Side Table in Hardwood & Marble, Percival Lafer, 1970s

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Designed by Percival Lafer (1936–2024) in the 1970s, this side table reflects the designer’s exploration of structural expression and material … Read more Designed by Percival Lafer (1936–2024) in the 1970s, this side table reflects the designer’s exploration of structural expression and material contrast within Brazilian modernism. Known for integrating industrial detailing with robust hardwood construction, Lafer developed a vocabulary defined by clarity of form and visible joinery—principles distilled in this example.

The composition is anchored by a rectilinear frame in peroba rosa, its substantial legs softly rounded at the corners and joined by horizontal stretchers that articulate the table’s architectural logic. Exposed metal fasteners punctuate the upper joints, serving not as ornament but as a candid expression of assembly. This detail reinforces the structural clarity that characterizes Lafer’s work during this period.

A white marble top rests within the wooden frame, introducing a measured contrast in tone and texture. The cool, honed stone surface balances the warmth and density of the peroba rosa, creating a dialogue between mass and refinement. The proportions remain disciplined: the thickness of the marble is calibrated to the weight of the frame, allowing the table to read as grounded yet visually composed.

The peroba rosa has been professionally refinished to revive its natural depth and grain variation, presenting in excellent vintage condition. The marble retains a clean surface with subtle veining consistent with the material.

Referenced in Lafer’s published work, this table exemplifies the designer’s commitment to material integrity and structural legibility. A thoughtfully resolved piece, it stands as an authentic expression of Brazilian modern design—where engineering, proportion, and restraint converge in enduring form. See less