French designer Jean Claude Mahey is best known for his elegant Hollywood Regency and Art Deco–style burl wood furniture. Vintage Mahey tables, mirrors and case pieces are often embellished with decorative techniques so that the rich, sumptuous materials he uses are paired with marquetry, lacquer, marble elements or brass accents that renders his furniture striking in contemporary dining rooms and living rooms.
Born in Mayenne, France, in 1944, Mahey found himself surrounded by a close family of painters and decorators. He graduated from the College of Applied Arts of Paris in 1966. From 1967 to 1976, Mahey worked for several luxury furniture manufacturers such as Maison Jansen, Roche Bobois, Maison Romeo and Maville Interiors. In 1976, he decided to make the bold move of striking out on his own and founded his namesake furniture design company.
Besides his love of marquetry, Mahey was interested in perfecting a heavy lacquer technique that produced mirror-like finishes and softened hard edges. Lacquered furniture and decor have long been cherished by design lovers. In the 18th century, European and English royals adored Japanese lacquerware.
During the Art Deco period, French furniture designers partnered with Japanese lacquerers to create a whole new genre of shimmering cabinetry — Jean Dunand learned the techniques from Japanese lacquer master Seizo Sugawara and introduced his first of many lacquered pieces in 1921. Dunand wasn’t the only Art Deco designer to use the material (Irish architect Eileen Gray famously did so too), but he employed it much more prolifically and decoratively. Collectors greatly admire and seek out Mahey’s lacquered chests of drawers and cabinets.
Today Mahey’s atelier is still family-led. Working closely with his wife, Betty, they have created many successful designs popular throughout France and around the world. In 1992, he opened his current showroom in the center of Paris and soon after, his children Cecilia and Maxence joined the family firm.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Jean Claude Mahey tables, storage pieces, lighting and more.
Mid century modern Brass Wood Coffee Table, by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 50s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant Italian coffee table attributed to Cesare Lacca, dated 1958, featuring a refined combination of brass, wood and a faux marble circular top. The table presents a graceful Mid-...
Brass
Italian mid-century coffee table in wood and metal by ISA Bergamo, 1960s
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Italian mid-century coffee table in wood and metal by ISA Bergamo, 1960s This coffee table by ISA Bergamo, crafted in the 1960s, embodies the timeless sophistication of mid-century I...
Metal
Mid-Century Wood and Glass Coffee Table, Ico Parisi Style, 1950s
By Ico Parisi
Located in Nicolosi, IT
This elegant coffee table was produced in Italy during the 1950s and is designed in the style of Ico Parisi, reflecting the refined Mid-Century Italian approach to form, structure, a...
Brass
Italian Coffee Table Glass Metal and Brass by Marta Marzotto
By Marta Marzotto
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Elegant Italian side table designed by Marta Marzotto, a celebrated fashion figure and cultural personality, also known for her long connection with the artist Renato Guttuso. The pi...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table with Glass & Wood, Italy, 1950s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Nicolosi, IT
This refined coffee table was produced in Italy in the 1950s, in the style of Fontana Arte, reflecting the elegant material dialogue and sculptural clarity characteristic of Italian ...
Brass
Italian wood and mirrror coffee table by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, 1970s
By Fontana Arte, Gianni Celada
Located in Nicolosi, IT
Brama Wooden Coffee Table by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte, Italy, 1970s Elegant and sophisticated, this Brama coffee table, designed by Gianni Celada for Fontana Arte in the 1970s...
Brass
Mid-Century Rectangular Coffee Table in Wood, Brass and Smoked Glass Italy 1960s
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rome, IT
Mid-century rectangular coffee table in wood, brass and smoked glass. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
Metal, Brass
Guy Lefevre Square Brass Coffee Table for Maison Jansen, France 1970s
By Maison Jansen, Guy Lefevre
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Vintage coffee table attributed to Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen, circa 1970s, France. Quality neoclassical style brass geometric square frame with glass shelf. Both smoked brown gla...
Brass
Mid-Century Art Moderne Polished Brass & Gunmetal Coffee Table by Lorin Marsh
By Lorin Marsh
Located in New York, NY
This bold and elegant Mid-Century Modernist Cocktail Table by Lorin Marsh originates from the United States, Circa 1980. Featuring a simplified geometric profile with precise materia...
Brass
Rare and Refined Brass Coffee Table by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Danville, CA
Sophisticated brass coffee table raised on sculpted brass legs with stylized hooved feet by Mastercraft. The brass has its beautiful original antiqued finish along with its bevelled ...
Brass
Luciano Frigerio Mid-Century Modern Italian Design Brass Coffee Table, 1970s
By Luciano Frigerio
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This coffee table was designed by Luciano Frigerio, produced by in the 1970s in Italy, with a very refined design, in solid brass and smoked glass.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Brass and Smoked Glass, Italy, 1970
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Tavolino da centro con struttura in ottone con inserti in radica, piano scantonato di forma rettangolare in vetro fumè.
Brass
