Carl Bjørn coffee table

This is a rare and visually striking coffee table designed by Carl Bjørn, with an enamel tabletop created by the Swedish artist P. Törneman in 1964. The piece was produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), one of Sweden’s most prestigious design and manufacturing houses, known for its collaborations with renowned Scandinavian designers and its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and innovative aesthetics.

The table features a square top measuring 86 by 86 cm (33.9 by 33.9 inches), supported by a structural brass frame with a minimalist leg profile. The height is 52 cm (20.5 inches), placing it within the optimal range for use as a low coffee or occasional table. The legs and support frame are constructed from solid brass with a warm, naturally oxidized patina, displaying subtle surface variations and texture consistent with age and use.

The standout element of this table is the enameled top, designed and signed by P. Törneman. The surface displays a geometric abstract composition of textured, overlapping squares in cobalt blue, turquoise, and deep ultramarine against a glossy black background. The coloration and tactile surface quality are achieved through a kiln-fired enamel process, which fuses glass powder to a metal substrate, creating a luminous and durable finish. The enamel shows two small areas of damage, revealing underlying metal and contributing to the piece’s authenticity and character as a vintage work.

The design was produced during the 1960s and aligns with the mid-century Scandinavian modern movement, but it also exhibits a unique artistic sensibility that sets it apart from more restrained or functionalist Scandinavian furniture of the time. Carl Bjørn’s brass base structure offers architectural clarity and precision, while Törneman’s enameled surface introduces an expressive, painterly dimension—bridging the boundaries between furniture and decorative art.