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.
Maurizio Tempestini, Sofa, Iron, Maple, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
Incomparable Tuxedo Sofa by Mario Papperzini for John Salterini, circa 1950
By John Salterini, Mario Papperzini
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent sofa maintains its original verdigris finish, with heavy patina. The piece may be painted or professionally powder coated if so desired. Finals may be finished in ag...
Wrought Iron
$18,808 / set
H 25.99 in W 37.01 in D 37.01 in
CAMALEONDA SOFA BY MARIO BELLINI FOR B&B ITALIA - ITALY 1970s
Located in BREDA, NL
Designed in 1970 by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, the Camaleonda stands as one of the most iconic and influential sofa designs of the twentieth century. Celebrated for its innova...
Leather
Three-Seater Sofa for Mobilgirgi by Mario Marenco, 1970s
By Mario Marenco, Mobil Girgi
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding three-seater sofa designed by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi in 1970s. Walnut and leather. Original upholstery in excellent condition.
Leather, Wood
$29,000 / set
H 33.47 in W 27.96 in D 32.29 in
1970s Mario Bellini 5-Piece Bambole Sofa Set for B&B Italia
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Discover the timeless Organic Modern elegance of the original 1970s Le Bambole Italian sofa set with beige woven wool upholstery in superb condition. A Mid-Century Modern Italian masterpiece by the renowned Italian designer Mario Bellini and manufactured by B&B Italia. It was an instant success on launch in 1971. Today, it commands an extreme desirability as it's timeless playful aesthetic fits so well with both period and contemporary interiors. This vintage collection combines luxurious comfort, captivating aesthetics, and a rich history. Crafted with utmost precision, the set consists of three armchairs, one corner armchair, and one ottoman...
Wool, Upholstery
$17,135 / set
H 26.38 in W 75.6 in D 37.8 in
Orange Cord Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Original
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Original early B&B Italia Organic Modern 2-piece Camaleonda sectional sofa by Mario Bellini in orange cord fabric. Consists of two lounge chairs of the largest 3x3 format in the ...
Fabric, Cord, Foam, Plywood
Tentazione Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1990s. Italy. Original upholstery. Curved and draped lines.
Upholstery
$25,077 / set
H 25.6 in W 146.46 in D 36.62 in
"Camaleonda" Sofa modular by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By B&B Italia, Mario Bellini
Located in bruxelles, BE
Modular Sofa in green fabric. There are 4 large pieces and an ottoman. Seat height: 35 cm. Dimensions of one piece: H: 65 cm W: 93 cm D: 93 cm Stamped B&B Italia. Wear due to tim...
Fabric
French 1950s Knole-Style Sofa in Brocade Fabric
Located in Zhongzheng Dist., TW
This sofa, crafted in France around the 1950s, is a Knole-style piece distinguished by its classical proportions and refined structure. The high back and tall arms are connected by c...
Fabric, Brocade
$6,200 / set
H 34.5 in W 24.5 in D 24 in
Mario Papperzini Amalfi Pair of Lounge Chairs for Salterini, 1950's
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of wrought iron lounge chairs by designer Mario Papperzini for John Salterini. Manufactured circa 1950's. This line of furniture was named "Amalfi" after the Amalfi coast in...
Wrought Iron
$6,500
H 33.75 in W 80.25 in D 31.25 in
Wrought Iron Patio Daybed Seating Sofa Settee Attributed to Mario Papperzini
By Mario Papperzini
Located in Saddle River, NJ
Bring a touch of architectural elegance and iconic outdoor sophistication to your indoor or patio living space with this super impressive vintage mid-century modern wrought iron dayb...
Wrought Iron
"Le Bambole" Sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, 1970s
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in bruxelles, BE
Sofa in red fabric, model: Le Bambole by Mario Bellini. Seat height: 42 cm. Stamped B&B Italia. Wear due to time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Fabric
$9,500 / set
H 33 in W 24.75 in D 23 in
Set of Four Maurizio Tempestini Iron and Rope Ribbon Chairs for Salterini 1950s
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
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
$17,021
H 31.5 in W 102.37 in D 34.26 in
Adrian Pearsall 'Gondola Sofa' in Brown Fabric for Craft Associates, USA, 1950s
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Berlin, DE
A long, low sofa with Pearsall’s characteristic open structure, the iconic model 2408 pairs generous upholstered volumes with a sculptural walnut frame. Its partly open back and angl...
Upholstery, Walnut
Lacquered Empire Style Sofa, Leopard Upholstery, Wood, USA, 1950s
Located in San Francisco, CA
Great statement piece with white lacquer wood finish and leopard printed upholstery. Loads of drama for either a simple or layered decor.
Fabric, Wood
Marenco Seat System Sofa by Mario Marenco for Arflex
By Arflex, Mario Marenco
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Italy. Green velvet fabric.
Velvet
$18,000
H 32.75 in W 25.25 in D 22.25 in
Set of Eight Maurizio Tempestini "Ribbon" Patio Chairs for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
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
Sold
H 36 in W 73 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern 3 Seat Iron Sofa with Full Cushions by John Salterini C1960
By John Salterini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Salterini iron sofa with full cushions, 6 striped outdoor fabric with plenty of foam in good condition. Could probably use a trip thru the...
Iron
Sold
H 39.5 in W 61 in D 21 in
Incomparable 7-Piece Seating Set by Mario Papperzini for Salterini, circa 1950
By Mario Papperzini, John Salterini
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent set maintains its original verdigris finish. Color may be changed to black, if so desired. Finals may be finished in aged silver or old gold. An incredible complete...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27.5 in W 80 in D 27 in
Maurizio Tempestini John S. Salterini Wrought Iron Sofa with Reed, circa 1950
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini John S. Salterini wrought iron sofa with reeded accents, circa 1950 Offered for sale is a sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John S. Salterini in wrought i...
Wrought Iron
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini 1950s Mid-Century Modern Sofa Offered for sale is rare and elegant, sculptural sofa designed by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini in the 1950s. This ...
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Rattan and Wrought Iron Sofa
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A rare sofa in rattan on a wrought iron frame with new cushions. By Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. The rattan is in great condition, with a couple of minor breaks, which are not ...
Wrought Iron
Salterini Mid-Century Modern Clamshell Settee Sofa
By John Salterini
Located in Wayne, NJ
John Salterini Clamshell settee.
Salterini Iron Settee
By John Salterini
Located in Atlanta, GA
Salterini Iron Settee, Italian, circa 1960's. This is a versatile form and it can be used indoors or outdoors. This sculptural design was used by Yves S...
Iron
Mario Papperzini for Salterini Daybed
By John Salterini
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mario Papperzini for Salterini Daybed. Retains the original applied green patina.
Iron