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.
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By John Salterini, Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural "Ribbon" patio or dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Italy circa 1950's Set consists of 2 armchairs and 2 side chairs with wrought iron frames an...
Wrought Iron
Set of Eight Maurizio Tempestini "Ribbon" Patio Chairs for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining Chairs by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini, USA, c.1950s. This set consists of two arm chairs and six side chairs with a ribbon detail along the back rest of each. This ...
Wrought Iron
Rare Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini White Lacquer Iron Frame and Mesh Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare set of four Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini white lacquer over wrought iron framed and iron mesh outdoor dining chairs. Minimalist design with open arms and linear form, iron ...
Wrought Iron
Two Chairs Cast Iron Marble-Top Table Coca-Cola Dinette Ice Cream Set Cafe Table
By John Salterini
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern red Coca-Cola cast iron base figural marble-top cafe table with two Salterini checker upholstery ice cream chairs.
Marble, Wrought Iron
$3,500 / set
Vintage PAIR of Mid century Iron Chairs
By Tommi Parzinger, Maurizio Tempestini, Frederic Weinberg, John Salterini
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful form and craftsmanship on these Mid Century Design Iron Chairs. Some Brass finial balls missing as shown. The rubber shoe glides are no longer usable and should be repla...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern 6pc. Set Salterini Radar by Maurizio Tempestini C1955
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous 6 piece set of "Radar" outdoor patio dining set. Incudes 4 chairs 48" round top table with an umbrella hole and the heavy solid cast iron art deco umbrella holder. In excell...
Steel, Iron
Set 6 Mid Century Modern El Prado Iron Indoor Outdoor Dining Chairs by Salterini
By John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of rare El Prado dining chairs in old white paint. High quality iron set with solid brass finials. In excellent vintage condition with minimal we...
Iron
Mid-Century Salterini Montego Chairs, Set of Four
By John Salterini
Located in Wichita, KS
Set of four Salterini “Montego” dining chairs featuring the iconic pinwheel back design associated with the line. The sculptural backs incorporate st...
Wrought Iron
Incomparable Set of 12 Montego Dining Chairs by John Salterini, circa 1960
By John Salterini
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent dining chairs are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative, completely installation ready. This large set is unique on the mark...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Mid century Iron Chairs / Parzinger Weinberg
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful form and craftsmanship on these Mid Century Design Iron Chairs. Some Brass finial balls missing as shown. The rubber shoe glides are no longer usable and should be repla...
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, Maurizio Tempestini, Woodard Furniture Co.
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
$3,500 / set
H 29.75 in W 48 in D 32 in
Mid Century Garden Patio Poolside Dining Set Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional 5 pc. garden, patio, poolside dining set designed by Maurizo Tempestini for Salterini. The set is in excellent, original, clean and ready to use condition, showing only light cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Know as the Ribbon set, this is a rare and sought after example of mid century garden furniture...
Wrought Iron
$2,175 / set
H 23 in W 13.5 in D 15.7 in
Dietiker Rey Junior Set, Kids Table and Chairs in Maple, Designed by Bruno Rey
By Dietiker, Bruno Rey
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
This is the children furniture collection based on the famous Rey chair that was designed in 1971. The Rey Junior set includes 4 chairs + 1 table in Maple Beech color. Designed by Bruno Rey, the Rey chair is famed internationally for its elegance and style. Like the original, the Junior edition is constructed with Dietiker’s patented screwless wood-to-metal connection. The solid execution and rounded edges are perfectly suited for children. The chair and table are made with care from solid beech wood, with die cast aluminum consoles and plastic glides. The chair and table legs are of solid wood. The tabletop is in HPL. The chairs stack up to 4. - rounded edges for children safety - timeless design - unique screwless patented wood-metal connection - Rey Junior chair load test for 175lbs as per ANSI/BIFMA - Rey Junior table...
Aluminum
Set of Eight Tall Iron and Cord Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight tall iron and cord chairs, probably American, circa 1950s. They have a very California Modern vibe and could be manufactured by Van Keppel and Green or Alan Gould...
Iron
$12,600Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 37 in W 20.5 in D 37 in
Paul Evans for Directional Set of Eight Dining Chairs
By Paul Evans, Directional
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Paul Evans and produced by Directional. Two armchairs and six side chairs, all expertly reupholstered a grey Maharam fabric. Great style and co...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$2,175 / set
H 23 in W 13.5 in D 15.7 in
Dietiker Rey Junior Set, Kids Table and Chairs in Blue, Designed by Bruno Rey
By Dietiker, Bruno Rey
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
This is the children furniture collection based on the famous Rey chair that was designed in 1971. The Rey Junior set includes 4 chairs + 1 table in Arik Levy Fresh Light 2 Blue color. Designed by Bruno Rey, the Rey chair is famed internationally for its elegance and style. Like the original, the Junior edition is constructed with Dietiker’s patented screwless wood-to-metal connection. The solid execution and rounded edges are perfectly suited for children. The chair and table are made with care from solid beech wood, with die cast aluminum consoles and plastic glides. The chair and table legs are of solid wood. The tabletop is in HPL. The chairs stack up to 4. - rounded edges for children safety - timeless design - unique screwless patented wood-metal connection - Rey Junior chair load test for 175lbs as per ANSI/BIFMA - Rey Junior table...
Aluminum
$8,995
H 33.5 in W 73 in D 28.5 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa Iron & Maple Tempestini for Salterini W/Sunbrella C1955
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular wrought Iron, hand crafted sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini C1955 USA. Brand new Sunbrella cushions with refinished maple arms on an iron diamond back pattern sofa...
Iron
$1,800 / set
H 30 in Dm 26 in
Mid Century Cafe Dinette Set Inc. Table and Two Chairs Attributed to Umanoff
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in New York, NY
Charming three piece cafe style dinette set to include two chairs and a table. The chairs feature a dramatic scrolled arm, with backs that have a circular caned pattern...
Wrought Iron
$2,175 / set
H 23 in W 13.5 in D 15.7 in
Dietiker Rey Junior Set, Kids Table and Chairs in Pink, Designed by Bruno Rey
By Dietiker, Bruno Rey
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
This is the children furniture collection based on the famous Rey chair that was designed in 1971. The Rey Junior set includes 4 chairs + 1 table in Candy color. Designed by Bruno Rey, the Rey chair is famed internationally for its elegance and style. Like the original, the Junior edition is constructed with Dietiker’s patented screwless wood-to-metal connection. The solid execution and rounded edges are perfectly suited for children. The chair and table are made with care from solid beech wood, with die cast aluminum consoles and plastic glides. The chair and table legs are of solid wood. The tabletop is in HPL. The chairs stack up to 4. - rounded edges for children safety - timeless design - unique screwless patented wood-metal connection - Rey Junior chair load test for 175lbs as per ANSI/BIFMA - Rey Junior table...
Aluminum
French Bistro Table, Marble Top on Cast Iron Frame, Circa 1890
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An original French brasserie table, circa 1890, with a removable white marble top on a cast iron frame. This classic French bistro table has a few design elements to stand out from t...
Marble, Iron
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron, dark-stained maple and white fabric sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, USA, c. 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 22" ...
Iron
$1,850 / set
H 40.5 in W 15.25 in D 16.5 in
Tall Ladderback Iron Chairs attributed to Salterini Indoor or Outdoor Set of 4
By Salterini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant Set of Four Ladderback Iron Chairs, attributed to Salterini, circa 1960s. They have been recently repainted and can be reupholstered in your fabric at no additional charge. S...
Iron
$4,400 / set
H 31 in W 18.12 in D 22.84 in
Klingenberg Set of Eight Rosewood Dining Chairs for Fristho
By Fristho, Inger Klingenberg
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set of eight chairs model 'IK', in rosewood and faux-leather, by Inger Klingenberg for Fristho, Netherlands, 1960. chairs with sculptural seat which is executed in black faux-leather...
Rosewood
$14,950
H 36 in W 26 in D 21 in
Vintage Boho Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Salterini
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover a rare fusion of industrial chic and sculptural artistry with this exceptional Vintage Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. Crafted from robust wro...
Wrought Iron
$950 / set
H 28 in W 29 in D 50 in
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Wrought Iron Radar Chaise Lounge, 1950's
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Rochester, NY
By designer Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini a wrought iron Radar outdoor garden chaise lounge ( lounge chair and leg rest ) in as found old black painted surface w/ scattered areas...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 33 in W 25.5 in D 23 in
Set of 12 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Ribbon Dining Chairs with Seats
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 12 Mid-Century Italian ribbon dining chairs (4 arms/8 sides) with gently sloped, mesh metal seat and demilune back (MAURIZIO TEMPESTINI FOR SALTERINI)(PRICED AS Set)(Other exa...
Metal
Six 1930s Handwrought Iron Salterini Dining Chairs
By John Salterini, Salterini
Located in Stamford, CT
Six 1930s hand wrought iron Salterini dining chairs. Two arm chairs & four side chairs. Side Chair: 16.75" wide, 18" deep 32" high, 17" s...
Wrought Iron
Set of Four Papperzini for Salterini Style Bronzed Dining Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of four iron patio and garden dining chairs made in the manner and style of Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The chairs feature a powder coated bronzed finish. The mid...
Wrought Iron
Set of Six Mario Papperzini for John Salterini Iron Garden Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of six iron patio and garden dining armchairs designed by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. The mid-century modern design features hand-hammered iron frames with a grac...
Iron
Set of Six Mario Papperzini for John Salterini Iron Garden Chairs
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic set of six iron patio and garden dining armchairs designed by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. Mid-century modern design features hand-hammered iron frames with a graceful...
Iron
Set of 4 Salterini 1950's Circus Style Draped Metal Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning set of four Salterini 1950s "draped" wrought dining chairs with brass ball finials. They are in original condition - white painted with yellow "patent leather" seats. Ready ...
Wrought Iron
John Salterini For Woodard Mid-Century Modern Iron Patio Chairs
By John Salterini, Russell Woodard
Located in Astoria, NY
John Salterini for Russell Woodard Mid-Century Modern set of five iron patio chairs. The set comes with individual upholstered seat and back...
Iron
Six Mid Century Radar Outdoor Dining Lounge Chairs by John Salterini
By John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful set of six radar chairs by John Salterini. Great style and comfort. Painted black currently, but easily changed to meet your decorating taste. Seat height is 16.5 Rectangu...
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
Sold
H 33 in W 29.5 in D 23 in
Set of 4 Cool Mid-Century Modern Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Ribbon Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Four chic Mid-Century Modern iconic ribbon designed dining chairs by Tempestini for Salterini. Three side chairs and one armchair. Measures: Armchair H 33 x W 24.9 x D 23, seat heig...
Iron
Set of Four Hoop Chairs by Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Hoop, or Radar chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. All four are in very good original condition, showing only cosmetic wear to the finish, normal and c...
Metal, Wrought Iron
Sold
H 33 in W 19 in D 21 in
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Salterini Ribbon Modern Iron Dining Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of four vintage Mid-Century Modern iron dining chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. Item features shapely iron frames, sculptural modernist design, original...
Iron
Four Dining Chairs by Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Four metal dining chairs manufactured by Salterini, designed attributed to Tempestini. Currently in original brown paint finish which shows some cosmetic wear, normal and consistent ...
Wrought Iron
Brushed Steel Wire Frame Garden Patio Dining Chair Set by Salterini
By John Salterini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lovely set of four, brushed steel, wire frame, indoor/outdoor, garden or patio, dining chairs with newly upholstered 16 in diameter seats in blush pink creased vinyl, manufactured by...
Steel
Pair of Salterini Wrought Iron Armchairs
By John Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Pair of wrought iron armchairs by Salterini. These chairs have a romantic, organic foliate motif, both show loss to the white paint finish as shown. Both are structurally sound and r...
Wrought Iron