Cor Alons coffee table for C. de Boer - an icon of Dutch design - mid-century

This coffee table, designed by Cor Alons for the furniture manufacturer C. Den Boer of Gouda, is a remarkable, museum-worthy example of early 1950s Dutch modernism. It embodies the functionalist ideals of the era: lightness, transparency, and an authentic use of materials. Its design is both elegant and functional. Alons created an airy, light structure, breaking with the solid, closed nature of traditional furniture. The piece consists of an open, curved compartment for magazines, covered with a transparent glass panel that reveals the storage space within. The crucial aspect of this design lies in the choice of materials and the manufacturing technique. The structure is made of high-quality bent plywood, covered with a light birch veneer. The use of bent plywood was a cutting-edge technique at the time, allowing for the production of fine, sturdy, and affordable furniture. The characteristic round perforations on the sides of the storage compartment are not merely a decorative detail; They also help to lighten the structure and make it more visible. Its slender, angled legs contribute to its dynamic, modern, and now timeless look. Thanks to its understated elegance and ingenious design, this coffee table has become a design classic and a major reference point for post-war Dutch design. This example is in excellent vintage condition and ready to use. It shows normal signs of wear for a piece of furniture over half a century old, but nothing truly bothersome. Country of origin: The Netherlands Manufacturer: C. De Boer Designer: Cor Alons Period: 1950s Height: 52 cm Length: 89 cm Depth: 44.5 cm