While John B. Salterini designed ornate wrought-iron garden furniture for patios and lawns, he specifically sought to match the forms of indoor furniture and also advocated the use of his furniture indoors “because it brings into your home the freshness and gaiety of a flowery summer garden” (per his print advertisements).
After emigrating from Italy to New York, Salterini worked in journalism at first, editing a newspaper in Syracuse. When he moved to New York City, he worked in glass manufacturing and then entered into the production of wrought-iron furniture as a partner in Salterini & Gallo. When that company shuttered, he launched his own eponymous firm in 1934, eventually offering some of the most exquisite, high-end outdoor furniture of the mid-century period.
Over the course of his career, Salterini designed a wide range of furniture, from tables and chairs to chaise longues, ottomans and benches. And his influences were equally wide as well. His work is often identified as mid-century modern — the Clamshell line, designed for Salterini’s company by like-minded Italian architect and industrial designer Maurizio Tempestini, boasts soft curves and cocoon-like shells that strike a sharp contrast with the solidity of wrought iron and resemble the zany chair designs emerging during the postwar period from designers like Pierre Paulin and Arne Jacobsen.
The furniture from John B. Salterini Company also combined organic and geometric forms, one of the mid-century design movement’s defining features. But Salterini was equally influenced by the Gothic Revival and Art Deco movements, incorporating their signature flourishes like intricate lace-like patterns, delicate vine leaves and protruding scrolls into his French Provincial Group’s glass-topped tables and chairs. One of his most ornate and ostentatious designs is the Peacock double chaise longue, with its elaborate spokes and arching back.
The postwar boom in prosperity and leisure time led to the expansion of the home to include patios, which needed to be furnished with stylish outdoor furniture.
Wrought iron was considered the best material for outdoor use because of its comparative lightness and pliability to other metals. The term “wrought” means made by hand, as opposed to “cast” iron, which was made using molds. Salterini’s high-end handcrafted furniture, with names like Park Avenue Group — promoted for indoor use and photographed as such for the firm’s catalogues — attracted wealthy buyers from across the country. They were drawn to his ability to make a metal like wrought iron look almost ethereal and elegant, and the way he incorporated the popular styles and design principles of the day into his pieces. That Salterini’s garden furniture can be used indoors and look completely natural is a rare feat.
Find vintage John B. Salterini outdoor furniture on 1stDibs.
Radar Chair by Salterini Newly Powder Coated
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Great Radar Hoop chair designed by Tempestini for Salterini, just powder coated in semi gloss black. Originally designed for outdoor use, suitable for indoor placement as well.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Tempestini for Salterini Radar Chair
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Nice Garden or Patio Radar chair designed by Tempestini, manufactured by Salterini. No damage, bends, weld or repairs. This example is in later burgundy pa...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Set of Original John Salterini "Montego" Chairs ( Two Arm, Two Armless )
By John Salterini
Located in North Miami, FL
An incredible elegant set of four (4) ALL ORIGINAL aluminum frame chairs by John Salterini, Brooklyn, circa 1960. These are how the chairs were originally produced and thus, shows ...
Aluminum
1960's Pair of Folding Chairs by Salterini
By John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern outdoor patio pair of folding chairs designed by Salterini. The chairs are made of mesh and tubular steel. In good vintage c...
Steel
$4,250 / set
Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Furniture
By Salterini, John Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Salterini Dining Seating Set of 6 Exquisite set of chairs available now and ready for your use and enjoyment. High backs make them perfect for dining with a coordinating Salterini Table. Perfect for any deck, garden, terrace, or patio. Tables available and sold separately. Ships for flat rate of 379 along the east coast states. Variable and competitive rates for west shipping dependent on zip code. Inquire. Shop Salterini Garden Furniture and Woodard Garden Furniture listed here or other Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Pieces online at our 1stDibs Store Front. Our Vintage Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture Pieces are Available now and Ready to Ship for your enjoyment. Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture is an Excellent Choice for your newest patio design or to add additional outdoor wrought iron furniture pieces to your Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Furniture Collection. Wrought Iron Outdoor Patio Furniture is Classic and Timeless in style and made to last decades. Shop our sustainable vintage outdoor living garden furniture seating arrangements today and add style to your outdoor living space while being kind to the planet. All of our Vintage Salterini Wrought Iron Patio Furniture pieces are hand selected and one-of-a kind awaiting to be enjoyed by you in your favorite outdoor space. Add this to your cart today or "Make an Offer" now to reserve space on this month's delivery route. View other in-stock and ready to ship Vintage Salterini Wrought Iron Patio Furniture pieces including complete vintage wrought iron conversation sets, vintage Woodard Wrought Iron dining sets in popular patterns like Chantilly Rose and Orleans, vintage wrought iron Salterini Peacock Chairs, Woodard Wrought Iron Arm Chairs, Vintage Wrought Iron Patio Bar Carts and Tea Carts, Outdoor Wrought Iron Dining Chairs, Vintage Tempestini Radar Chairs...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Salterini Dinette Chairs Parzinger Weinberg Attrib Maurizio Tempestini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful form and craftsmanship on these. Wrought iron. Need to add dims and additional photos. Please inquire.
Iron
$3,850 / set
H 28 in W 26.13 in D 25 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron & Wicker Patio Arm Dining Chairs
By John Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co., Maurizio Tempestini
Located in St. Louis, MO
Set of 4 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini black wrought & wicker patio or sunroom dining chairs with vintage green / black and creme plaid seat c...
