William Watting coffee table

This is a rare coffee table designed by William Watting and produced by cabinetmaker Michael Laursen in Denmark during the 1950s. The table showcases an exceptional combination of materials and craftsmanship, integrating rosewood, mahogany, walnut, and brass. The tabletop is shaped with a softly undulating, freeform contour that creates a distinct sculptural silhouette. The surface features a vivid, bookmatched rosewood veneer with highly expressive grain patterns, adding a rich organic character and a sense of dynamic movement to the piece.

The table’s structure consists of tapered mahogany legs joined by an elegant framework of diagonally braced walnut stretchers, each connected with brass fittings that lend structural support and refined detail. The brass continues into conical sabots at the lower end of each leg, providing a durable and decorative transition between the wood and the floor. The understructure is characterized by intersecting diagonals that form a crisscross motif, emphasizing geometric harmony and visual lightness.

William Watting was an American designer active in Europe, particularly recognized for his refined, lightweight furniture created during the postwar period. His work was notable for its clear proportions, material sophistication, and fusion of American and Scandinavian influences. Watting’s designs frequently appeared in collaboration with skilled Danish cabinetmakers such as Michael Laursen, whose workshop was known for high-quality artisanal construction, precise joinery, and sensitivity to material expression.

This piece stands in good vintage condition, with visible signs of age, including surface wear, minor marks, and patination on the brass elements. These traces are consistent with decades of use and contribute to the historical integrity and authenticity of the piece.

The table measures 129 cm in width, 76 cm in depth, and 55 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 50.8 inches wide, 29.9 inches deep, and 21.7 inches high.