With their curvaceous metal surfaces and shapes often resembling sheets of folded paper, Mathieu Matégot's inspiring furniture and lighting designs are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors. By working with perforated sheet metal and metal tubing, the Hungarian-born French architect, artist and designer — who is known by aficionados for his “rigitulle” technique — created tables, chairs and decorative objects that are celebrated works of French modernism and make a statement in any interior.
Matégot attended the Budapest School of Fine Arts and Architecture. He graduated in 1929 and traveled before settling in Paris in 1931, where he worked as a window dresser for department stores and as a set designer for cabaret halls.
In 1939, Matégot joined the French army in resistance to invading Nazi forces. He was soon captured and sent to work in a German factory. It was at this factory where Matégot became familiar with the materials and techniques that would inform and inspire his trademark rigitulle method.
After the war ended, Matégot opened a workshop in Paris and began to create handcrafted furniture that didn't conform to established styles of the time. Matégot explored merging traditional and non-traditional materials — he worked with formica, glass and natural materials such as rattan — and engaged in other forward-looking experiments. Matégot soon patented his career-defining rigitulle technique and material, which saw the designer working with metal tubing and perforated metal sheets and producing thin, airy folds into the metal as if he were manipulating fabric or paper.
Many of Matégot’s designs for table lamps, pendants, tables and more are reflective of the rigitulle technique, but the best-known work that exemplifies this process is his elegant three-legged Nagasaki chair, which he exhibited in 1954 at the Salon des Artistes Décorateurs. The original Nagasaki chair gave way to a collection that included a stool and an armchair. Matégot’s Nagasaki dining chair has been reissued by Gubi and is part of the permanent collection at the Vitra Design Museum, which is home to one of the world’s most important furniture collections.
Matégot created a range of smaller items for the home — serveware, side tables and magazine racks, each distinctive in their fluid and organic forms — but halted his career in design and moved to Angers in the early 1960s in order to turn to creating art. Today he is known for his abstract tapestries as well as his furnishings.
Find vintage Mathieu Matégot furniture on 1stDibs.
Mathieu Matégot 1950s Two-Tier Magazine Rack in Black Metal
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stamford, CT
A French Matégot metal magazine rack which is both modern and whimsical from the 1950, perforated metal, metal, and brass.
Metal
Set of Three White Metal Mid Century Side Tables by Mathieu Matégot, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of three French mid century side tables in white metal by Mathieu Matégot produced by his atelier in France, 1950s. In good vintage and matching condition. Dimensions: H:...
Metal
Mathieu Mategot for Artimeta magazine rack , 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Delft, NL
Mathieu Mategot for Artimeta magazine rack , 1950s
Metal
Mid Century Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot in White Painted Metal France 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century white magazine rack designed by Mathieu Matégot produced in France during the 1950s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 14.57 in (37 cm) W: 15.75 in (40 cm...
Metal
Customizable Gubi Satellite Outdoor Pendant by Mathieu Mategot
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in New York, NY
Building on the Satellite Collection of whimsical, modernist sculptural lamps, the Satellite Outdoor Pendant and Satellite Outdoor Floor Lamp are GUBI...
Aluminum
Mathieu Mategot Aubusson Tapestry
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in New York, NY
Mathieu Mategot abstract Aubusson Tapestry woven by Atelier Tabard Freres & Soeurs. Known as a French furniture designer he devoted his work full time to tapestries in the 1960s beco...
Wool
$3,374
Mathieu Matégot Ashtray
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare cendrier sur pied par Mathieu Matégot, en laiton et cuir. Le cuir légerement décollé.
Brass
$1,142Sale Price|25% Off
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Plate, Mid-Century Modern, France, 40cm
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Enameled metal plate designed by Mathieu Matégot. Manufactured by Ateliers Matégot (France), circa 1950. Lacquered perforated metal with original paint and rattan details. In good o...
Metal
Coffe Table , 1930 , France, Design: Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Logistics and International Shipping We provide a comprehensive export service so that your only concern is enjoying your acquisition. • Door-to-Door Service: Pieces located in our A...
Chrome, Iron
1950's Magazines rack by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Bois-Colombes, FR
1950's Magazines rack by Mathieu Matégot Famous French designer
Metal, Brass
$5,501
Chaise de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 4 available
Iron
Rare corner shelve by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare étagères d’angle à trois niveaux par Mathieu Matégot en rigidulle et laiton
Metal, Brass
$7,499 / item
Side table or telephone table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante table à téléphone par Mathieu Matégot à double plateau pouvant servir de bout de canapé
Metal
A " Harper's " Rigitulle Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot France 1950's
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in HYÈRES, FR
A " Harper's " Rigitulle Magazine Rack by Mathieu Matégot France 1950's Original paint and good condition. Colour : Black Documented in the Book of Mathieu Matégot.
