Dressing table

This rare dressing table or lady’s desk, produced by Fröseke AB in Sweden, is a distinguished example of Swedish mid-century furniture design. Characterized by its light materials, sculptural details, and practical elegance, the piece combines both functional and aesthetic qualities that define the period’s approach to domestic interiors.

Constructed primarily from ash wood, the table showcases a pale, natural finish with subtle grain variations. The light tone of the ash emphasizes the clean lines and enhances the refined craftsmanship visible in the joinery and detailing. The top surface is covered with a glossy black glass panel, offering a sleek and modern counterpoint to the organic character of the wood. This surface provides both a practical and visual enhancement—resistant to wear and easy to maintain—while contributing to the table’s refined material palette.

Mounted on the rear of the tabletop is a circular mirror, framed in ash and supported by two slender, sculpturally shaped uprights. The mirror is mounted with a swivel mechanism, allowing for adjustable angles to suit different uses, such as grooming or writing. The presence of this mirror reinforces the dual function of the piece as both a dressing table and a writing desk.

To the left side of the structure is a vertical arrangement of four small drawers, integrated cleanly into the frame. Each drawer is fitted with an ash wood pull, maintaining visual consistency and a restrained, minimalist aesthetic. The legs are slightly tapered, with gently rounded terminations where they meet the horizontal supports. These supports reinforce the structural stability of the piece while adding a layer of linear rhythm to the overall composition.

The dimensions are 99.5 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, and 122 cm in overall height (39.2 x 21.3 x 48 inches), with a tabletop height of 69 cm (27.2 inches), making it ergonomically suitable for seated use. Despite its functional complexity, the desk retains a light and airy appearance due to its open form, slender components, and elevated stance.

The condition is very good for its age. The wood surfaces are polished and smooth, with minimal signs of wear, and the black glass top remains intact without visible cracks or significant scratches. The mirror is well-preserved, and all drawers function smoothly.

Fröseke AB, active during the mid-20th century, was known for producing finely crafted mirrors, desks, and decorative furniture items. Though the designer of this piece is unidentified, the form, materials, and proportions reflect the influence of Scandinavian modernism, where elegance was achieved through simplicity, natural materials, and subtle craftsmanship. This dressing table stands as a rare and well-preserved example of that tradition.