Silvio Coppola walnut sideboard by Bernini, Italy, 1960s

Sideboard with Doors and Drawers, Walnut Wood, Italian Production, Design by Silvio Coppola, 1960s

Wood takes center stage in this architecturally shaped sideboard, which fits into the long Italian tradition of handcrafted furniture. The design is the work of Silvio Coppola, an architect and urban planner known for his distinctly recognizable style. Upon examining the piece, we observe how the doors and smooth surfaces showcase a very particular wood cut: the grain is highlighted in the typical flamed pattern of Italian walnut. The sideboard features a beveled shape that softens its dimensions, resulting in a pleasantly balanced design. The top surface is made of thick wood that complements the aesthetics of the piece, harmonizing with the large, sculpted knobs. The joinery, treated as decorative elements, and the distinctive opening of the drawers further attest to the craftsmanship of this piece. Opening the side drawers is a delightful surprise: with a design precision that could be reminiscent of automotive craftsmanship, the outermost drawers open on a pivot, revealing two triangular, spacious, and useful compartments.

The substantial columns that support the structure align perfectly with the spirit of the entire piece, which, following Coppola's aesthetic, communicates solidity and a strong visual presence. In his architectural work, such as the Italian masterpiece of Florence’s railway station, as well as in his furniture designs, a unique vision tending toward monumentality is evident. All of Coppola’s projects are appreciated for their nod to brutalist architecture, which, when translated into furniture, softened by the warmth of domestic environments, loses its harshness and conveys a sense of solidity, security, and gentle majesty.

Dimensions: Width: 79.53 in (202 cm), Depth: 19.49 in (49.5 cm), Height: 37.41 in (95 cm)