Bengt-Johan Gullberg table

This rare table, model A2, was designed by Swedish designer Bengt-Johan Gullberg and produced by Gullberg Trading Company in Sweden during the 1950s. The table features a teak tabletop, prized for its durability and rich natural grain, supported by a black lacquered metal frame. The base consists of intersecting thin metal rods arranged in a geometric, sculptural configuration that enhances both stability and visual lightness.

A defining characteristic of this table is its adjustable height, allowing it to function as a coffee table, dining table, or console table. This versatility embodies the mid-century Scandinavian focus on functional, space-efficient furniture. The height adjusts to 50 cm (19.7 inches) for coffee table use, 71.5 cm (28.1 inches) for dining, or 97 cm (38.2 inches) as a console table. The tabletop measures 120 cm in width (47.2 inches) and 75 cm in depth (29.5 inches), making it suitable for various interior settings.

Bengt-Johan Gullberg was recognized for his innovative furniture designs that balanced multi-purpose functionality with aesthetic clarity. His work reflects the broader Scandinavian modern movement’s emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship, clean lines, and efficient use of materials.

Gullberg Trading Company, the manufacturer, specialized in producing furniture aligned with modernist ideals, focusing on both practicality and material integrity. The combination of natural wood and industrial metal elements in this table exemplifies the era’s experimental yet timeless design language.

The table is in well-preserved condition, displaying signs of age-appropriate wear, particularly in the teak’s patina and minor abrasions on the black lacquered metal frame. These characteristics contribute to the piece’s authenticity and highlight its mid-century craftsmanship.