Mel Smilow Slat Coffee Table
View Similar Items
Mel Smilow Slat Coffee Table
About the Item
- Creator:Mel Smilow (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 17.5 in (44.45 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 30 in (76.2 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1950s
- Condition:nicely maintained original finish.
- Seller Location:Southampton, NJ
- Reference Number:Seller: jhr1stDibs: LU1566220208572
Mel Smilow
“Enduring, modern and classic” is how mid-century modern furniture designer Mel Smilow used to describe his chairs, benches, coffee tables and other pieces, which were not only functional and durable but were designed to become timeless heirlooms for American families.
Smilow was born in the Bronx, New York, and, in 1939, attended Pratt Institute, where he studied to become a commercial artist. However, his father’s death forced him to discontinue his schooling and, at the age of 17, he took over his father’s role as a wholesale furniture salesman.
Following his stint in the army during World War II, Smilow partnered with colleague Morton Thielle in 1949 to form the furniture manufacturer and retailer Smilow-Thielle. Although they had planned to sell quality furniture made by American manufacturers, Smilow was unsatisfied with their designs and became Smilow-Thielle’s chief designer.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Smilow used a variety of American hardwoods such as walnut, beech and oak for his benches, lounge chairs, sofas, table lamps, coffee tables, and other furnishings. One of his more popular designs was the Floating Platform bed — John Lennon and Yoko Ono owned one.
Although Smilow intended his designs to be comfortable and affordable for the “average American family,” his work was defined by the clean lines, delicate construction and symmetry often seen in Scandinavian modernist or Japanese furniture, and it drew attention and acclaim from designers and critics.
For instance, Buckminster Fuller placed Smilow’s rocking chairs in the geodesic dome he designed as the U.S. pavilion for Expo 1967, in Montreal, and Pratt Institute featured his ottoman as part of an exhibition of “well-designed furniture for under $25.” The New York Times, the New Yorker magazine and William Hennessey’s book Modern Furnishings for the Home also featured Smilow’s furniture.
Smilow-Thielle operated retail locations in the New York metro area as well as in Washington, D.C., with the firm’s flagship store occupying prime real estate on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan for several decades. Smilow’s designs have been likened to those of Jens Risom and Børge Mogensen and certainly wouldn’t have looked out of place in a Herman Miller showroom in the postwar era, but they have distinctive joinery details and a quiet strength that make them unique.
In 1969, Smilow and Thielle ended their partnership, with Smilow retaining sole company ownership. In 1981, Smilow retired and closed the business, turning his attention toward sculpting, painting and printmaking.
Although he died in 2002, Smilow’s legacy of furniture-making has lived on. His daughter, Judy, formed Smilow Design in 2013, which carries on her father’s tradition of creating “enduring, modern and classic” designs. Following Judy’s death of ALS in 2018, the company has been run by her husband, Steven Schoenfelder and her two children, who are still managing the brand today.
On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage Mel Smilow seating, tables and lighting.
- Pierre Cardin Cantilevered Coffee or Cocktail TableBy Pierre CardinLocated in Southampton, NJCantilevered coffee or cocktail table rendered in wood with new Cerulean blue lacquered finish by Pierre Cardin. Simply exquisite.Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWood, Lacquer
- Artedi Travertine Brass & Glass Coffee Cocktail TableBy ArtediLocated in Southampton, NJMid-Century Modern Artedi travertine coffee or cocktail table with brass support and beveled glass top. Distinct striations throughout the impressive...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsTravertine, Brass
- Ficks Reed Pagoda Rattan Chairs & Table SetBy Ficks ReedLocated in Southampton, NJFicks Reed Pagoda style lounge chairs & table set of rattan and raffia with hardwood seats and original spring construction. In marvelous vintage con...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsUpholstery, Bamboo, Raffia, Rattan, Reed
$5,200 / set - 1970's, Brown Jordan Rattan Dining Table & Chair SetBy Brown JordanLocated in Southampton, NJFully restored outdoor or patio dining set consisting of four marvelous steam bent arm or club chairs with new vintage stock Sunbrella upholstery, foam a...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
MaterialsLeather, Bamboo, Rattan, Reed, Glass
- McGuire San Francisco Swivel End Tables, PairBy McGuireLocated in Southampton, NJA pair of 1960's Oak & Bamboo two tier swivel side tables by Mcguire San Francisco with refinished tops & original Mcguire Brass tags.Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsRattan, Oak
$1,495 / set - 1960's McGuire Hexagon Rattan Coastal Dining TableLocated in Southampton, NJUnique 1960's rattan table base by McGuire San Francisco with striking Herringbone design elements & laced leather enhanced joinery. 47" Hexagon shap...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsLeather, Bamboo, Rattan, Wood
- Salterini Coffee TableBy Woodard Furniture Co., SalteriniLocated in New York, NYChic architectural mid century coffee table of wrought iron and metal mesh, attributed to Salterini. This example is in very good, clean, and original condition, perfect for the garden, patio, or poolside use. Please view our extensive collection of vintage garden, patio, and poolside furniture, listed at Barbarella Home...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture
MaterialsWrought Iron
- Large Wicker Coffee TableLocated in Brooklyn, NYBeautiful diamond wove coffee table with glass top. Great for indoor and outdoor use. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsWicker, Glass
$1,160 Sale Price20% Off - Urushi Coffee TableBy Da ALocated in Milan, ITStunning in its simplicity, this indoor-outdoor coffee table is composed of strikingly shaped legs and frame crafted of welded steel supporting a sleek steel top with a unique textur...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsSteel
$6,035 / item - Daiquiri Coffee TableBy Da ALocated in Milan, ITA splendid piece of sculptural allure, this coffee table will make a bold statement in any indoor or outdoor contemporary decor. Crafted of steel, its geometric silhouette is marked ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal
$4,205 / item - Italian 1970s Bamboo Coffee TableLocated in Sheffield, MAA stylish floating bamboo coffee table for the porch, patio, living room or family room. Slightly more rectangular than square. The glass is missing but we are happy to provide.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsBamboo
- I-Tube Large Coffee TableBy Da ALocated in Milan, ITThe two cylindrical elements supporting the large round top are distinctive elements of this splendid coffee table. Crafted of steel, the base is finished with a smooth matte black c...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsSteel
$5,030 / item