A striking late 1940s Modernist étagère / side table, made from black-painted wood with three open shelves and an inset bevelled glass top. Its exceptionally simple, architectural construction reflects the Functionalist approach to furniture design that remained influential through the interwar and early post-war period.

About the Piece

At first glance this is an extremely understated piece of furniture, but the details reveal a beautifully considered and surprisingly refined design.

The tall rectangular frame is constructed from slender square-section timber, finished in black, with three open shelves set between the legs. Above them sits the most distinctive feature: an original-style glass top, carefully inset within the timber frame and finished with subtly bevelled edges.

The restrained black finish, geometric construction and complete absence of unnecessary decoration give the piece a strong Central European Modernist and Functionalist character.

Small construction details also point to its age. Traditional slotted screws are set directly into the timber frame and the piece was built as a permanent piece of furniture rather than using later knock-down or flat-pack fittings.

Its original purpose is not known. The proportions suggest that it may have been designed as an étagère, occasional table, serving stand or display table rather than simply as shelving. Today it works beautifully as a side table, bedside table, plant stand or small display piece.

We particularly like the contrast between the almost severe black timber construction and the refined bevelled glass top — a small detail that completely changes the character of the piece.

Details

Period: Late 1940s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Style: Modernist / Functionalist
Material: Wood, glass
Finish: Black-painted timber
Maker: Unknown
Type: Étagère / side table / display stand
Dimensions: W 51 cm, D 41 cm, H 76 cm

Condition

The piece remains in good vintage condition with signs of age and previous use consistent with a piece dating from the late 1940s.

The black-painted surfaces retain areas of wear, small marks and imperfections which form part of its original character. The traditional slotted screws and construction details remain visible.

The bevelled glass top shows light age-related wear but is in good usable condition.

Please refer to the photographs for full details of condition.

Why We Like It

What initially appears to be a very simple piece reveals itself through its construction and materials.

The slender proportions, black finish, open structure and bevelled glass top give it an unexpectedly sophisticated architectural quality. It is a good example of the kind of anonymous Czechoslovak Modernist furniture that was designed primarily around usefulness and proportion rather than decoration.

Compact, practical and visually light, it is also remarkably easy to place in a contemporary interior.

Delivery & Returns

This table will be carefully packed and shipped from our studio in Brno, Czech Republic.

EU shipping: €40, confirmed at checkout
Estimated EU delivery: 3–5 working days

We also ship worldwide using trusted international couriers. Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote outside the EU.

EU customers have a 14-day right of withdrawal. Please see our Terms & Conditions for full details.

If you’d like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help throughout the process, and also after your piece has arrived.

Why Buy from Barnabas

• Original vintage furniture sourced in former Czechoslovakia

• Each piece carefully checked and restored where required

• Manufacturer and designer attributions researched and stated conservatively

• Original labels and markings documented wherever possible

• Based in Brno, Czech Republic

• Worldwide shipping

• Established 2016