Sculptural mid-century dining table Carlo De Carli 1950s

This refined Italian dining table from the 1950s–60s, attributed to Carlo De Carli, stands out for its sculptural design and the harmonious balance between form and material. Its presence is discreet yet distinctive, capable of defining a space without overpowering it.

The round tabletop features a slim profile with gently beveled edges, veneered in blonde teak chosen for its vivid grain and warm, even tone. The true focal point, however, is the central pedestal: a dodecagonal hourglass-shaped base, masterfully crafted in solid wood. The structure evokes a sense of architectural rhythm and fluid elegance, echoing the organic yet rational language of mid-century Italian design.

This is a piece born of exceptional Italian craftsmanship, with seamless joinery, flowing transitions, and hand-finished surfaces that speak to an era of material integrity and artisan precision.

Fully conservatively restored, it retains its original patina and design identity, respecting the integrity of proportions and finishes. Perfect as a statement dining table or centerpiece in a curated interior, design gallery, or executive space, where 1950s Italian design meets contemporary sensibility.

Diameter 120 / H.80 (cm)

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Shipping (front door at ground floor) from Italy warehouse to : 

Historical Notes on Carlo De Carli and His Collaborations in the 1950s and 1960s

Carlo De Carli (1910–1999) was a central figure in postwar Italian design and architecture. A student and later the successor of Gio Ponti at the Politecnico di Milano, De Carli played a crucial role in redefining Italian interior architecture during the economic and cultural resurgence of the 1950s and 1960s.

His work is characterized by a harmonious balance of experimentation and formal clarity, merging modernist rationality with humanistic sensitivity. Rather than adhering to a rigid stylistic signature, De Carli embraced a fluid and conceptual approach, focusing on the relationship between human scale, spatial function, and material expression.

Throughout the mid-century period, De Carli collaborated with many of the most influential Italian furniture manufacturers, helping to shape what is now recognized as the Italian Mid-Century Modern aesthetic:

Cassina – where he developed furniture with innovative forms and pioneering use of materials.

Tecno – known for functionalist precision and industrial craftsmanship.

Sormani, Cinova, and Jansen – cutting-edge companies invested in the exploration of new design solutions and advanced fabrication techniques.

Longhi and Singer & Sons – instrumental in exporting his refined Italian style to international markets, particularly the United States.

De Carli’s creations from the 1950s and 1960s are now seen as iconic milestones of collectible Italian design, embodying the tension between tradition and modernity, artisanal quality and industrial innovation. His legacy continues to inspire architects, curators, and design collectors worldwide seeking rare and intellectually rich pieces with historical depth and timeless appeal.