That a spiky, futuristic chandelier named “Sputnik,” which was highly suggestive of the Soviet satellite of the same name, designed by an Italian engineer could predate the space age and the satellite’s launch by a few decades is the stuff of legend. But in 1939, Venetian-born Gino Sarfatti channeled his obsession with light and expert engineering skills into a design so bold it predicted the future. He would go on to design around 700 lighting products in his lifetime — each table lamp, wall light, pendant and chandelier superb and unorthodox in shape.
Sarfatti’s singular focus on creating opulent lighting designs that were rational in their use of resources makes him one of the most innovative lighting designers in history. He was studying to be an aeronautical engineer at the University of Genoa when his family’s financial troubles led him to drop out and move to Milan to help. During this time, he built a lamp for a friend using a coffee machine’s electric components and a glass vase. This exercise sparked his fascination with lighting, and he went on to found Arteluce in 1939. What followed was a period of working with skilled artisans and tinkering with materials instead of sketching. The self-taught designer soon established himself as a creator of provocative, sculptural luxury lighting. Through the company, he collaborated with some of the 20th century’s most influential designers, such as Vittoriano Viganò, who worked on Arteluce lighting between 1946 and 1960. In the 1950s and ’70s, Franco Albini, Franca Helg, Ico Parisi and Massimo Vignelli all contributed designs.
Sarfatti used resources mindfully and injected functionality into everything he designed. His light fixtures were lightweight, easy to take apart and reassemble and could be affordably repaired. This marriage of utilitarianism and glamour lent Sarfatti’s designs a clean, minimal yet arresting splendor, based on their graphical forms and construction.
After World War II, Sarfatti embraced new wiring technologies and materials like plexiglass, such as his 1972 project with Carlo Mollino that filled the Teatro Regio in Turin with hundreds of plexiglass pipes. In 1973, Sarfatti sold Arteluce to FLOS. His foresight, invention and fearlessness as a designer are revered to this day.
Find a collection of vintage Gino Sarfatti lighting now on 1stDibs.
Brass Side or Coffee Table by Gino Sarfatti
By Gino Sarfatti
Located in Stamford, CT
A glass top and brass side table or coffee table designed by Gino Sarfatti and produced by Arteluce, circa 1950. Literature- R. Aloi, Esempi di arredamento moderno di tutto il mondo...
Brass
$461Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.3 in W 25.4 in D 18.31 in
French Iron and Ceramic Coffee Table or Serving Table, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Iron serving table or coffee table recovered of Black white and yellow ceramics, Signed by Carve French, circa 1960 Colors and ceramic technic typical...
Iron
$1,795
H 15.88 in W 37.5 in D 47.25 in
Pace Collection Coffee Table by Leon Rosen, Brass & Glass, 1970s
By Leon Rosen, Pace Collection
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This scalloped brass is very hard to find. Leon Rosen brass and glass coffee table for Pace Collection. Rippled or scalloped brass pillars hold 3/4" blue tinted vertical glass sheets...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Coffee or Cocktail Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Mid-Century Modern teak coffee or cocktail table. An unusual base design with reeded edges along the top. Dates to the 1970's and has been refinished.
Teak
$16,000
H 17.25 in W 30 in D 20 in
Bronze 'Chan' Coffee or Large End Table by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, 1960s Signed
By Philip and Kelvin LaVerne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare iteration of the classic and highly sought after 'Chan' coffee table by father and son team, Philip and Kelvin LaVerne (New York), produced in the 1960s and signed with the artists names on the top (see photos). Ingeniously designed with international patination and polychromed bronze and pewter, this rare form coffee table which also functions excellent as a large end table...
Bronze, Pewter
$1,164Sale Price|29% Off
H 17.72 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Nice Coffee or Side Table with Cloudy Mirrored Glass Top and Gilded Metal Base
By Maison Charles
Located in Munich, DE
Sold by the famous decorators shop Pilati in Munich. Attributed to Maison Charles.
Brass
$18,250 / item
H 24 in W 24 in D 18 in
Pair of Art Deco Bronze and Glass Side Tables or Coffee Tables by P. E. Guerin
By P. E. Guerin
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Art Deco style faux bois gilt bronze and glass two-tier etageres, coffee tables or side tables signed by P. E. Guerin (signed underside the feet). Very nicely detailed and ha...
Bronze
$1,145
H 20 in W 28 in D 21 in
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or End Table with Bottom Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or Wooden End Table A very stylish Scandinavian style coffee table or end table made of solid walnut. Clean lines and natural groves of...
Wood, Walnut
Swedish Modern Round Walnut End or Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Round walnut table by renowned Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten (1888 - 1972). Versatile size - can be used as end table or coffee table.
Please contact us wi...
Walnut
Brass Elegant Coffee, Cocktail Table, France, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This very elegant cocktail table with four solid brass feet that pierces and supports the glass top. Light, slender and well engineered, it is a great example of French design.
Brass
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee or End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Round teak coffee table or end table with tapered inset legs.
Teak
$2,148
H 15.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Modern Square Rosewood Coffee or Cocktail Table by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Table by Poul Cadovius – Timeless Design Introducing a timeless piece of Scandinavian Modern design, this exquisite table is a creation of renowned desi...
Rosewood
Coffee Cocktail or End Table by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Cocktail or End Table designed by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen is a stunning piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table embodies the essence of Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic create a sense of understated elegance that effortlessly complements any interior space. The table features a sleek tabletop, expertly constructed with high-quality painted aluminum, exuding a sense of sophistication and refinement. The choice of material allows for versatility, enabling the table to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, from contemporary to classic. The table's base is a work of art in itself, showcasing a harmonious balance between strength and delicacy. Also aluminum, the legs provide stability and durability, while their graceful curves or geometric angles add visual interest and sculptural appeal. Whether used as a cocktail table for entertaining guests or as an end table for displaying treasured items, this piece offers both practicality and style. Its thoughtfully designed proportions ensure functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile and timeless addition to any living room, lounge, or office space. The Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen Cocktail or End Table is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, where Danish design sensibilities meet functional elegance, resulting in a furniture piece that elevates the ambiance of any room it graces. Constructed of all aluminum with black finish. Photographed with Herman Miller Eames chair, Macbook Pro...
Aluminum