Charlotte Perriand

CHARLOTTE PERRIAND (Paris, 1903–1999) for Les Arcs
Circular coffee table, circa 1967–1969.
Stained solid pine.
Provenance: private residence in the Lyon region, France.
The piece was restored and finished with shellac by its previous owner. It shows slight signs of wear consistent with its age and visible restoration on the tabletop, which does not affect its structural stability.
Measurements: 33 x 103 cm in diameter.

Coffee table or center table made of solid pine, featuring a thick circular tabletop supported by four sturdy cylindrical legs. The rounded, raised edge of the tabletop is lined on the inside by a recessed groove that accentuates its profile and adds rhythm to the surface. The design is based on the boldness of its basic forms and the contrast between the horizontal expanse of the tabletop and the compact presence of the legs. Its straightforward construction and the absence of ornamental elements allow the grain and warm tone of the pine to take center stage. The result combines a striking architectural presence with the organic and welcoming character typical of Alpine furniture.

The design draws inspiration from the furnishings conceived for the Les Arcs resort, a project in which Charlotte Perriand participated beginning in 1967 and where she developed functional solutions adapted to mountain living and mass production. In these interiors, she turned to durable, natural materials—especially wood—seeking furniture that was sturdy, simple, and suitable for intensive daily use.

Charlotte Perriand was a French architect and designer, considered one of the key figures in 20th-century modern design. Beginning in 1927, she worked at Le Corbusier’s studio, collaborating with Pierre Jeanneret on the creation of some of the most iconic furniture pieces of the modernist movement.

Her interest in the mountains played a central role in her work. Between 1967 and 1989, she participated in the development of Les Arcs, in Savoie, contributing to its urban planning, architecture, and interior design. Her design language combined functionality, structural clarity, and a sensitivity to natural materials. His works are held in institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.