Plycraft Center Tables

While the history of Plycraft is marred by scandal and lawsuits, the American furniture manufacturer produced charming lounge chairs and other seating during the mid-century modern era that are sought after by collectors today.

Paul Goldman founded Plycraft in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1953 — he had secured military contracts for the manufacturing of bentwood products during World War II and was able to move into the commercial market thereafter. While Plycraft counted fiberglass boats among its early offerings, its primary focus switched to furniture when what we now call mid-century modernism hit its stride and more designers began to explore the possibilities of bentwood furniture thanks to the revolutionary work of Alvar Aalto and Michael Thonet. Goldman was Plycraft’s principal designer, but George Mulhauser and Norman Cherner were also enlisted to create furniture for the brand.

In 1952, a designer named John F. Pile, who was working in the studio of Herman Miller design director George Nelson, conceived what he called the Pretzel chair in walnut and birch. Pile’s seat, which was inspired by European modernist design, proved too costly to manufacture and it had structural problems. So the illustrious Michigan furniture maker subcontracted Plycraft to produce the Pretzel chair — an agreement that was short-lived owing to a dispute between Plycraft and Herman Miller.

Goldman subsequently tapped Norman Cherner — an innovative architect, designer and professor at Columbia University who was recommended by Nelson — to create an iteration of the Pretzel chair that would be stronger and cost-efficient to manufacture.

Cherner submitted a comfortable, curvaceous update to the Pretzel chair in molded plywood but was told by Plycraft that the project was being scrapped and his drawings shelved. Months later, Cherner was shocked to stumble upon his redesigned chair in a furniture showroom in New York under the Plycraft name. Cherner sued Plycraft and won — the Cherner chair later appeared in a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.

In the late 1950s, designer George Mulhauser created the Mr. Chair for Plycraft, an adjustable, tilting, swivel armchair with a matching ottoman. Mulhauser was also a designer in George Nelson’s studio and is credited with having conceived the iconic Coconut lounge chair for Herman Miller. With its tufted leather seat and shell crafted from a single sheet of plywood, the Mr. Chair lounge — part of a line of seating for which Mulhauser was commissioned — bears a resemblance to the now-legendary Eames lounge chair, which was designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Mulhauser’s chair was very successful for Plycraft. A model was even spotted on an episode of Star Trek.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Plycraft seating, tables and more.

Creator: Plycraft

'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s

$3,800Sale Price|22% Off

'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s

By George Mulhauser, Plycraft

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A sculptural and highly collectible example of the 'Sultana' dining table designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft in the 1960s. Part of an iconic line that included tables, seating and coordinating pieces, this table exemplifies Mulhauser’s ability to marry structural ingenuity with decorative flair. The design is anchored by a sweeping, scroll-formed wood base refinished in a dark brown stain, its looping curves radiating outward to create a visually dynamic silhouette that remains remarkably elegant. Resting atop this sculptural support is a 48" round glass top (but different size tops can be made upon request), which displays the base like a piece of modern art while providing generous surface area for dining or entertaining. Part of Plycraft’s signature Sultana line is a suite that also included armchairs and side chairs, this table reflects the best of mid-century American modernism with a Hollywood Regency sensibility. Its balanced proportions, bold yet refined detailing, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional focal point for both classic and contemporary interiors. Ideal for collectors, interior designers and decorators, and discerning clients seeking a centerpiece dining table that is both functional and a work of art, this Mulhauser Sultana...

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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Wood

“Lock D” Sculptural Bamboo Dining Table, 'Base'

$2,154 / item

H 29.5 in W 35.4 in D 40.9 in

“Lock D” Sculptural Bamboo Dining Table, 'Base'

By Jan Paul

Located in Maastricht, NL

“LOCK” sculptural bamboo dining table is designed out of the qualities, possibilities and characteristics of its material: bamboo. The frame is build up from pressed layers of flexible bamboo. The shape is formed by the bamboo’s natural bending curve. The layers of bamboo curve through each other and entwine, locking each other in place. Two different color-tones are used: natural and caramel bamboo. This “layer cake”enhances the curves ,flow and shape of the table. End result is a mix of nature and mathematics, of possible and impossible. A strong dynamic shape that looks different watched from different viewing points...

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2010s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Bamboo, Glass

1970s Sculptural Chrome Dining Or Center Table

$3,360Sale Price|20% Off

H 29 in Dm 48 in

1970s Sculptural Chrome Dining Or Center Table

By Pace Furniture Company

Located in Saint Louis, MO

Modern sleek and sculptural chrome 1970s tubular dining or center table. This table is simply stunning. The photographs really capture its beauty. Curved chrome supports reflect and ...

