While he may not be as well known as the designers who influenced him, master woodworker Michael Coffey creates tables, case pieces and other hand-carved furnishings that are wholly sculptural and characterized by striking, unexpected forms — they’re provocative statement pieces in any interior.
Born in 1928 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — where like-minded designers Paul Evans, George Nakashima and Phillip Lloyd Powell shared a studio — Coffey loved working with his hands as a child. However, a sense of youthful idealism led him to pursue a master’s degree in social group work before he endeavored to design on a full-time basis. It wasn't until 1966, at the age of 38, that he started teaching himself woodworking. Coffey was inspired by innovative artisans in the furniture-making field such as Nakashima, Wharton Esherick and Wendell Castle, all of whom are credited as pioneers in the world of art furniture.
In 1972, Coffey earned his first major design commission in the form of a collection for Directional Furniture, a manufacturer that forged an enduring partnership with Paul Evans and a favorite brand of mid-century modern enthusiasts. He continued to collaborate with Directional, working in mahogany and rare Mozambique woods, and integrating abstract carving motifs in his cabinet fronts and table pedestals. Soon afterward, Coffey established a woodworking school and apprenticeships at his Vermont farm. In 1986, he moved to Massachusetts, and, in 1991, he founded a second woodworking school, this one much larger.
Coffey sold his successful Massachusetts school to his staff in 1997 in order to focus on his furniture, as his reputation and client base had grown considerably. His profile reached greater heights in 2003, when a rocking chair called Aphrodite that Coffey had designed more than two decades earlier sold at auction for nearly $50,000. The sale sparked the interest of buyers and collectors worldwide and resulted in a slew of new commissions. Today Coffey continues to make sculptural furniture with a team of woodworkers in his Massachusetts studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Michael Coffey tables, seating, bookcases and more.
Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookscase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut etagere with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Walnut
Michael Coffey, Ebbtide I, Wall-Mounted Cabinet, United States, 2020
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural cabinet carved in solid Mozambique. Coffey debuted this style of carving at Directional Furniture in New York, in 1972. In the 90’s he revived it, ...
Walnut
Michael Coffey, "Titan" Monumental Bar Cabinet, United States, 1978
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural cabinet is carved from solid, 4-inch thick Mahogany, and weighs 900 lbs. It is divided in two halves. One half is a door, which swings out on hidden hinges and concealed casters. The other half contains revolving shelves...
Mahogany
Michael Coffey, Vortex, Round Illuminated Coffee Table, United States, 2024
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Michael Coffey was deeply influenced by the flow of water, and in particular, its effect on riverbeds over epochal time. Vortex — his last completed work — is one of the finest examp...
Wood
Michael Coffey, Satan's Tongue, Side Table, United States, 1982
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Michael Coffey blurs the line between carpenter and sculptor. A self-taught master with a career over fifty years in the making, Coffey has consistently broken the boundaries of styl...
Wood, Padouk
Michael Coffey, "Jacob's Ladder, " Modular Bookcase, United States, 1973
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
A black walnut étagère with four adjustable shelves, finished to a satin sheen. First created in Massachusetts by master craftsman Michael Coffey, and fabricated by the artist in 201...
Walnut
Michael Coffey, Galaxy II, Monumental Walnut Wall Sculpture, United States, 2021
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Sculpted from walnut, Galaxy II is an exceptional wall-mounted sculpture that exhibits the skill of artist and master woodworker Michael Coffey. It is ...
Walnut
Michael Coffey, "Megalith, " Round Coffee Table, United States, 2017
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural table is carved into a flowing arrangement from solid, three and a half inch walnut, and features double doors that open up onto an interior cabinet with a revolving ...
Glass, Walnut
$68Sale Price / item|20% Off
Michael Coffey: Sculptor and Furniture Maker in Wood
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Michael Coffey: Sculptor and Furniture Maker in Wood unsettles the conventional distinction between craftsman and artist, which is often assumed to be the difference between creating...
Paper
American 1980s Music Stand by Michael Coffey
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
An American carved wood music stand by Michael Coffey. This piece represents an evolution in sculptor Michael Coffey's process. Always seeking functionality and beauty in his designs...
Wenge
Michael Coffey "Encounter" Coffee Table
By Michael Coffey
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Michael Coffey, known for his sculptural designs, often draws inspiration from organic forms, geometric shapes, and the interplay of materials. The "Encounter" coffee table reflects ...
Lucite, Plexiglass, Wood
$8,500
Michael Coffey Mirror
By Michael Coffey
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Rare large walnut mirror by Michael Coffey,an important figure within the American Studio Craft movement. Signed and in excellent original condition
Walnut
$12,500 / item
Michael Coffey Viking Chair, 1960s
By Michael Coffey
Located in Pawtucket, RI
A very rare "Viking" chair in stacked and laminated walnut by noted craftsman Michael Coffey, circa 1960s. Two examples available. Signed and documented.
Walnut
Michael Coffey "Perceptions II" Wall Mirror
By Michael Coffey
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautifully hand-carved wall mirror by noted craftsman Michael Coffey, circa 1970. Mirror is made of laminated and carved African Mozambique with incised signature to side.
Mirror, Wood
$238
H 42.33 in W 19.1 in D 13.55 in
Vintage 4 Tier Freestanding Corner Whatnot Shelves Bookcase Display Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Here we have for sale this vintage 4 tier freestanding corner Whatnot bookcase, shelves, display stand. Perfect for the corner of any room to stand book...
