Rare French Elm Coffee Table by Ebénisterie Seltz, 1970s

A rare French modular coffee table from the 1970s by Ebénisterie Seltz, crafted entirely in solid elm.

The table is composed of three independent sections, each with a curved top, lower shelf, and three legs. Together, they nest into a round coffee table, with the curved edges meeting at the center. Each section can also be moved independently, allowing the table to open into a larger, more fluid arrangement or separate entirely into three individual low tables.

This flexibility is central to the design. The sections can be pulled apart to accommodate a larger seating area, shifted as needed, or brought back together into their compact circular form. The lower shelves follow the same curves as the tops, giving each element a finished profile whether used together or on its own.

The solid elm construction brings warmth to the unusual form, with pronounced grain running across the tops, shelves, and legs. Its combination of modularity, substantial craftsmanship, and an uncommon three-part design makes it a particularly interesting example of Ebénisterie Seltz's work.

About Ebénisterie Seltz
Established in 1930 in the Alsace wine region of eastern France, Ebénisterie Seltz began as a family-run cabinet-making workshop focused on small-batch, high-quality production. From the outset it catered to an “elite” French clientele that valued solid timber, traditional joinery, and meticulous finishing.

The workshop specialized in solid oak and elm, favouring wide planks, through-tenon joints, and a hand-rubbed satin finish that reveals the grain rather than masking it. This mix of honest construction and simple geometry became the Seltz signature.

Seltz is best known for producing several of Pierre Chapo’s designs. Chapo chose the Alsatian atelier for its ability to execute complex carpentry at scale without compromising quality.

Seltz's own creations combined clean, geometric forms with organic elements, often using high-quality natural materials like solid oak and elm. Their work was defined by intricate wood joinery techniques and a minimalist approach, offering functional yet aesthetically distinctive furniture for modern interiors.