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.
$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
$6,790 / item
H 33 in W 24 in D 34 in
Midcentury, Line Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren, Walnut & Velvet, by LUTECA
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Line lounge chair was designed in circa 1945 by Michael van Beuren, an American who trained at Germany's prestigious Bauhaus school and then immigrated to Mexico to become one of the most successful and sought after furniture designers of the 20th century. The Line chair has a distinctly Latin American flavor with its curved legs whilst honoring the international style...
Velvet, Walnut
$3,200
H 35 in W 24 in D 27.5 in
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x 24"W x 27...
Cane, Birch
$4,105 / item
H 32.5 in W 30 in D 34.25 in
Modernist Mexican San Miguel Lounge Chair by Michael van Beuren from Luteca
By Michael van Beuren, Luteca Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The San Miguel lounge chair is a timeless mid-century Mexican piece inspired by the classic Latin American Butaque chair famed by the likes of 20th Century Mexican architect Luis Barragan and Industrial Designer Clara Porset. Michael van Beuren, an American born designer trained at Germany's famous Bauhuas school, produced this award winning piece in 1941 for the MoMA's Organic Design Exhibition in New York along with it's sister-design, the Alacran Chaise...
Teak
Pair of Harvey Probber Leather Lounge Chairs
By Harvey Probber
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of cantilevered Harvey Probber leather lounge chairs c.1960s, USA. The leather chairs feature stainless steel chrome frames and tufted seat...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Italian Lounge Chair Attributed to Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair attributed to Italian designer Paolo Buffa. The chair features a textured linen upholstery with dark green piping at each side. The birch frame showcases beautiful bentw...
Linen, Birch
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Lounge Chairs
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates lounge chairs.
Upholstery, Walnut
Norman Cherner Mid Century Chair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Norman Cherner mid century chair The chair measures: 17 wide x 20.5 deep x 32 high, with a seat height and chair clearance of 18 inches All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Wood
$654
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 12.21 in
Rattan Easy Chair in Style of Dirk Van Sliedregt for Rohe Noordwolde, 1960s
By Dirk Van Sliedregt, Rohe Noordwolde
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This elegant rattan easy chair is very much in style of the designs by Dirk Van Sliedrecht for Rohe Noordwolde in the Netherlands. It has a black metal frame and a comfortable rattan...
Metal
Mario Bellini Cab Lounge Chair for Cassina
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This iconic chair designed by Mario Bellini for Cassina c.1970s, Italy, features the original natural toned saddle leather which is wrapped atop a steel frame. The seat has a rounded...
Steel
Charles Eames LCW Chair for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Eames lounge chair for Herman Miller, c.1950's, USA. The design features a wide low seated bent plywood chair. This Lounge Chair Wood (LCW), is part of the Plywood Group seri...
Plywood
$3,200
H 35 in W 24 in D 27.5 in
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. Measures: 35"H x...
Cane, Birch
Rope, Linen and Metal Swing Chair, USA, circa 1960
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sled-shaped swing chair with a tubular metal frame with original white enamel and the original stretched, thick linen seat supported by rope strung around the frame through grommets.