A beautifully made Swedish Art Deco gentleman’s dressing table, dating from the 1930s and constructed in richly figured flamed birch with contrasting rosewood details and brass fittings.

The piece has an unusually elegant and architectural form. When closed, it presents as a compact cabinet on four slender supports, raised on a rectangular platform base with small spherical feet. Above, a circular mirror rises from the centre of the top and can be adjusted in height, with two settings for the angle of tilt.

The dressing table is cleverly designed with a surprising amount of concealed storage. The upper section incorporates a central lined drawer, while hinged panels to either side open outwards to reveal further lined compartments for smaller personal items. When opened, these panels also extend the usable surface of the table. Below, a single cupboard provides additional storage with an adjustable internal rosewood shelf.

The quality of the cabinetmaking is evident throughout. The highly figured flamed birch has been carefully selected and arranged across the drawer front, cupboard and side panels, with the darker rosewood used to frame the lighter timber and emphasise the geometry of the construction. Small turned rosewood handles and spherical feet introduce a repeated circular detail that is echoed by the large round mirror above, while restrained brass fittings complete the piece.

There is something wonderfully unexpected about the appearance of the piece. When closed, the circular mirror and tall, narrow cabinet give it an almost anthropomorphic quality; when opened, this becomes more pronounced as the two side compartments extend outwards almost like arms. Combined with the precise geometry of the cabinet and its carefully considered mechanical details, the effect feels remarkably modern, even slightly futuristic, reflecting the more adventurous side of Swedish Art Deco design during the 1930s.

For us, much of the appeal lies in this contrast between its rather formal appearance when closed and the ingenuity revealed as the various compartments are opened. It is a piece designed around a very specific purpose, yet its compact proportions, beautiful materials and unusual sculptural presence make it equally compelling as a piece of furniture today.

The designer and maker are currently unknown, but the quality of the construction, materials and detailing are characteristic of high-quality Swedish cabinetmaking of the period.

The dressing table has been professionally restored and hand polished, bringing out the depth and figuring of the birch while retaining the warmth and character of the original timber. The piece remains in excellent condition, with signs of age and use consistent with its date.

Viewing is warmly welcomed at our West London showroom.

High-resolution photographs, detailed condition reports and video inspections are available upon request.

We offer local, national and international shipping.

Please contact us for further information or to arrange a private viewing.