Giovanni Offredi Concrete & Glass Dining Table for Saporiti, Italy, 1970s

An exceptional example of Italian modernist design from the 1970s, this square dining table by Giovanni Offredi for Saporiti Italia combines sculptural concrete, polished chrome and glass in a striking architectural composition.

Giovanni Offredi was one of the distinctive voices of post-war Italian furniture design. Known for his innovative approach to materials, structural experimentation and bold geometric forms, Offredi created furniture that blurred the boundaries between functional objects and architectural sculpture.

His collaborations with Saporiti Italia produced some of the most recognisable examples of Italian design from the 1970s, a period when designers increasingly explored unconventional materials and industrial production techniques.

A Study in Balance, Geometry and Material Contrast

The defining feature of this remarkable dining table is its sculptural concrete pedestal, composed of sharply angled geometric forms with a distinctive textured surface.

Rather than concealing the structural elements, Offredi made them the centrepiece of the design. The substantial concrete base creates a powerful architectural presence, while its angular silhouette introduces an unexpected sense of movement.

A polished chrome support bar runs horizontally beneath the tabletop, providing a beautiful contrast to the raw, mineral texture of the concrete. The exposed construction is an essential part of the table's visual identity.

Above the base rests a square glass tabletop measuring 120 × 120 cm, allowing the sculptural construction to remain visible from every angle. The transparency of the glass gives the table a remarkably light appearance despite the substantial nature of its concrete foundation.

This interplay between visual weight and transparency, industrial precision and raw texture, is what makes the design so compelling.

Italian Modernism at Its Most Architectural

During the 1970s, Italian designers increasingly challenged traditional ideas about furniture, experimenting with materials more commonly associated with architecture and industrial construction.

Giovanni Offredi embraced this progressive approach, creating pieces in which structural engineering became an integral part of the aesthetic.

This dining table perfectly illustrates that philosophy. Its restrained geometry, exposed chrome detailing and monumental concrete base feel equally relevant today, more than five decades after its creation.

The table works particularly well in interiors that celebrate authentic materials and strong architectural forms. Whether surrounded by Italian leather dining chairs, Bauhaus cantilever seating or contemporary upholstered furniture, it creates an unmistakable focal point without overwhelming the surrounding space.

Its square proportions make it particularly suitable for intimate dining arrangements, comfortably accommodating four people.

A remarkable statement piece for collectors of Italian Mid-Century Modern furniture, architectural design and distinctive 1970s interiors.

Details

Designer: Giovanni Offredi
Manufacturer: Saporiti Italia
Origin: Italy
Period: 1970s
Style: Italian Modernism / Mid-Century Modern / Brutalist
Materials: Textured concrete, polished chrome and glass

Measurements:

• Width: 120 cm

• Depth: 120 cm

• Height: 73.5 cm

Condition:
One small chip on one corner (see photo/video) of the table and only minimal superficial scratches consistent with its age. 

An extraordinary combination of raw concrete, reflective chrome and transparent glass — a timeless example of Giovanni Offredi's architectural approach to furniture design for Saporiti Italia.