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in American Walnut
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' Shelf for GUBI in American Walnut. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèq...
Metal
$1,464 / item
Four French Pendant lights by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Antwerp, BE
Four pendant lights in enameled metal and opaline. Four pendant lights designed my Mathieu Matégot, France, circa 1950s. Opal glass shade with clea...
Metal
French Mid Century Desk Table "Bagdad" Lamp in Metal Brass by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and decorative French mid century "Bagdad" desk table lamp in red lacquered perforated metal and brass designed by Mathieu Matégot in 1954. Produced by Atelier Matégot in...
Metal, Brass
$7,499 / item
Pair of side tables by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Paire de table à porte revue par Mathieu Matégot.
Metal, Brass
$12,600Sale Price|30% Off
Mathieu Matégot Wool Rug by Aubusson, circa 1950, France
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Girona, Spain
Mathieu Matégot wool rug by Aubusson Made by the Aubusson manufacture Bold abstract design Signed Providence: Christie's auction house, circa 1950, France With restorations Go...
Wool
Vintage Mathieu Matégot Perforated Metal Design Rolling Bar Cart
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in North Miami, FL
Mathieu Mategot, 1910-2001 After studying at the Beaux Arts in Budapest, Mathieu Matégot moved to France in 1931 where he exercised various professions: designer of sets for the Foli...
Metal
Magazine rack designed by Mathieu Mategot in perforated metal, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in LE CANNET, FR
Elegant magazine rack by Mathieu Matégot in black lacquered perforated metal, dating from the 1950s. Original paint. At the time, Mategot's productions decorated luxurious interiors...
Metal
Side table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie table d’appoint par Mathieu matégot vers 1950.
Metal, Brass
Mathieu Matégot, Java Table Lamp, 1954
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare yellow Java lamp designed by Mathieu Mategot in 1954. Featuring his signature perforated metal shade and delicate, curved design.
Metal, Iron
Rare tropique side table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très rare table d’appoint par Mathieu Matégot, modele tropique.
Metal
Mathieu Matégot Mid-Century Metal Planter, Fretwork Design, c.1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A pierced metal planter by Mathieu Mategot original paint. c.1950’s.
Metal
Scarce coffee table by Mathieu Matégot in leather and brass
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Rare table basse par Mathieu Matégot de sa serie en cuir piqué sellier, partie méconnue de son travail mais toutefois d’une grande qualité.
Brass
$16,000 / set
Pair of Rare Bedside Tables by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
A pair of black rigitule bedside table or originally telephone table. Manufactured by Les Ateliers Matégot, 1953, France. Original paint. Published in Patrick Favardin Book p6.
Steel
Very scarce coffee table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Table d'appoint. Circa 1956. Fibrociment gravé, métal laqué, laiton. Bibliographie: - Philippe JOUSSE & Caroline MONDINEAU : Mathieu Matégot, Jousse Entreprise, 2003, fig.192. - Pat...
Concrete, Metal, Brass
Mathieu Mategot Black Metal Butterfly Magazine Holder Rack, France circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and iconic creation by Mathieu Mategot, the celebrated master of mid‑century French metalwork, this "Butterfly" magazine holder embodies the poetic geometry that defined his p...
Metal
Clé de sol shelves by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Étagère dite clé de sol par Mathieu Matégot, laqué noir d’origine.
Metal
Rare Magazine Holder by Mathieu Matégot for Artimeta, 1950s
By Artimeta, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Rare and very elegant magazine holder designed by Mathieu Matégot for Artimeta around 1950. It is made of high quality black perforated metal which is the typical Matégot signature. ...
Metal
2024 Pair of Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Chairs without Fringes
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Tropique Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot for GUBI in 1951. These particular examples were produced in Denmark in 2024. Their frames are compri...
Steel
French Midcentury Mathieu Matégot 'Tube' Perforated Steel Chair
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Sold separately. A set of four welded and perforated steel ‘Tube’ chairs by Mathieu Matégot (1910-2001), recently finished in a satin black. French,...
Steel
$8,437 / set
Rare pair of Mathieu Matégot chairs
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Mathieu MATEGOT (1910-2001) Paire de chaises, circa 1951, à assise et dossier en tôle perforée laquée noir, disposés sur une structure tubulaire formant un piètement tubulaire joint ...
Metal
Nice serving table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante déserte par Mathieu Matégot, vers 1950. Peinture d’origine.
Metal
Ateliers Mathieu Matégot Triple Plant Stand Jardiniere Flower Stand Cache Pot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Triple plant stand in yellow and black metal expanded. Manufactured by "Les Ateliers Matégot". Documented
Steel
Mathieu Mategot Black Perforated Metal Bar Cart With Glass Shelf France c1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Chicago, IL
Mathieu Mategot black perforated metal bar cart with brass handle and wave pleated metal detailing around the edge. Iconic motifs by Mathieu Mategot. c1956 2 levels of trays, Wheels ...
