Maison Jansen side table

This rare side or coffee table, produced by Maison Jansen in France during the 1960s, reflects the Paris-based firm’s sophisticated approach to neoclassical and modernist design. Combining luxury materials with a restrained architectural sensibility, the table is emblematic of Maison Jansen’s style, which often merged classical references with mid-century elegance.

The tabletop is a single pane of clear glass with a subtle reflective quality, bordered by a slender brass frame that enhances the clarity and lightness of the composition. Each corner is capped with a decorative brass finial, adding a note of formality and historical reference that recalls traditional furniture detailing while remaining consistent with the modernist structure.

Supporting the top are four black lacquered metal legs arranged in a crisscross or X-shaped configuration. These legs converge at a central brass fitting, which functions as both a structural anchor and a visual focal point. This intersection point serves as a carefully calibrated balance between the opposing geometries of the flat top and dynamic base. The legs taper into conical brass feet, extending the visual dialogue between the dark lacquer and warm metal elements.

The brass components have developed a natural patina, particularly along the edges and at the finials, which adds depth and texture to the metal’s surface. This aging process enhances the overall authenticity and vintage character of the piece. Despite its compact footprint, the table demonstrates a clear attention to proportion and compositional balance, making it suitable for both formal and casual interiors.

Measuring 87.5 cm in width, 52.5 cm in depth, and 43 cm in height (34.4 × 20.7 × 16.9 inches), the table is proportioned to function equally well as a low side table or a compact coffee table. The materials and construction methods indicate the high standard of production for which Maison Jansen was renowned.

This piece represents the firm’s capacity to merge decorative refinement with functional minimalism, using quality materials and subtle historical cues to create a timeless modern design. It stands as a testament to Maison Jansen’s influence on 20th-century interior design, where decorative arts and modernist ideals were thoughtfully reconciled.