Wrought Iron
$2,048 / set
H 84 in W 59 in D 55 in
Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus, 1960s, Switzerland
By Horgen-Glarus
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Leather Pair of Folding Chairs by Kurt Culetto for Horgen Glarus , 1960s, Switzerland Measurements : Height: 84 cm Width: 59 cm Depth: 55 cm Seating height: 37 cm Please do not he...
Leather, Wood
$1,204 / set
H 36.23 in W 17.72 in D 15.75 in
Pair of 1960s Mid-Century Thonet B 751 Wood Folding Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Carimate, Como
Pair of folding chairs model B751 designed at the beginning of the 20th century by Thonet, manufactured in the early 1960s at the Thonet factory in Radomsko (central Poland). Chairs ...
Wood
Pair of French Folding Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique French folding chairs with iron frames. Distinctive vertical beechwood slats form the backs and contrast nicely with the traditional horizontal slated seats.
Iron
Pair of Sculptural Concrete Chairs by Merit Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning pair of outdoor chairs made of solid concrete and each with a perfect and unique patina. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredibl...
Concrete
$1,686 / set
H 33.86 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Pair of 'Aprilina' folding chairs by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta, 1960s
By Gae Aulenti
Located in Milano, IT
The Aprilina folding chair designed by Gae Aulenti for Zanotta in 1964 epitomizes the essence of minimalism and elegance. With an extraordinary minimalistic design, it embodies simpl...
Aluminum
$4,595 / set
H 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 23.75 in
Set 6 Mid Century Modern Orange Slice Chairs by Tempestini & Salterini + a Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare set of six orange slice chairs. Freshly painted in a satin white enamel, chairs are in excellent vintage condition. Exceptional design by Maurizio Tempestini for Jo...
Iron
$4,850 / set
H 39.25 in W 19.25 in D 18.5 in
Set of Six Ebonized Dining Chairs in the Manner of Parzinger, C 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six stylish architectural high back ebonized dining chairs in the manner of Parzinger C 1950. Newly reupholstered.
Wood
Sold|$6,400
H 32.25 in W 28.25 in D 31 in
Pair of 1950s Cast Iron Club Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Wilton, CT
These chairs represent an outstanding design for Saltorini by designer Maurizio Tempestini. The chair back tapers at an angle for added comfort. The perforated design of the back evo...
Iron
$16,800 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 30 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Heigh...
Iron
$280 / item
H 33.46 in W 17.71 in D 17.71 in
Garden Chairs in Brown Wrought Iron with Cushions. Indoor & Outdoor
Located in Miami, FL
Garden chairs in brown wrought iron.
Wrought Iron
Sculptural Concrete Chair by Merit, Los Angeles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic outdoor chair made of solid concrete and each with a perfect and unique patina. Round saucer seat with angular legs. Incredible modern design perfect for any outdoor space....
Concrete
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Pair of Clam Shell Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Tempestini for John Salterini Clam shell chairs. Painted black, in nice shape. Older paint that still presents well. Nice small scale but stil...
Iron
Sold
H 60 in W 32 in D 34 in
Rare Wrought Iron Peacock Chairs, JOHN SALTERINI SOLD / Florentine Craft Studio
By John Salterini, Florentine Craft Studio
Located in Rochester, NY
Two exceptionally rare antique wrought iron peacock chairs ( a near pair - the difference being in lower part of back rests and design of me...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 26.5 in W 22.75 in D 25.25 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron Chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell"
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini wrought iron chairs, "Orange Slice-Clam Shell" chairs Offered for sale is a pair of Mid-Century Moder...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 33 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
John S. Salterini Wrought Iron & Wood Armchairs, Salterini Furniture of NY
By John Salterini, Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
John S. Salterini wrought iron and wood armchairs, Salterini furniture of NY Offered for sale is a rare pair of John Salterini wrought iron...
Wrought Iron
Six Salterini Handwrought Iron/ Bronze Patinated High Back Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Westport, CT
Six Salterini handmade wrought iron bronze patinated finish high back dining chairs, with seat and back cushions upholstered in a cotton canvas fabric. Heavy gauge weight and constru...
Wrought Iron
MCM Salterini Chair and Ottoman
By John Salterini
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare upholstered Salterini chair and ottoman.
Fabric
Salterini Style Iron Fan Back Garden Patio Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Set of four stunning iron garden or patio chairs featuring a fan back or peacock style. Made in the manner of Salterini. These chairs are handcrafted from wrought iron. Decorative sc...
Iron
Six Mario Papperzini for John Salterini Patio Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Six patio chairs by Mario Papperzini for Salterini. Chairs have been sand blasted and powder coated to a clear coat. Balls were not powder coated since they are aluminum. We spray...
Aluminum, Steel
Sold
H 48 in W 34 in D 28 in
Pair of Midcentury Salterini White Wrought Iron Peacock Chair and Rocker Set
By John Salterini
Located in West Hartford, CT
Set of John Salterini classics includes an armchair and a rocker. Made of white wrought iron and features the signature Salterini peacock back.
Iron, Wrought Iron
Salterini Wrought Iron White Wire Peacock Large Garden Wingback Chair
By John Salterini
Located in West Hartford, CT
Beautiful John Salterini peacock chair in white with signature large wingback design.
Wrought Iron
Set of Six Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Patio Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Set of six Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini chairs.
Sold
H 33 in W 24.5 in D 22 in
Salterini Ribbon Garden Rope Chairs Tempestini Iron Ribbon Series Patio Rush
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The most beautiful and rare of garden furniture designs by Maurizio Tempestini created for John B. Salterini's iron-making warehouse in Brooklyn New York. Some retain metal labels an...
Iron