1stDibs’s all-time top seller started life as washed-up coral on a seafront

1stDibs, the luxury interiors e-commerce company, has revealed their annual report, including their all-time top furniture sale. The furnishing in question is John Brevard’s Custom Solid Zinc Dining Table, which is listed for $715,000 (approximately £529,000). 

The table comes from artist John Brevard’s Decay of Time functional sculpture series, which he designed to celebrate the ‘natural beauty of our world’ through ancient materials and ethical sources – in a stylish nod to sustainability. This dining table (below) is amongst the most dramatic modern decorating ideas from the collection, and 1stDibs agrees.

While 1stDibs’ (opens in new tab) customers are inevitably attracted to its statement waterfall design, there is more to the table than meets that eye. Like all furnishings in the Decay of Time (opens in new tab) series, the piece began life as coral that had washed ashore from beaches because of the climate crisis. 

John then placed the coral into molds with recycled zinc poured into the cast before he burned them as the molten metal cooled. The result is, as John describes, ‘a beautiful yet haunting imprint’ that will exist on the zinc permanently. 

Then, to create a juxtaposition with the zinc’s rugged texture, the artist inlays petrified wood before polishing it to create a smooth sheen. The table, which has reset dining room ideas worldwide epitomizes this process – meaning its popularity is unsurprising.  

Following closely behind Brevard’s table, 1stDibs revealed the George Nakashima’s 1980s dining table and chairs (opens in new tab) were also one of their best-selling products – listed for $450,000 (approximately £33,000). 

The Japanese furniture maker was amongst the leading innovators and designers of the 20th century – and is often labeled as one of the fathers of the ‘American Craft’ movement. It is only natural, therefore, that his work is snapped up once it is listed on the antique goods site. 

While George Nakashima’s (opens in new tab) most sought-after works on 1stDibs come from the 80s, it is hard to pinpoint the most successful era for the site. 

The brand, which turns 21 this 2021, currently has over 4,200 hand-selected sellers of the finest vintage, antique and contemporary furniture – from diverse eras and different places. We can’t help but wonder what interior design trends we will see in their 2022 report.