1970s Belle Époque Style Outdoor Metal Over Wood and Wrought Iron Patio Coffee Table

Details

Description

A vintage French Belle Époque style style rustic, rectangular shaped, sheet-metal over wood topped patio coffee table. It shows layered … Read more A vintage French Belle Époque style style rustic, rectangular shaped, sheet-metal over wood topped patio coffee table. It shows layered intonations of turquoise green stain over various shades of russet and terra cotta creating a rust and verdigris-speckled surface. With time a highly attractive patina has subsequently developed. It stands on splayed strap-iron legs joined by bowed crossing stretchers, the feet subtly scrolled.

The table was purchased by my family in the 1970s and we are told it was crafted by a French ex-patriot artisan who had relocated to California from the South of France. He was a prolific practitioner of crafting furniture in the manner the Belle Époque tradition. This style is painted-iron and metal furniture was found in French garden and café furnishings, when light yet durable iron pieces were widely produced for terraces, orangeries, and public parks. Strap-iron construction allowed for elegant profiles without sacrificing strength, while multiple coats of paint were applied both to enhance color and to protect the surface. The restrained form and practical rectangular top reflect the period’s blend of industrial fabrication with the graceful lines associated with everyday leisure in late 19th and early 20th-century France.

This table lends character to a conservatory, sunroom, or covered porch, where its weathered surface pairs naturally with stone urns, wicker, or zinc planters. A fitted glass top can provide a smoother surface while preserving the original patina, adding an authentic touch of French plein-air charm. See less