1960s Czechoslovak Yellow and Black Occasional Table
1960s Czechoslovak Yellow and Black Occasional Table
A striking 1960s Czechoslovak occasional table defined by its original combination of vivid yellow and black.
The compact square tabletop has gently rounded corners and appears almost to float above a lightweight black metal base. Its slender legs are constructed from paired tubular metal elements, creating a distinctive graphic structure beneath the bright yellow surface.
Compact, colourful and full of character, it is a wonderful example of the more playful side of post-war Czechoslovak furniture design.
Design & History
The 1960s were an exceptionally creative period for Czechoslovak furniture and interior design.
Following the success of the Czechoslovak pavilion at Expo 58 in Brussels, domestic design increasingly embraced lighter structures, expressive colours, new materials and more informal forms of living.
This table fits naturally within that environment.
Rather than relying on traditional wooden construction, its character comes from the contrast between a thin plywood tabletop and an unusually delicate tubular metal base.
The yellow and black colour combination makes the construction particularly clear - a bright horizontal plane seemingly suspended above a network of slender black lines.
It is an approach closely associated with the optimism of Czechoslovak design during this period, when relatively simple everyday objects could become surprisingly expressive through colour, proportion and inventive construction.
The individual designer and manufacturer remain unknown, and we prefer to leave the authorship open until documentary evidence can be found.
Design Details
At 60 × 60 cm and 66 cm high, the table has an unusually compact scale. Its original intended use remains uncertain, but the proportions make it remarkably versatile - suitable today as an occasional table, a small table for two, or a characterful accent piece within a living space.
Its vivid yellow finish provides the strongest visual element, contrasting sharply with the black metal structure underneath.
The base is particularly interesting.
Each slender leg is formed from two parallel circular metal tubes, creating considerably more visual interest than a conventional single tubular leg while maintaining an exceptionally lightweight appearance.
Smaller tubular elements connect the legs to the underside of the tabletop, further emphasising the sense that the yellow surface is hovering above the frame.
The result is almost graphic - viewed against a light interior, the black metal structure reads as a series of lines beneath a simple block of colour.
At 60 cm square, the table is also unusually compact for a dining table, making it particularly suitable for a smaller kitchen, apartment or breakfast area.
Why We Like It
For us, this table is about colour and line.
The yellow top immediately attracts attention, but look underneath and the construction becomes just as interesting.
We especially like the paired tubular legs. It would have been much easier to use four conventional metal supports, but doubling each leg gives the base its own rhythm and makes something structurally simple feel unexpectedly distinctive.
Then there is the yellow.
Against the black frame it feels bold without becoming complicated - two colours, two materials and a handful of carefully considered lines are enough to give the entire table its personality.
We also love its compact scale. At only 60 × 60 cm, it offers the character of a full dining table without demanding much space.
It is cheerful, practical and unmistakably of its time.
Condition & Restoration
The table has undergone a careful professional restoration.
The plywood tabletop was repaired where necessary and refinished in yellow nitrocellulose lacquer, recreating its original colour while preserving the character of the piece.
The black metal frame and legs were also restored and newly painted with nitrocellulose lacquer in keeping with the original finish.
The restoration was completed by hand.
The table is stable, fully functional and remains in excellent vintage condition.
Please refer to the photographs for a detailed record of its condition.
Details
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Period: 1960s
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Materials: Metal, Plywood
Condition: Professionally restored
Quantity: 1
Dimensions
Width: 60 cm
Depth: 60 cm
Height: 66 cm
Delivery & Returns
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.
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