1940s Tubular Steel Side Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer

Vintage tubular steel side table with two beech surfaces and a chrome frame, isolated on white
Three-quarter view of the chrome-framed side table showing its wider wooden lower shelf
Front view of the tubular steel table with a beech top and projecting lower shelf
Detail of the table’s upper wooden corner, rounded chrome frame and lower shelf
Elevated view of the modernist side table showing both wooden surfaces within the steel frame
Opposite angled view of the tubular steel table showing its rounded frame and open sides
Close-up of the table’s chrome side frame and the projecting edge of the beech shelf
High three-quarter view of the side table showing its wooden top and wider lower shelf
Detail of the beech tabletop edge, curved steel corner and wooden shelf beneath
Overhead angled view of the wooden tabletop between the chrome-plated side frames
View from above showing the wood grain on the tabletop and the lower shelf extending beyond it
Front detail of the tubular steel table showing the upper rail, wooden shelf and upright support
Full angled view of the Czechoslovak modernist side table on a parquet floor
Close-up of the lower shelf and chrome frame showing age-related surface wear
Historical catalogue page showing two tubular steel tables with wooden surfaces
Historical illustration of tubular steel tables labelled B 12, B 22 and B 10
Historical Thonet catalogue image showing tables B 12 and B 22
Historical Thonet illustration of a tubular steel bed labelled B 701 with accompanying furniture
Vintage tubular steel side table with two beech surfaces and a chrome frame, isolated on white
Three-quarter view of the chrome-framed side table showing its wider wooden lower shelf
Front view of the tubular steel table with a beech top and projecting lower shelf
Detail of the table’s upper wooden corner, rounded chrome frame and lower shelf
Elevated view of the modernist side table showing both wooden surfaces within the steel frame
Opposite angled view of the tubular steel table showing its rounded frame and open sides
Close-up of the table’s chrome side frame and the projecting edge of the beech shelf
High three-quarter view of the side table showing its wooden top and wider lower shelf
Detail of the beech tabletop edge, curved steel corner and wooden shelf beneath
Overhead angled view of the wooden tabletop between the chrome-plated side frames
View from above showing the wood grain on the tabletop and the lower shelf extending beyond it
Front detail of the tubular steel table showing the upper rail, wooden shelf and upright support
Full angled view of the Czechoslovak modernist side table on a parquet floor
Close-up of the lower shelf and chrome frame showing age-related surface wear
Historical catalogue page showing two tubular steel tables with wooden surfaces
Historical illustration of tubular steel tables labelled B 12, B 22 and B 10
Historical Thonet catalogue image showing tables B 12 and B 22
Historical Thonet illustration of a tubular steel bed labelled B 701 with accompanying furniture

1940s Tubular Steel Side Table in the Style of Marcel Breuer

€530.00

A Czechoslovak modernist side table from the 1940s, combining a chrome-plated tubular steel frame with two warm-toned beech surfaces. Attributed to Kovona and in the style of Marcel Breuer, it has the open geometry associated with Bauhaus furniture, softened by the colour and grain of the wood. The wooden elements have been professionally refurbished, while the steel retains its vintage surface character.

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About the Piece

The first thing you notice is how little material the frame seems to need. Slender steel tubes trace the sides of the table, turning through rounded corners and continuing down to the floor. Between these lines sit two wooden planes, with generous open space around them. The construction is easy to read, and that clarity is a large part of its appeal.

The two surfaces have quite different roles in the composition. The upper top sits neatly within the frame, while the broader lower shelf extends beyond the uprights at either side. This gives the table a slightly unexpected silhouette. From the front, the shelf draws a strong horizontal line across the steel structure; viewed at an angle, its projecting edges make the relationship between wood and metal more apparent.

The rounded bends are another important detail. They soften the rectangular outline without adding decoration, allowing the eye to follow the frame from the top down to the base. Light catches along the chrome, making some sections stand out while others almost disappear against their surroundings. The result is a table with a clear presence that still leaves the room visible through it.

Against this reflective framework, the beech brings warmth and substance. Its grain gives the broad surfaces a quieter texture, and the refurbished finish makes a pleasing contrast with the aged steel. The combination feels practical and domestic, with enough precision in the proportions to make it visually interesting.

The lower shelf is especially useful for books or magazines, leaving the top free for a lamp and everyday objects. At 70 cm high, the table could work beside an armchair or bed, depending on the height of the surrounding furniture. It also has enough character to stand on its own, with a few objects chosen to leave the structure visible.

Design & Context

The table shares the design language of Marcel Breuer’s tubular steel furniture: rounded metal frames, open sides and clearly separated horizontal surfaces. The historical illustrations in the gallery, including Thonet models B 12 and B 22, provide useful comparisons for this approach to construction.

This example has its own proportions and arrangement, particularly in the width and position of the lower shelf. It is therefore described as being in the style of Marcel Breuer, rather than as a confirmed Breuer design.

Production is attributed to Kovona in Czechoslovakia. The catalogue and interior images at the end of the gallery are included as historical references, separate from the photographs of the table offered here.

Why We Like It

We like the way the wider lower shelf interrupts the otherwise restrained outline. It gives the table a distinctive rhythm, with the two wooden surfaces appearing to sit lightly within the looping steel frame.

There is also something appealing about the contrast in their condition. The refurbished wood brings depth and warmth, while the chrome retains small signs of its age. Together, they give the piece a lived-in character without obscuring the clarity of the design. It would be a lovely companion to an upholstered armchair, where the fine metal lines could sit alongside softer shapes and textures.

Details

Period: 1940s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Producer: Attributed to Kovona
Design: In the style of Marcel Breuer
Materials: Beech, Chrome-plated tubular steel
Quantity: 1 table

Condition & Restoration

The wooden elements have been professionally refurbished and have a rich, warm tone.

The chrome-plated tubular steel frame is in good vintage condition, with light signs of age and use. These include minor surface wear and patina, concentrated mainly around the lower sections.

Please refer to the photographs for details of the wooden surfaces, chrome finish and condition.

Dimensions

Width: 82 cm
Depth: 46 cm
Height: 70 cm
Lower shelf height: 32 cm

Delivery & Shipping

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

EU shipping: €80, 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 purchase.