Bamboo, Pine
$957 / item
H 20.88 in W 29.5 in D 10.25 in
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Marine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Kartell, Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Resin
$957 / item
H 20.88 in W 29.5 in D 10.25 in
Kartell Sound Rack Modular Bookcase in Tangerine by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba
By Ludovica + Roberto Palomba 1, Kartell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-shaped and multi-purpose shelving system, stackable and modular, offering the possibility of creating a variety of geometric and chromatic compositions. This accessory can play the Dual role as both container and room divider. IT IS a go...
Resin
Burl Wood Bar Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
A classicly inspired modern bar cabinet with an inset marble top and a three-quarter gallery. With a figured burl walnut exterior, curved corners, a shaped apron, brass brass-finishe...
Marble, Metal
$7,018 / set
H 29.93 in W 89.77 in D 11.03 in
Mogens Koch Bookcases Set of Three Bookcases for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch set of three bookcases in Oregon pine. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/NØRREBROGADE/KØBENHAVN.
Pine
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 36 in Dm 20 in
Mid Century Modern World Globe Dry Bar, Wood Base, United States, 1970
Located in Opa Locka, FL
1970's Mid Century Modern World Globe Dry Bar. Top of globe opens to reveal interior storage. Beautifully carved wood base. Please look at pictures ...
Wood
$11,700
H 81.89 in W 188.19 in D 15.75 in
Michel Ducaroy Modular Wall Unit in Black Lacquered Wood and Steel
By Michel Ducaroy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Michael Ducaroy, free-standing wall unit, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, France, 1970s Sleek and stunning free-standing wall unit designed by Michael Ducaroy in the 1970s. In ...
Steel
Patinated Cast Iron Side Table, United States, 20th C
Located in New York City, NY
Solid cast iron side table with complex patination and unique texture variations.
Iron
Art deco bar cabinet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art deco bar cabinet with glass tray. Professionally stained and repolished.
Walnut
$3,295
H 29.93 in W 31.89 in D 22.45 in
Michael Thonet, bentwood 19th century side table No. 1, Austria
By Michael Thonet, Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your living space with the exquisite charm of Michael Thonet’s 19th century side table No. 1, seamlessly blending Austrian craftsmanship with timeless elegance. Its intricate...
Bentwood
Modular Storage 'KOU' Made of Concrete
By Bentu Design
Located in Paris, IDF
'KOU' is a modular storage made of concrete by Bentu Design [Blocks sold individually] Dimension of one block: 36 x 36 x 26cm Bentu Design's furnitu...
Concrete
$5,284 / item
H 20.08 in W 21.66 in D 15.75 in
United Side Table in Stainless Steel Brass and Brown Glass
Located in Paris, FR
Side table united in stainless steel with brown glass top with gold trim and gold plated tray. Four neat gold plated, glossy black legs with brass...
Gold Plate, Brass, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 29 in Dm 60 in
Michael Coffey, Commissioned "Lily Pad" Wooden Dining Table, United States, 1980
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural table is composed of several pieces of Mozambique wood fitted seamlessly to create the shape of a lily. Like much of Michael Coffey's work, the piece sets up a contra...
Wood
Sold
H 23.5 in W 36 in D 51 in
Michael Coffey Signed Pegasus Contemporary Modern Wood and Lucite Coffee Table
By Michael Coffey
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A Michael Coffey "Pegasus" coffee table. A spectacular, artistic coffee table from designer Michael Coffey featuring a wood and lucite construction. This table features a free form s...
Wood
Michael Coffey, Serpent I, Coffee Table, United States, 1989
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Michael Coffey blurs the line between carpenter and sculptor. A self-taught master with a career over fifty years in the making, Coffey has consistently broken the boundaries of styl...
Wood, Padouk
Michael Coffey, "Pas de Deux I, " Dining Table, United States, 1971
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
Sculpted in the early 1970s from a rare Mozambique wood, this is one of the very first of Michael Coffey's twisting dining tables. The two supports of this exceptional table rise fro...
Glass, Wood
Michael Coffey, "Lily Pad" Wooden Dining Table, United States, 1980
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
This sculptural table is composed of several pieces of Mozambique wood fitted seamlessly to create the shape of a lily. Like much of Michael Coffey's work, the piece sets up a contra...
Wood
American "Heron III" Console by Michael Coffey
By Michael Coffey
Located in New York, NY
An American black walnut wood "Heron III" console by Michael Coffey. This remarkable wall-mounted console is hand carved from black walnut and features an almond shaped, inset mirror...
Mirror, Walnut
Michael Coffey "Heron 1" Console Table
By Michael Coffey
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautiful handcrafted wall-mounted console table titled "Heron 1" by noted woodworker Michael Coffey. Console in walnut with a curvilinear top, a single drawer upon a single curved l...
Spectacular Rare Nail and Glass Wall Sculpture
By Michael Coffey
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing rare, brutalist and modernist wall sculpture attributed to Coffey is hard to find. The glass panels in a myriad of colors is amazing set against the brass and nails. Tru...
Brass, Steel
Rare Michael Coffey Swahilli Cabinet
By Michael Coffey
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early example of Michael Coffeys' Signature work. Signed and dated ,sitting on an original lucite base.
Walnut, Plexiglass
Michael Coffey Perceptions II Wall Hanging Mirror
By Michael Coffey
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Modern Michael Coffey Preceptions Mirror. American Craft Movement hand carved exotic African Mozambique with sweeping serpentine detail, accentuated with half moon mirrored...
Glass, Wood