Otto Schulz coffee table

This rare coffee table was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Gothenburg, Sweden during the 1930s. Schulz, a German-born architect and designer, was a pioneering figure in early 20th-century Swedish furniture and interior design, known for blending ornamental detail with modern aesthetics. His work significantly influenced the emerging Swedish modern style of the interwar period.

The table is circular, featuring a striking combination of materials. Its centerpiece is a black glass disc inset into the top, providing a reflective and elegant surface. Surrounding the glass is a wide border upholstered in tan-colored imitation leather, decorated with a dense pattern of brass rivets arranged in geometric linear segments radiating around the edge. This decorative rivet motif, known as “Bo-point,” exemplifies Schulz’s early experimentation with surface embellishment and mixed media.

The base is constructed from solid wood, finished in black lacquer. It comprises four slightly tapered legs connected by cross-stretchers for enhanced stability. The contrast between the dark, minimalist base and the richly ornamented tabletop creates a visually compelling yet grounded profile.

The table is in very good condition for its age. The black glass insert is intact and clean, with minimal wear. The leatherette shows age-related patina, including slight darkening and gentle impressions along the rivet lines, but remains firmly attached and structurally sound. The lacquered legs have minor scuff marks at the bases consistent with use but retain their original finish and stability.

This table is a highly collectible example of pre-midcentury Scandinavian design, bridging traditional craftsmanship with early modernist tendencies. Otto Schulz’s work for Boet introduced a distinctive decorative vocabulary to Swedish furniture production prior to the rise of functionalism.

The table measures 95 cm in diameter and 42 cm in height, approximately 37.4 inches wide and 16.5 inches high.