About the Piece

This sideboard makes its impression through a few carefully balanced elements. The broad rectangular body is framed by narrow wooden edges, with two sliding doors forming an almost uninterrupted front. There are no projecting handles or raised decorative details to compete with the oak. Instead, your attention moves across the grain and the subtle changes in colour between the panels.

The wood is particularly attractive when viewed from above. Across the top, the grain opens into broader patterns, while the doors introduce longer, more vertical lines. These variations give the cabinet depth without disturbing its simple outline. Light catches the top and outer edges differently from the front, bringing out the warmth of the finish.

The small dark plastic finger pulls are easy to overlook at first. Set into the doors, they provide just enough contrast to mark the points where the cabinet is opened. Their modest scale suits the design: they remain useful details within the wooden surface rather than becoming features in their own right.

Below, the recessed plinth creates a narrow shadow beneath the body. It gives the cabinet a grounded appearance while setting the front slightly apart from the floor. This is a different kind of lightness from that achieved by tall, slender legs - quieter and more closely connected to the rectangular form above.

The sliding doors are practical as well as visually restrained. They open without swinging into the room, making the cabinet particularly useful where circulation space matters. Moving a door aside also changes the composition, introducing the lighter interior and the horizontal line of a shelf into the darker wooden front.

Inside, adjustable shelving allows the storage to be arranged around books, tableware or everyday household objects. The shallow 37 cm depth is a valuable feature in a hallway or smaller living room, where a deeper cabinet might feel intrusive. At 118 cm wide, it still offers a useful top surface for a lamp, ceramics or a few objects, with enough space between them to appreciate the oak.

Design & Character

Produced in Czechoslovakia in 1966, the sideboard belongs to the more restrained side of mid-century domestic furniture. Its character comes from the relationship between the wooden surfaces, enclosed storage and recessed base, with very little added ornament.

There is an affinity with Scandinavian modernism in its simple outline and emphasis on wood, although that resemblance does not establish a direct influence or designer attribution. The designer remains unknown, and the piece is presented under its recorded manufacturer, UP Závody.

It is an appealing example of furniture whose appearance follows closely from its purpose. The sliding front keeps access compact, the shelving makes the interior adaptable, and the shallow body allows the cabinet to sit comfortably within a room. These practical decisions also give it a clear and satisfying form.

Why We Like It

We like the way the oak gives warmth to such an economical design. The grain has enough variation to hold your attention, while the narrow frame and small finger pulls keep the front composed.

The recessed base is another lovely detail. It gives the sideboard a steady, architectural presence without making it look bulky. Combined with the shallow depth, it makes this a particularly useful piece for a room where every centimetre matters - substantial enough to anchor a wall, yet modest in the space it occupies.

Details

Manufacturer: UP Závody
Date: 1966
Origin: Czechoslovakia
Designer: Unknown
Style: Mid-Century Modern / Modernist
Material: Oak / oak veneer
Doors: Two sliding doors
Interior: Adjustable shelving
Base: Recessed plinth

Condition

In good vintage condition, with signs of age and previous use consistent with its date.

The oak retains a warm grain and surface patina, with small age-related marks and variations. The sliding doors operate as intended, and the interior shelving can be adjusted to different heights.

Please refer to the photographs for full details of the surfaces, interior and condition.

Dimensions

Width: 118 cm
Depth: 37 cm
Height: 78 cm

Delivery & Returns

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

EU shipping: €180, 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.