Vintage MCM Chit Chat Chair/Gossip Bench

Telephone tables were all the rage in the middle of the 20th century, in fact, they were aptly named “gossip tables” at one time. Most likely this moniker came about as a result of all the juicy rumours that would be exchanged over the ‘phone across many homes around the country. Another name I came across when researching this piece was “chit-chat chair“!

If you are looking to incorporate a quirky feature or add a practical piece of MCM furniture to an otherwise neutral hallway, a mid-century telephone table is a great solution. Not only will it provide you with a station on which to put a telephone, a vase or perhaps a bowl of pot pourri but also somewhere to sit whilst putting on shoes. This table looks as good from the back or front, so useful as extra seating in the living room with an attached table for drinks and storage for books or games!

This telephone table with its classic Danish design lines is a great example from the mid-century modern era, a hardwood solid teak coloured frame with seat and built-in side table with storage shelf. The top, sides and the shelf are in quite a striking teak effect grained formica, so practical and wipeable. The seat has still got lots of bounce in it and is upholstered in a black vinyl, possibly its original. There are no nicks or holes in the fabric and the piece has been thoroughly degreased, re-oiled and polished. Structurally sound, this piece is in excellent vintage condition only showing wear consistent with age and use.


Just a bit of history:-
The gossip bench began as a shelf for the telephone (then a very large and cumbersome non-portable object) to rest upon, usually in the hallway of the home. Naturally, telephone users began using regular chairs to sit on while using the telephone. It was only a matter of time until the two (shelf and chair) were combined into one stylish piece of furniture by opportunistic furniture craftsmen everywhere. A lamp and the telephone would typically be placed on the table top of the gossip bench, while a telephone directory would be stored in the drawer underneath.

Approximate Measurements
Height 42 cm
Width 83 cm
Depth 36 cm
Seat height 35 cm x width 43 cm x depth 36cm
Weight 8 kg

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. 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 read the details and examine the images prior to purchase. If you’re unsure, or would like some more information, please contact us, we’re always happy to help.


Our Delivery Policy
 
Safely delivering items you purchase in a timely fashion is both our priority and also one of the most challenging aspects of our business.
 
Where possible, we would prefer to hand deliver, either by ourselves or via our dedicated courier. This ensures that your purchases arrive in exactly the condition they were in when you purchased them, as accurately described on our site. Grouping these deliveries together, which both saves you cost and also benefits the environment, 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.
 
We offer free delivery on some items within 15 miles of Cambridge and also throughout mainland UK on some items advertised. Where free delivery applies, it is most likely to be hand or courier delivered, so expect it to be between 1 and 3 weeks.
 
Our minimum packaging and delivery cost is £30; larger, heavier, or multiple items, or for outreaching areas of the UK, are likely to be significantly more expensive. For multiple purchases, we will happily discount.
 
We are able to package and export items beyond mainland UK and have done so as far afield as Hong Kong and New Zealand. Please contact us directly for a tailored quotation.
 
When ordering, please supply us with your email address and 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 access, parking restrictions etc.).
 
Please note that if we are unable to deliver on a pre-arranged day, you will be charged the full delivery fee for re-delivery.