Janni van Pelt coffe table G4 Bas van Pelt 1956

This exceptional and elegantly shaped minimalist coffee table, model G4, was designed by Janni van Pelt and produced in-house by Bas van Pelt in 1956. Among the various models created, this version stands out as one of the most refined and aesthetically pleasing. Many variations of these tables were made, often custom-built upon request, but the G4 model remains a particularly striking example of Van Pelt’s innovative approach to furniture design.

The table features three slender, solid steel legs with pointed ends, giving it a light yet structurally strong presence. The legs are finished with a black lacquered ring, adding a subtle contrast that enhances the table’s industrial elegance. The most ingenious aspect of this design lies in the way the reinforced glass top is supported—it rests on the inside of the legs, creating a visually seamless and floating effect. This well-thought-out construction showcases Van Pelt’s ability to combine simplicity with functionality, making the G4 table a perfect fit for any modern interior.

In good condition, the table has only minor signs of age-related wear, which contribute to its vintage charm and authenticity. Its sleek form and industrial appeal make it a highly versatile piece that can blend effortlessly into both minimalist and eclectic settings.

Literature; My Home, Bas van Pelt binnenhuisarchitectuur. 010 Publishers, Petra Faber / page 78.

Janni van Pelt (b. 1931) is a Dutch furniture and interior designer known for her functional yet highly aesthetic designs. After World War II, she studied Interior Design at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, where she met her future husband and fellow designer, Dick Brouwers. In 1953, the couple began working for My Home Woninginrichting in Amsterdam, the company founded by Janni’s father, renowned designer Bas van Pelt (1900–1945). Tragically, Bas van Pelt passed away in a concentration camp near Hamburg, but in 1957, as a tribute to his legacy, the company was renamed Bas van Pelt Binnenhuisarchitectuur.

During the flourishing postwar period, the company expanded, opening a new store in The Hague in the early 1960s. With a keen eye for modern and innovative design, the store showcased a refined collection of modest yet prominent Northern European furniture, including Janni van Pelt’s own creations. Today, her coffee tables and dining sets remain highly sought after for their timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship, embodying a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication.