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 6 Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Ribbon Dining Chairs with Seat
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 6 Mid-Century Italian ribbon dining chairs with gently sloped, mesh metal seats and demilune backs in a pale shade of gold. (MAURIZIO TEMPESTINI FOR SALTERINI)(PRICED AS SET)(...
Metal
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini "Ribbon" Wrought Iron Painted Dining Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Italian wrought iron "Ribbon" dining chairs painted white with gently sloped, mesh metal seats and demilune backs for indoor and/or outdoor use. (MAURIZO TEMPESTI...
Iron
$2,730Sale Price / set|30% Off
Elegant Pair of Salterini Wrought Iron Armchairs in Passion Pink
By John Salterini
Located in North Miami, FL
Elegant pair of Salterini wrought iron outdoor patio garden chairs powder-coated in passion pink color, circa 1950s.
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 Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini, 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
$9,600 / set
H 31.7 in W 25.6 in D 22.64 in
Set of 6 Contemporary Dining Chairs With Upholstered Seat and Back
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This exceptionally versatile dining Chair adapts seamlessly to any setting, from homes to offices. Its bold architectural design features a wooden frame with striking angular-cut leg...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
$17,900 / set
H 26.75 in W 21.35 in D 29.5 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Slipper Chairs, Iron, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rattan and black-lacquered iron slipper lounge chairs designed by Maurizio Tempestini and produced by Salterini, Italy, 1950s. Stamped "Made in Italy". Seat height: 12.65”
Iron
$4,200 / set
H 30 in W 48.5 in D 30.5 in
1940s Salterini Greek Key Wrought Iron Dining Set in Aqua Finish
By Salterini, John Salterini
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning, timeless Salterini Greek key style wrought iron table and four chairs. Original aqua color now beautifully distressed. Fabric on seats is...
Wrought Iron
$4,750 / set
H 32.25 in W 20.5 in D 24.5 in
Rare Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini White Lacquer Iron Frame and Mesh Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
1 Salterini Peacock Wrought Iron Arm Chair
By John Salterini
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Salterini Peacock Wrought Iron Chair John Salterini vintage midcentury wrought iron wire peacock chair. Victorian style chair designed with a bac...
Wrought Iron
Vintage Wrought Iron Chairs A Pair of Wireworks
By John Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
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...
Metal, Iron, Wrought Iron
$1,999 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 37 in
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Salterini-Style Wrought Iron Rocking Chairs
By Salterini
Located in Oxnard, CA
Here is a lovely pair of vintage Salterini style patio rockers. This pair has been freshly restored with satin black powder coat. We have a total of 8 chairs available, which can b...
Wrought Iron
$4,995 / set
H 30.25 in W 25 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern 6pc. Set Salterini Radar by Maurizio Tempestini C1955
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
Wrought Iron Glass Top Garden Coffee Table by Salterini
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Chic wrought iron garden, patio, poolside coffee table by Salterini. This diminutive table features an intricately worked wrought iron frame with decorative foliate metal work, and ...
Wrought Iron
Modern Victorian Wrought Iron Peacock Rocker by Salterini
By John Salterini, Salterini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this all-original Peacock rocker by Salterini with a great aged patina, composed of twisted, curled, and welded wrought iron wire. A fun and dramatic place to sit, in this less common rocker variation of the Salterini Peacock chair.
Iron
$16,800 / set
H 35 in W 30 in D 30 in
Maurizio Tempestini, Lounge Chairs, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
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
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini Clamshell Chairs for Salterini
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Pasadena, TX
Made of iron, this practical and classic design has found its way to homes and patios around the world. You will love the quality and craftsmanship of this Mid-Century masterpiece. The metal is in great condition and Metro Retro...
Wrought Iron
rare set of 4 1940's Maurizio Tempestini Salterini Iron Side Chairs
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
4 Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini Wrought Iron Dining Chairs. Nice warm patina to original green paint, with new Black Leather seat...
Wrought Iron
Salterini Chairs
By John Salterini
Located in Dallas, TX
Latticed wrought iron side chairs with ball finials and criss-crossed stretchers in vintage matte black finish designed by Mario Papperzini for Salterini. Corresponding loveseats an...
rare Set of 4 Maurizo Tempestini for Salterini Chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Very rare set of 4 Salterini Wrought Iron Indoor Outdoor chairs. 1 signed NEVA-RUST. Painted Black. Sold as set
Wrought Iron