French designer Jean Claude Mahey is best known for his elegant Hollywood Regency and Art Deco–style burl wood furniture. Vintage Mahey tables, mirrors and case pieces are often embellished with decorative techniques so that the rich, sumptuous materials he uses are paired with marquetry, lacquer, marble elements or brass accents that renders his furniture striking in contemporary dining rooms and living rooms.
Born in Mayenne, France, in 1944, Mahey found himself surrounded by a close family of painters and decorators. He graduated from the College of Applied Arts of Paris in 1966. From 1967 to 1976, Mahey worked for several luxury furniture manufacturers such as Maison Jansen, Roche Bobois, Maison Romeo and Maville Interiors. In 1976, he decided to make the bold move of striking out on his own and founded his namesake furniture design company.
Besides his love of marquetry, Mahey was interested in perfecting a heavy lacquer technique that produced mirror-like finishes and softened hard edges. Lacquered furniture and decor have long been cherished by design lovers. In the 18th century, European and English royals adored Japanese lacquerware.
During the Art Deco period, French furniture designers partnered with Japanese lacquerers to create a whole new genre of shimmering cabinetry — Jean Dunand learned the techniques from Japanese lacquer master Seizo Sugawara and introduced his first of many lacquered pieces in 1921. Dunand wasn’t the only Art Deco designer to use the material (Irish architect Eileen Gray famously did so too), but he employed it much more prolifically and decoratively. Collectors greatly admire and seek out Mahey’s lacquered chests of drawers and cabinets.
Today Mahey’s atelier is still family-led. Working closely with his wife, Betty, they have created many successful designs popular throughout France and around the world. In 1992, he opened his current showroom in the center of Paris and soon after, his children Cecilia and Maxence joined the family firm.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Jean Claude Mahey tables, storage pieces, lighting and more.
A LUXURIOUS POST-MODERN Lacquered BAR BUFFET by JEAN-CLAUDE MAHEY, France, 1970
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in PARIS, FR
A minimal yet luxurious geometrical bar or buffet, Art Deco, Neoclassical, Shabby-Chic, in creme lacquered wood, finished with strips of golden brass or bronze, by Jean-Claude Mahey,...
Brass, Bronze
White Lacquer and Brass Sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey, 1980s
By Jean Claude Mahey, Roche Bobois
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous sideboard white lacquer and brass elements designed and handcrafted by French designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois, 1980. This features brass detailing around the dra...
Brass
Brass and lacquer sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Luxurious seventies glamour sideboard by Jean claude Mahey consitsing of black lacquer panels and brass. The use of different high quality materials makes this piece very attractiv...
Brass
J.C. Mahey Brass Black Lacquered Sideboard Bar Cabinet 1970s
By Roche Bobois, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Paris, IDF
A timeless vintage piece, this mid-century cabinet bar sideboard feels imposing and glamourous, with thick, straight lines of brass adorning its exterior of reflective black lacquer. Glossy black lacquer, paired with bright brass accents, feels crisp and luxe. Its boxy, simple style, featuring four doors and one drawers, is typical of both the 1970s and designer Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois design. The two external doors...
Brass
A Jean Claude Mahey Wood red lacquer
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sideboard in red lacquer manufactured and designed by Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois 1980
Wood, Lacquer
$5,950
H 31 in W 60 in D 20 in
Exceptional Modern Buffet/Credenza by American of Martinsville in Cream Lacquer
By American of Martinsville
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Beautiful Modern buffet/credenza by America of Martinsville, circa 1950. Functional case design offers a center bank of four ( 4 ) drawers, flanked by two ( 2 ) open compartments (...
Wood
1970s Chest of Drawers by Jean Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
Rare Lacquered wood commode with inclusion of labradorite stones. Belgium Circa 1970's
Wood, Lacquer
$3,460Sale Price|20% Off
H 36.5 in W 17.5 in D 79 in
1970's Vintage Signed John Widdicomb Buffet/ Sideboard/ Credenza/ Dry Bar
By John Widdicomb
Located in Opa Locka, FL
Beautiful Vintage 1970's Buffet/ Sideboard/ Credenza Signed by John Widdicomb. This buffet commands presence. There is much closed and open storage. Miami Beach Estate Purchase.
Wood
$35,108
H 46.07 in W 106.3 in D 27.96 in
Unique J.C. Mahey Black Lacquered Brass Bar Cabinet Counter 1970s
By Romeo Paris, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Paris, IDF
A unique bar for a standout look. This rare piece was designed by Jean-Claude Mahey in the 1970s for Maison Romeo Paris, and displays all the trademark glam of the French seventies period. Brass and black lacquer are used in large, chunky blocks for a powerful impact, with nice curves on each side. From a distance, the piece seems to sparkle. There are 3 large storage spaces in the back, with enough room for a small fridge, ice machine...
Brass
$37,950 / set
H 31 in W 55.25 in D 19.75 in
Two Black Lacquered Commodes with Brass Trim by Jean Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Dallas, TX
Truly spectacular and very rare sideboards or bar cabinets by the esteemed French designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois, 1978. Pieces with pure and delimited geometric shapes; basic functionalism that integrates luxury into materials. Each Commode features brass detailing around the drawers, doors, base and top adds glamour throughout. Consists of a central drawer and two doors that divide the space which open to shelved storage. Two cocktail compartment doors on either side that swing open in the most surprising unusual way. These have been professionally re-finished by our restoration team in high gloss...
Brass
Rosewood Lacquered Buffet, France, 1950s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
French Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard, Four Doors, 1950s. This four-door sideboard is built with a high-gloss lacquered rosewood veneer, showing graphic and symmetrical grain ...
Brass
Custom Modern White Lacquered Sideboard Buffet with Glass Features
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom modern white lacquered sideboard buffet with glass features. Sleek custom design by Carrocel, handcrafted in Toronto Canada. Fi...
Metal
$32,950
H 31 in W 90.75 in D 19.75 in
Jean Claude Mahey Black Lacquered Sideboard Credenza, France, 1970
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Dallas, TX
A truly spectacular and very rare sideboard was designed and handcrafted by French designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois, 1978. This features brass detailing around the drawers, doors, base and top adds glamour throughout. Consists of two center doors which open to shelved storage and two upper drawers. Two cocktail compartment doors on either side that swing open in the most surprising unusual and artistic way. The piece has been professionally re-finished by our restoration team in high gloss mirroring...
Brass
Sold
H 22.45 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Buffet bas 2 portes Roche Bobois en loupe d'érable Jean-Claude MAHEY 1970's
By Jean Claude Mahey, Roche Bobois
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Buffet bas 2 portes Roche Bobois en loupe d'érable Jean-Claude MAHEY 1970's
Brass
Buffet by Jean-Claude Mahey
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Austin, TX
Buffet/credenza made of burled elm with facade doors and corner doors opening up to a rosewood interior. Brass trim adds glamour throughout. This piece is in excellent vintage condition. By Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois.
Brass
Sold
H 38.19 in W 55.12 in D 17.72 in
Jean-Claude Mahey, Burl Wood and Brass Dry Bar for Roche Bobois, 1978
By Roche Bobois, Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Munster, NRW
Exceptional dry bar in burl wood enhanced with brass, by designer Jean-Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois. Opening by 3 doors on the front revealing shelf, and two flaps opening on a b...
Brass