Retro mid century tripod plant stand lamp side end table vintage atomic sputnik

Retro atomic style plant stand / side table on tripod base 1960s Formica and tubular metal. Oriel Interiors are pleased to offer this. Seriously funky height-adjustable formica tripod table, which is colourful, practical, and oh-so-evocative of the swinging 60s. Today it is equally well suited to use as a lamp stand, side table or plant stand. Crafted during the height of the space race, the colourful plastic feet and central ball detail reflect the shapes of molecular structures and planets within a model solar system.

The height can be adjusted, making this a very versatile piece. The table features a grey and white formica top with contrasting red banding running around the edge. The top is mounted onto a chrome pole which adjusts the height as it slides in and out of a chromed art deco style cone shaped finial with bright red acrylic ball detail.

Three metal legs screw into the cone from below, meaning that the entire piece can be dismantled into sections for ease of transportation. The stand is sturdy and is in very good, clean vintage condition. The formica top is in excellent condition, and there just a few light marks to the metal legs, which do not detract from the overall look of the piece. Check out our atomic style Hago coat stands, available in both red and yellow and our orange enamel and glass atomic pendant lights. Atomic design and the space race.

The fifties and earlymid 1960s were an exciting and optimistic time, after the previous austerity of the war years. In 1951 the Festival of Britain took place, and offered the public a glimpse into the future of design, science and innovation, and into the possibilities afforded by new materials and manufacturing techniques.

Visitors to the Dome of Discovery saw displays which revealed for the first time how the study of molecular structures could enhance our understanding of the universe. Designers took inspiration from these molecular structures and the nuclear age, as well as the Soviet Unions 1957 launch of the first satellite in space: Sputnik 1.

This heralded the start of the space race which would heavily influence fashion and interior design over the course of the next decade. Cosmic shapes, space age symbols and atomic-style motifs were incorporated into designs for lighting, textiles and ceramics, whilst space age style was further popularised by the exciting, futuristic sets seen in films such as Barbarella and the Bond movies. Iconic furniture designs, such as Eero Saarinsens 1956 tulip table and chairs, and Arne Jacobsen's 1958 swivelling egg chair were born out of this obsession with all things cosmic, whilst curvaceous shapes and glossy, modern materials such as tubular chrome, brightly coloured glass and high-gloss acrylic became a popular alternative to more traditional wooden furniture. Lighting design also shot off into orbit, thanks to glossy acrylic lamp shades which resembled space helmets - created by designers like Guzzini, Reggiani and Panton - and of course the ubiquitous rocket shaped lava lamps and spun fibreglass floor lamps of the time.

Colourful wooden and plastic ball shaped feet and finials, suggestive of molecular structures, became popular additions to coat stands, hooks, magazine racks and waste bins. In fashion, futuristic materials and prints were popularised by designers like Mary Quant, and greatly influenced the Mod look.

However, many products will demonstrate some signs of wear e. Small scratches, indentations or discolouration which we do not feel detract from the overall look of the piece.

• Modified Item: No
• Era / Type: 1960s
• Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown