Mid-century Ercol Blonde 459 Windsor Coffee Table with Magazine Rack, by Lucian Ercolani for Ercol, 1960’s
Vintage Ercol Blonde 459 Windsor Coffee Table by Ercol, 1960’s
A fine example of an early, original Ercol Windsor range coffee table, a testament to timeless design. This rectangular coffee table is made from solid elm top and solid beech frame and rack, Ercol's reputation for high-quality furniture is evident in this piece. This particular table has an exquisite elm grain. Model 459, known for its iconic magazine rack underneath, showcases an exquisite elm grain and is finished in Ercol's signature 'Blonde' finish, adding elegance to any home.
Designed by the Italian designer Lucian Ercolani, part of the Windsor range, this table is manufactured in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, embodying good design, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship. With smooth flowing edges and the distinctive Ercol spindles supporting the shelf below, it is a practical and eye-catching coffee table.
The organic-shaped surface, complemented by individually shaped spindles, offers a convenient storage area for books and magazines. Supported by gently out-swept, tapering-turned legs, this table exemplifies beautiful simplicity, making it perfect for compact living where space is at a premium.
A British mid-century design classic.
The official Ercol name for this product is the "Occasional Coffee Table."
"a new coffee table with an elm top and underparts of beech. The really capacious top can cope handsomely with any group of guests or any number of papers from the briefcase! The handy rack keeps magazines out of the way but not out of reach!"
- From the 1956 Ercol brochure
- Produced by Ercol during the 1960s
- Our restoration not only highlights the natural grain but also ensures its protection.
- Solid English elm coffee table with beech legs
Dimensions: 36cm high, 106cm wide, 44cm deep
Condition: In very good vintage condition. We have carefully refurbished and refinished the wood to preserve the heritage.
The table retains the original blue Ercol label, confirming its early production origin (c.1956–mid-1970s) and adding to its authenticity and value.
More on Ercol
Ten-year-old Lucian Ercolani and his family moved from Tuscany to London in the late 1800s. He later graduated from Salvation Army schooling to attend night college, learning the furniture trade in Shoreditch. The young apprentice soon found work with Frederick Parker, a leading figure in British furniture and the founder of Parker Knoll, one of the most largest furniture businesses of the day.
In 1920 Ercolani founded his own business called Ercol. As the designer, Lucian created timeless furniture designs celebrated for their soft, sculptural curves and ground-breaking use of bentwood. In 1964, Lucian was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his notable contributions to British design and manufacturing.
In 2010 Lucian was posthumously awarded the prestigious Design Guild Mark for his legacy of work. Ercolani helped popularise the break from the heavy, ornate pre-war styles towards a new clean lined, simple elegance.
We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.
Prices do not include delivery.
Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.
We deliver locally within Cape Town for a small fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person. Collections must be made within two weeks of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods.
Working with vintage pieces means celebrating the character and history each item holds. While we maintain high standards, our pieces are not new — gentle wear and age-related patina are part of their story.
Although we carefully clean and lightly restored each item to honour its original state, most of our furniture dates from the pre-1980s era, and subtle signs of age may still be visible. We make every effort to highlight any notable details or concerns.
We provide detailed photographs, including overall views and close-ups of notable details, which form part of the condition report. We encourage you to review these images carefully, and if you have any questions or would like further clarity, we’re always happy to assist, viewings are welcome by appointment.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS:
excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips.
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marksUnfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf.
Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.
Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).
After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier.
Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R250 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.
For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town.
For peace of mind, we recommend arranging cover for your shipment with your own insurance provider during transit.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes an inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.
Our Approach Includes:
- Examining and reinforcing the joints
- Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
- Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
- Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance
