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, "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
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
1960s Danish bar cabinet
Located in Victoria, BC
A 1960s Danish bar cabinet in rosewood, defined by its compact proportions and elevated stance on tapered legs. The case is constructed with well-matched rosewood veneer, showing a c...
Wood
Art deco bar cabinet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Art deco bar cabinet with glass tray. Professionally stained and repolished.
Walnut
Stunning Italian Bar Cabinet
Located in Antwerp, BE
The buffet is mobile and can be driven in the wall unit. The bar has a beautiful copper countertop installed. The cabinets of the wall unit is equipp...
Brass, Copper
Danish Viking Bar Cabinet
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A very unusual, hand painted bar cabinet, as a Danish Viking, made in Italy. Striking naive/modern style, humorous and direct. The back is finished and ...
Wood
Henredon Scene Two Bar Cabinet
By Henredon
Located in North Canton, OH
Exceptional Scene Two Bar Cabinet from Henredon. Arguably the most recognized and sought after of Henredon's vintage collections, the Scene Two pieces from the Legendary maker are so...
Burl
Sunburst Rattan Bar Cabinet
Located in Bradenton, FL
A coastal style rattan bar cabinet with sunburst design in front. A squared wooden frame is wrapped with woven rattan throughout, and the top shelf is trimmed with a braided gallery ...
Rattan
Fine Art Deco Bar Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
A fine Art Deco bar cabinet. Amboyna with marble top and bone escutcheons. Interior with mirrored surfaces, patinated bronze details and glass shelves. Illuminated interior.
Amboyna
$15,555
H 37.01 in W 20.08 in D 17.72 in
Rising Drink Cabinet, Cocktail Bar, Dry Bar, Folding Bar, Pop Up Bar
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This English cocktail cabinet is particularly unusual and elegant. Made of magnificent honey color golden walnut, from 1920's ,I t features on its front, 1 fake cupboard, I fake drawer and 1 real double drawer. . Its top section pops up to reveal a full set of glasses and decanters . And when it closes down, it closes very softly by itself automatically thanks to its elaborate inside mechanism. It features a divided hinged top opening to a rising platform all fitted with a complete set of cut crystal glasses 4 cut crystal decanters. ... When it is open, there are 2 glass top inside its opening lid that you can use for service. Its bottom drawer opens in 2 times and is also fitted with matching glasses. It is a real surprise cabinet as from its exterior ,one can't imagine what is inside but when it opens, it is breathtaking with its rising platform full of different size cut crystal glasses... It is a top quality dry bar with solid brass hardware. This metamorphic cabinet...
Crystal
Bar cabinet, Italy, 1950s
Located in Correggio, IT
This refined 1950s bar cabinet, made in Italy, is a perfect blend of craftsmanship and timeless design. Constructed of fine wood, it stands out for its attention to detail, highlight...
Brass
Contemporary Bar Cabinet
Located in Westwood, NJ
Contemporary Bar Cabinet, radiating beauty, both inside and out, this bar cabinet makes an alluring addition to living and dining interiors. Balanced on a slender metal frame, it features tall doors exquisitely crafted in Koto veneers to create a romantic rosette pattern, artfully accentuated by a beaded wood detail in Pearly White paint. Adding to its lustrous Moonstone finish, gold hardware with a cracked acrylic...
Marble, Metal
$15,555
H 33.86 in W 24.81 in D 23.23 in
Rising Drink Cabinet, Cocktail Bar, Dry Bar, Folding Bar, Pop Up Cabinet
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This English cocktail cabinet is particularly unusual and elegant. Made of honey color golden walnut, from 1910-1920's , it features 4 straight legs and storage compartment on each sides to store bottles and biscuits . Its top section pops up .It features a divided hinged top opening to a rising platform all fitted with complete set of beautiful cut crystal glasses ,a little removable wood tray as well as 3 cut crystal decanters. And inside its top, there is one tray by flap. And when it closes down, it closes very softly by itself automatically thanks to its elaborate inside mechanism. It is a real surprise cabinet as from its exterior ,one can't imagine what is inside but when it opens, it is breathtaking with its rising platform full of beautiful crystal glasses... This metamorphic cabinet...
Crystal