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1970s American Modern Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Chrome

Sculptural Polished aluminium Dining Table signed Fred Brouard, circa 1979

$36,000Sale Price|20% Off

H 29 in W 79 in D 42.5 in

Sculptural Polished aluminium Dining Table signed Fred Brouard, circa 1979

By Fred Brouard

Located in Miami, FL

Signed and numbered by the artist. Fred Brouard was renowned in his time for bringing unique curves, striking finishes, and bold designs to the fore of late 20th century furnishin...

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1970s French Modern Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s

$1,822Sale Price|22% Off

H 28.35 in Dm 43.31 in

Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This rosewood dining table from the 1960s is an iconic example of Danish furniture design. The table is created with care and expertise, and its timeless aesthetic fits perfectly wit...

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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Brass and Lucite Dining Table by Sandro Petti for Metalarte, 1970s

$3,607Sale Price|60% Off

H 29.93 in W 82.68 in D 43.31 in

Brass and Lucite Dining Table by Sandro Petti for Metalarte, 1970s

By Sandro Petti, Metalarte

Located in Paris, IDF

A rare find, this dining table exemplifies the designs by Sandro Petti for company Metalarte around 1970. A thick transparent glass surface has a striking oblong shape and rests atop...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Brass

Dining Room Table by Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois 1980s

$6,715Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.53 in W 45.67 in D 45.67 in

Dining Room Table by Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois 1980s

By Jean Claude Mahey, Roche Bobois

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

Rare and fine quality French design 1980s square luxury dining room table by Jean Claude Mahey for Roche Bobois. This fantastic tabl...

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1980s French Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Smoked Glass, Walnut

Striking Sculptural Octopus Gilt Bronze Center or Dining Table

$11,392

H 30.32 in Dm 55.12 in

Striking Sculptural Octopus Gilt Bronze Center or Dining Table

Located in Rome, IT

Modern gilt bronze dining or center table in the shape of an octopus. The glass top can be custom-made on request. Dimensions of the sculpture is height 77 cm diameter 115 cm. Glas...

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21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Bronze

Large Fine French Art Deco Extendable Oval Dining Table by Georges Renouvin

$22,000

H 28.55 in W 63.78 in D 55.91 in

Large Fine French Art Deco Extendable Oval Dining Table by Georges Renouvin

By Georges Renouvin

Located in Long Island City, NY

In rosewood, with a lyre-shape pedestal standing on an octagonal base, the table opens in the middle to receive six original center leaves in raw wood with no apron, for a total leng...

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1930s French Art Deco Vintage Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

Sculptural Hollywood Palm Regency Dining or Centre Table

$3,825Sale Price|20% Off

H 29.14 in Dm 51.19 in

Sculptural Hollywood Palm Regency Dining or Centre Table

Located in Sherborne, GB

This dramatic sculptural table has a matte cream/white finish, a lacquer on wood, with a removable beveled clear glass top. In the manner of Serge Roche or Dorothy Draper. This cool ...

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Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Lacquer

Sculptural TM Dining Entry Table in Waxed Aluminum and Glass by Jonathan Nesci

$26,650

H 29 in Dm 60 in

Sculptural TM Dining Entry Table in Waxed Aluminum and Glass by Jonathan Nesci

By Jonathan Nesci

Located in Columbus, IN

Sculptural TM table in wax-polished aluminum with .75 inch thick glass top. The form is composed of two Nesci-Triangle forms that loft together to form the base of this glass-topped ...

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2010s American Minimalist Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Aluminum

Turno dining, living table, in lacquered wood by Frattinifrilli for Medulum

$3,597 / item

H 29.53 in W 47.25 in D 47.25 in

Turno dining, living table, in lacquered wood by Frattinifrilli for Medulum

Located in Meolo, Venezia

“Exquisite melting silken tints, veined roses and pale violets, like the draperies of Veronese, golden orange, yellows, vinous and intense, like Titian’s simarres … undulate, conflict, and lose themselves under the innumerable flaming darts descending from above at every discharge of the sun’s rays.” Hippolyte Taine, Italy Turning identity. An object and its infinite possibilities; unique and unmistakeable, while at the same time constantly different. Like the lagoon landscape, in its infinite nuances of luminous reflections, glare and iridescent colours, the table designed by frattinifrilli – Milanese designer Davide Frattini Frilli – reveals itself to be a piece of furniture with an unmistakeable identity, which simultaneously expresses numerous aspects of its identity. In TURNO, a tabletop with an imposing personality – solid, and at the same time lightweight, entirely similar to a solid sculpture...

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2010s Italian Plycraft Center Tables

Materials

Wood, Plywood

Dining Table Made In Dark Oak, Danish Design From 1960s

$1,738

H 27.96 in W 51.19 in D 51.19 in

Dining Table Made In Dark Oak, Danish Design From 1960s

Located in Lejre, DK

This Danish-designed dining table from the 1960s exudes a timeless appeal with its elegant silhouette and rich dark oak finish. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it showca...

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