1950s Atomic Black and White Formica Drop Leaf Dining Table with Metal Frame

A fabulous example of 1950s British design, combining clever space-saving construction with a wonderfully bold monochrome Formica surface.

The star of this table is undoubtedly its striking black and white abstract patterned top. Graphic, playful and unmistakably mid-century, it has just the right amount of period kitsch while feeling remarkably contemporary today. Combined with the simple black edging and slender tubular metal frame, the monochrome surface gives the table a particularly strong and distinctive look.

Designed at a time when furniture needed to be both attractive and genuinely useful, the table has two independently folding leaves, allowing it to adapt easily to the space available. Fully opened it comfortably provides dining space for four; lower one leaf for a compact table for two, or fold both leaves away when floor space is at a premium.

Despite being surprisingly lightweight and easy to move, this is a solid and sturdy table. Each leaf is supported by a substantial sliding tubular metal arm, which pulls out from beneath the tabletop to create a strong and stable surface when opened. Brass hinges secure the folding leaves and add another pleasing original period detail.

Although originally intended for the post-war kitchen or dining area, its simplicity and versatility make it extremely relevant to modern living. It would work beautifully as a kitchen or breakfast table, apartment dining table, occasional desk or work table, while its practical wipe-clean surface makes it equally appealing for a coffee shop, studio, office breakout space or creative commercial interior.

An original period supplier’s label remains beneath the table for Newhome Furnishings Ltd, Complete House Furnishers, The Broadway, Wood Green, London N22, providing a lovely piece of its history. The wording “Supplied by” suggests Newhome were the original retailer rather than necessarily the manufacturer.

The table has been thoroughly cleaned and polished rather than over-restored, retaining the character and patina appropriate to a genuine piece of mid-century furniture. There are a few very small nibbles to the edges of the tabletop and age-related wear to the black finish on the metal legs and frame. We have deliberately retained this rather than repainting it. None detracts from the overall appearance or use of the table, which remains solid, sturdy and fit for purpose. Please study the photographs as these form part of the description.

A wonderfully decorative and practical piece of mid-century furniture — lightweight enough to move easily, compact when required, large enough to comfortably seat four when opened, and with a fabulous Formica pattern that really sets it apart.

Approximate Measurements

Height 74 cm
Width /Length 107 cm when fully extended. With 1 extension down 83 cm
Both extensions down 61 cm
Width between the legs when extensions are down
56 cm bottom 42 cm top.
Depth 70 cm

We also currently have period dining chairs from the same era, newly upholstered in black vinyl, which work particularly well with the monochrome table. The last three photos show the chairs with a stool around the table. If you are interested in creating a complete dining set, please message us — a discount can be offered when purchasing the table and chairs together.

CONDITION

Please bear in mind that all our vintage and retro items have had a life before you purchase them (sometimes quite a long one!) therefore they will show signs of wear and use, these may include knocks, dents and scratches, bumps and scuffs which are commensurate with age and previous use. We never sell items that we wouldn’t be happy to have in our own homes and provide images detailing any significant damage or unusual wear. Please carefully read the details and examine the images prior to purchase. All our items have been thoroughly cleaned and de-greased, re-oiled and polished (where necessary) and are fit for purpose. If you’re unsure, or would like some more information, please contact us, we’re always happy to help.

OUR DELIVERY POLICY

THERE ARE EXCLUSIONS TO OUR FREE DELIVERY POLICY - PLEASE SEE BELOW.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU PURCHASE FROM AN OFF-SITE ADVERT FOR ETSY, FREE DELIVERY WILL NOT APPLY (AS WE ARE CHARGED CONSIDERABLY MORE).

FREE DELIVERY DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLY TO ANY SALE ITEMS.

Safely delivering items you purchase in a timely fashion is both our priority and also one of the most challenging aspects of our business.

Wherever possible, we try to offer free kerbside delivery, contact-free, to most mainland UK addresses, either by ourselves or via our dedicated, trusted, couriers. This ensures that your purchases arrive in exactly the condition they were in when you purchased them, as accurately described on our site. You should expect delivery to be within 1 to 3 weeks of you placing the order. We will contact you directly with a firm delivery date and advise you in advance of a two hour delivery window.

Exclusions to free delivery apply, including where tolls or congestion zone fees apply, for which there will be an additional charge.

Free delivery does not apply to locations a long way away from our location in Cambridge or to areas of mainland UK not routinely covered by our trusted couriers - if this applies to your purchase, we will simply charge you what we are charged for delivery, less any Etsy fees, and notify you of this as soon as practicable after the sale goes through.

We are able to package and export items beyond mainland UK and have done so as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. We regularly export to Northern Ireland and Eire and the majority of Europe. Please contact us directly for a tailored quotation.

When ordering, please supply us with your mobile ‘phone number, so we may liaise directly with you regarding delivery. Please advise if there are any delivery restrictions that will apply (such as anything other than ground floor access, parking and access restrictions etc.). We reserve the right to charge for deliveries outside of our standard terms.

Please note that if we are unable to deliver on a pre-arranged day, you will be charged a flat fee of £50 for re-delivery.