sibast), Johannes Andersen (Uldum Møbelfabrik), and Kai Kristiansen. The Italian side includes designs by Ico and Luisa Parisi, Tobia Scarpa, Giotto Stoppino, and works from the MIM Roma and Knoll International manufactories.

Manufacturer signatures, numbered labels, and burnt manufacturer marks confirm the authenticity of each table. Full attribution documentation is available on the product data sheet.

Materials of Original Vintage Tables

Original tables from the 1950s and 1970s were made of quality wood and materials that, for the most part, are no longer available in mass production in this quality. The collection is dominated by:

• Teak, a material highly resistant to moisture, with a warm color and visible grain.
• Rosewood, valued for its intense color and deep shine after oiling; currently listed on the CITES convention, further enhancing the value of originals.
• Oak and bleached oak, popular in Scandinavian production in the 1960s.
• Tempered glass and crystal, used in Italian tables with chrome or brass bases.
• Marble and travertine, materials used in luxury Italian tables, often in the form of round or square tops.

Condition and Renovation of Mid-Century Modern Tables

Each table in the Futureantiques collection undergoes a custom restoration process, conducted by carpenters experienced in preserving furniture from the second half of the 20th century. The work includes inspecting and reinforcing the structure, repairing or replacing the extension mechanisms, refinishing the veneers with the original wood species, sanding the top, and oiling with archival finishes. The legs and frame are stabilized, and the metal fittings are cleaned without removing the patina.

Preserving the original signature and manufacturer's label is a priority. Any micro-damage to the patina, which reflects the table's history, remains visible and is described in the product data sheet, along with photographs of the details.

How to choose a mid-century table for your dining room?

When choosing an original MCM table, it's worth starting by measuring the room and designating the seating area. For comfortable use, it's recommended to leave approximately 80 cm of space around the edge of the tabletop. Extendable tables are suitable for smaller dining rooms and when occasional gatherings of larger groups are planned. Teak tabletops suit interiors with a warmer palette, rosewood for interiors with darker wood and brass, and marble pairs well with chrome and leather.

The market value of signed originals increases over time, especially for limited-edition models and names listed at auctions for Wright, Bukowskis, or Phillips. 

Our vintage dining table offerings are regularly updated with new acquisitions from the European market. For questions about a specific model, specific table dimensions, or provenance verification, please contact Futureantiques.