Italian Copper Coffee Table by Lorenzo Burchiellaro, 1970s

An Italian copper coffee table by Lorenzo Burchiellaro from the 1970s, low and architectural, the table is defined by its broad square top, wrapped in sheets of patinated copper.

Each panel is individually applied and secured with a rhythmic line of nailhead trim, introducing a subtle geometry that shifts with the light. The softly aged surface carries the depth and variation unique to patinated copper, giving the piece a richness that evolves over time.

Solid cylindrical legs in warm wood provide a deliberate contrast to the metallic top, grounding the composition while emphasising the balance between natural and industrial materials. Beneath, the underside is finished in black leather—an unexpected detail that reflects Burchiellaro's meticulous approach, where every surface was considered, whether visible or not.

Known for elevating metalwork into functional art, Lorenzo Burchiellaro approached furniture with the sensibility of a sculptor, allowing texture and craftsmanship to define each piece rather than ornament alone.

Lorenzo Burchiellaro (1933–2017) was an Italian metalworker and sculptor celebrated for furniture and decorative objects that blur the line between functional design and sculpture. Working primarily from the 1950s through the 1970s, he created mirrors, tables, vases, and lighting that are instantly recognizable for their richly textured surfaces and organic, handcrafted forms.

Working from his Studio Burchiellaro, he experimented with iron, bronze, copper, pewter, zinc, and other alloys, using innovative metalworking techniques to achieve striking sculptural finishes. His work was exhibited at the Venice Biennale and remains admired for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic approach to modern furniture.