Bench

This is a mid-century modern slatted bench or side table produced in France during the 1950s. The construction combines solid oak and black lacquered metal, exemplifying the clean lines and functional aesthetic associated with postwar European design.

The seat or tabletop consists of evenly spaced, rectangular slats of oak with a warm, medium brown tone and visible linear grain. The slats are arranged longitudinally to emphasize horizontal movement and create a rhythmic visual texture. Their edges are squared, contributing to the object’s geometric clarity. The oak has been finished with care, revealing the natural variation in the wood while preserving a subtle matte sheen.

Supporting the wooden surface are two O-shaped metal legs, each formed from a single bent steel bar and coated in a black lacquered finish. These legs are mounted flush with the ends of the bench and maintain a consistent visual lightness. Their open, rectilinear form contrasts with the density of the oak and reinforces the modernist balance between mass and space.

The overall construction is stable and robust, with the use of honest, visible joinery and exposed structural elements. The bench is in excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of wear and well-preserved finishes, indicating careful use and storage over time.

This type of slatted bench reflects the postwar shift in design priorities toward modularity, simplicity, and industrial production techniques. While the designer is not specified, the form is reminiscent of works by French designers such as Pierre Chapo or Jean Prouvé, who employed similar reductive geometries and natural materials in their furniture design during the 1950s and 1960s.

The dimensions are 110 cm in length, 36 cm in width, and 31 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 43.3 inches long, 14.2 inches wide, and 12.2 inches high.