Metal
$4,218 / set
Pair of Mathieu Matégot Chairs
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Très élégante paire de chaises par Mathieu Matégot. Le métal a quelques usures du temps, manques de peintures.
Metal
$5,800
Fauteuil de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 6 available
Iron
Trolley Mathieu Matégot Cocktail Serving Table, Venise Model, 1953
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Serving table in perforated sheet metal or rigitule by Mathieu Matégot by Ateliers Mathieu Mategot, France. Rigitule glass and brass. Venise model, 1953. Documented and referenced in Mathieu Matégot by Jousse Entreprise...
Brass, Steel
Mathieu Mategot Lounge chair model "Copacabana"
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Lounge chair model "Copacabana" Manufactured by Atelier Mategot France, 1950´s Lacquered and perforated metal and fabric upholstery Measurements 68,6 x 59,1 cm x 75,6h cm. 27 in x 2...
Metal
2024 Pair of Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Chairs with Fringes
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Tropique Dining Chairs, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot for GUBI in 1951. These particular examples were produced in Denmark in 2024. Their frames are compri...
Steel
Three-planter metal plant stand by Mathieu Matégot circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in NICE, FR
This elegant mid-century plant stand was designed by Mathieu Matégot in the 1950s. Crafted in metal, it features three distinct pot holders, each fashioned from perforated sheet meta...
Metal
$1,757
Porte-plantes
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron plant stand
Wrought Iron
Mathieu Matégot "Kyoto" Kids Chair, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Mathieu Matégot chair for kids. "Kyoto" series. 1950s. Black lacquered tubular steel and peacock green upholstery.
Metal
Vintage French Mid-Century Modern Garden Tables by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage pair of original French Mid-Century modern white metal garden tables by Mathieu Mategot, with perforated square tops and small shelv...
Metal
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 3-Shelf System for Gubi in Black Ash
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 3-Shelf System for Gubi in Black Ash The Démon shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la biblioth...
Metal
$18,239Sale Price|20% Off
1960's Signed Mathieu Matégot Abstract Tapestry, Highly Coveted 1st Piece 1/6
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Dallas, TX
78078 Vintage Mathieu Mategot Abstract French Aubusson Tapestry, 04'07 x 08'00. This handwoven wool tapestry by renowned Hungarian-French artist Mathieu Matégot is a masterful blend ...
Wool
Mathieu Matégot Enameled Metal Tray, Mid-Century Modern, France
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Small French pierced metal tray by Mathieu Mategot. Minor paint loss and rust marks.
Metal
Serving table by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Table roulante par Mathieu Matégot
Metal
2024 Mathieu Mategot for GUBI Tropique Dining Table in Classic Black
By Gubi, Mathieu Matégot
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tropique Dining Table, originally designed by Mathieu Mategot in 1954. This particular example was produced by GUBI in Denmark in 2024. The table's design is comprised of s...
Steel
$9,960
Nesting tables
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in PARIS, FR
Black perforated sheet metal nesting tables by Mathieu Matégot. Very good original condition. A similar model is reproduced on p.219 in the book "Mathieu Matégot" by Jousse Entreprise.
Sheet Metal
$3,978
Chaise de jardin
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron chair, 2 available
Iron
Déserte par Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Charmante déserte par Mathieu Matégot vers 1950. Bel état d’origine, jolie patine.
Metal, Brass
1 of 12 Perforated Metal and Glass Pendants by Mathieu Matégot, France, 1950s
By Mathieu Matégot, Holophane
Located in Echt, NL
Industrial pendants in very good original condition. Designed by Mathieu Mategot in the 1950s. Produced by ‘Holophane' We have 12 of these pendants available. The pendants consis...
Metal
Set of 3 Midcentury Mategot Trays with Brass Rims
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in London, GB
Set of 3 perforated metal trays, in original paint with brass rims. By Mathieu Matégot, circa 1950. Largest: 58 x 39cm.
Metal, Brass
$3,281Sale Price|20% Off
Cap d'Ail Collection Plant Holder Floor Lamp by Mathieu Matégot
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice and rare plant holder floor lamp is made of a white lacquered iron with removable pot holders. This is a Cap d'Ail Collection piece by famous French designer Mathieu M...
Wrought Iron
$2,460Sale Price|25% Off
White Metal Magazine Holder by Mathieu Matégot, circa 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Barcelona, ES
Metal Magazine Holder, designed by Mathieu Matégot. Circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. With some rust. On...
Metal
Mathieu Mategot large decorative white metal plate or basket or vide-poche 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Mathieu Mategot Large 20th century design decorative plate by Mathieu Mategot Original good conditions Height 3 cm Large 45 cm
Metal
$1,757
Porte-plantes
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Paris, FR
Wrought iron plant stand
Wrought Iron