want it now: bruno mathsson maria table
I’ve found *the table*. The one I’ve been imagining in my brain, dreaming of for our open dining room. The table that magically expands from mere inches wide to seat as many as 12. It exists, and it’s the Maria table, designed by Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. Created in 1936, the “Maria” is no longer in production, sadly. I found one available in gorgeous rosewood dating back to the 1960′s at 1st dibs for $8,500. Ouch! Even though I have no problem paying for originals, that’s way too much champagne for my beer budget. I found a version at eBay (though it may not be authentic) starting at $1,199. No bids yet — though still no where near my price range. I guess I’ll keep scouring the thrift stores and estate sales for my bargain score. –Megan B.
I have seen these around our area. They aren’t designer and rosewood but they also aren’t $1200! More like $300. If I find one should I email you??? I’m in Akron, OH.
Kimberj, I’ve seen these too, in one of the many catalogs I receive, and at around the price you mention. I just can’t remember which catalog it was in! If you remember where you’ve seen them, can you please post it here? I covet one of these myself, as it would solve my “I have limited space and rarely use my dining table — but still need to have one!” dilemma.
Kimberj– I’d love to find one @ that price, but I’m all the way on the west coast in Seattle. I do have Ohio connections, though, and would probably be willing to have it shipped out here if it were affordable enough. I’m just hoping that by putting it out there, one will find it’s way to me.
We have imported this table to the U.S. since 1955. The table is still manufactured today. However it is no longer made in Rosewood. The finishes are: birch, oak or beech. The price is: $ 4500. The table is made by Bruno Mathsson Int’l in Varnamo, Sweden.
I know this was over a year ago and I do have this table….we live in st. louis, missouri…if still interested please respond to my e-mail…..thanks…susie
I grew up with a Maria table in Miami, FL and I love it. My sister now owns the family table, so I am also on a hunt for a used Mathsson table in the “under $1000″ range. Check eBay and craigslist…they seem to have them every once in a while.
I find it hard to believe that my parents, as poor newlyweds in the early 60s, bought a multi-thousand-dollar table (adjusted back for inflation) as part of their teak Danish modern furnishings, or that such a costly table stayed open for tutoring in our living room all those years.
Like Dawn my sibling has it — was looking it up as I was opening my grandfather’s expandable table for Thanksgiving. Not as teak or Danish or modern, apparently that table with sliders and leaves, that goes from 76″x36″ down to about 24″ — not quite thin enough to go behind a couch — costs about the same.
I guess all the housing costs they saved by living in those tiny rent-controlled apartment went to clever furniture.