Design & History

Flower stands became a distinctive feature of Central European Modernist interiors during the interwar and early post-war period.

Rather than simply providing somewhere to place a plant, designers increasingly treated them as small architectural compositions. Multiple platforms allowed plants to be displayed at different heights, while asymmetry, cantilevered forms and geometric construction reflected the experimental language of Modernism.

This example is particularly expressive.

A related design appears in a period Bernkop furniture catalogue, and we therefore attribute the stand to the Czechoslovak manufacturer. Without further documentary evidence linking this particular example directly to the factory, however, we prefer to retain the attribution rather than present the manufacturer as certain.

Its construction captures the fascination with movement and balance that characterised much avant-garde furniture of the period. Horizontal platforms project in different directions from a central curved structure, creating an object that changes considerably depending on where it is viewed from.

The intense red finish takes that geometric composition one step further, turning an otherwise modest piece of domestic furniture into a surprisingly bold presence within an interior.

Design Details

The stand consists of four rectangular display platforms, each positioned at a different height.

Rather than being supported individually by conventional legs, the platforms appear to project from the central structure. This creates the impression that they are almost floating around it.

The most distinctive element is the large C-shaped support connecting the upper and lower parts of the stand. Its sweeping curve introduces movement into an otherwise strongly geometric composition and contrasts beautifully with the straight horizontal platforms.

A broad rectangular base anchors the structure visually, while the progressively positioned shelves draw the eye upwards and across the piece.

Everything is made from solid beech, allowing the construction to remain relatively simple despite the complexity of the silhouette.

And then there is the colour.

The vivid red emphasises every line and plane of the design, making the stand feel less like conventional furniture and more like a three-dimensional abstract composition.

Why We Like It

We love furniture that sits somewhere between useful object and sculpture, and this flower stand does exactly that.

Even completely empty, it has a remarkable presence. The four platforms seem to move around the central curve, creating a composition that looks different from every angle.

The red is equally important. During restoration we were able to trace the original colour and recreate the same vivid shade, bringing back the visual impact the designer intended.

There is something wonderfully optimistic about the whole object. It was created for the very ordinary purpose of displaying houseplants, yet somebody chose to give it the visual drama of an avant-garde sculpture.

Add plants and the composition changes again - leaves and flowers become part of the architecture of the piece.

Condition & Restoration

The flower stand has undergone a careful professional restoration in our Brno workshop.

During restoration, traces of the original red finish were discovered and used as the reference for recreating its historic colour.

The solid beech structure was repaired and stabilised where necessary before being refinished in the vivid red shade. Rather than attempting to make the stand appear new, selected marks and imperfections acquired over its long history were preserved.

The result retains an attractive vintage character while allowing the unusual form and original colour to take centre stage.

The construction is stable and the stand is ready for use.

Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.

Details

Manufacturer: Attributed to Bernkop
Period: 1930s-1940s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Solid Beech
Condition: Professionally restored
Quantity: 1

Dimensions

Width: 87 cm
Depth: 23 cm
Height: 72 cm

Delivery & Returns

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

EU shipping: €20, confirmed at checkout

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 would like to check anything before ordering - from condition and dimensions to delivery - Martin and Amy are always happy to help before and after your purchase.