Rare Oak Art Deco Modernist Dining Set by Bas van Pelt for My Home, Netherlands, 1933

An exceptionally rare and beautifully preserved Art Deco Modernist dining set designed by Dutch interior architect and furniture designer Bas van Pelt for My Home in 1933. Executed in warm oak with elegant cream-white skai upholstery, this remarkable ensemble consists of a rectangular dining table, a two-seater dining bench and three matching dining chairs.

More than simply an exceptional example of early Dutch modernist furniture, this dining set represents an important moment in the career of a designer whose extraordinary life would ultimately be defined by both his creative achievements and his courageous involvement in the Dutch resistance during World War II.

Architectural simplicity — Dutch Modernism in 1933

Designed in 1933, just two years after Bas van Pelt took over My Home Woninginrichting in The Hague, this dining set beautifully captures the transition from the decorative refinement of Art Deco towards the clean, functional principles of European Modernism.

The solid architectural presence of the oak frames is softened by carefully considered curves and elegant proportions.

The rectangular dining table features a beautifully restrained design, with a substantial oak top, gently rounded edges and a distinctive architectural base. Rather than relying on ornamentation, Van Pelt allowed the construction, proportions and natural beauty of the wood to define the design.

The matching dining bench is perhaps the most remarkable element of the ensemble. Its substantial oak base supports two generously upholstered seats and high, button-tufted back cushions. The combination of horizontal architectural lines and soft upholstery gives the bench an almost contemporary character, despite being designed more than ninety years ago.

Three matching dining chairs complete the ensemble. Their sculptural oak frames feature distinctive curved transitions between the legs and seat, while the elegantly angled backrests and cream-white upholstery provide a beautiful contrast to the warm wood.

Together, these five seating elements and dining table create a harmonious composition in which craftsmanship, functionality and architectural simplicity come together.

Bas van Pelt — Designer, Visionary and Resistance Fighter

Bastiaan Johannes “Bas” van Pelt (1900–1945) was an influential Dutch furniture designer, interior architect and entrepreneur whose progressive approach helped shape modern interior design in the Netherlands during the interwar period.

After beginning his furniture design career in the 1920s, Van Pelt took over My Home Woninginrichting in The Hague in 1931. Under his direction, the company developed into an important destination for modern furniture and interiors, presenting his own designs alongside work by progressive manufacturers such as Gispen and Thonet.

His furniture combined the craftsmanship and material richness of traditional cabinetmaking with the emerging functionalist ideals of the Bauhaus movement.

This dining set, created in 1933, belongs to the formative years of My Home under Van Pelt's direction, when his distinctive design language was becoming increasingly confident and architectural.

However, his story extends far beyond furniture.

Following the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1940, Van Pelt became actively involved in the Dutch resistance.

His country house, De Pal in Emst, was used to shelter people in hiding and to store ammunition for resistance activities. These courageous actions placed him and those around him in considerable danger.

In 1944, Van Pelt was betrayed and arrested. He was subsequently imprisoned and deported through the Nazi concentration camp system.

Although he survived until the liberation of Sandbostel in the spring of 1945, his health had been severely weakened by imprisonment. Tragically, Bas van Pelt died on 24 May 1945, aged only 44, shortly after liberation.

His death brought an abrupt end to a promising design career. After the war, his family continued the business, which was later renamed in his honour.

Today, Van Pelt is remembered not only for his contribution to Dutch Modernism but also for his courage during one of the darkest periods in European history.

A Remarkable Survivor from Pre-War Dutch Design

What makes this dining set particularly special is its completeness and exceptional state of preservation.

Finding individual pieces of early Bas van Pelt furniture is already uncommon. Discovering a coordinated dining ensemble comprising a table, bench and three matching chairs from the early 1930s is an especially appealing opportunity for collectors of historic Dutch design.

The set has survived in excellent preserved condition, displaying only minor signs of wear consistent with its age. The warm oak retains its beautiful character, while the cream-white skai upholstery provides a refined contrast to the architectural wooden frames.

Despite its age, the ensemble feels surprisingly contemporary. Its restrained proportions, sculptural construction and warm natural materials make it equally suitable for an architectural residence, a carefully curated modern interior or a significant collection of European design.

There is something particularly meaningful about furniture that has survived nearly a century while retaining such a strong connection to its original designer.

An exceptionally rare pre-war Dutch Art Deco Modernist dining ensemble, representing both the progressive vision and the remarkable personal history of Bas van Pelt — designer, entrepreneur and member of the Dutch resistance.

Details

Designer: Bas van Pelt (1900–1945)
Manufacturer: My Home Woninginrichting
Origin: The Netherlands
Year: 1933
Style: Art Deco / Early Dutch Modernism
Materials: Oak, cream-white skai upholstery
Condition: Excellent preserved condition, with only minor signs of wear consistent with age
Set consists of: One dining table, one two-seater bench and three matching dining chairs

Dimensions

Dining Table

• Width: 129 cm

• Depth: 85 cm

• Height: 76 cm

Dining Bench

• Width: 162 cm

• Depth: 65 cm

• Height: 95 cm

• Seat height: 46 cm

Dining Chairs (3)

• Width: 46.5 cm

• Depth: 50 cm

• Height: 89 cm

• Seat height: 48 cm

A rare opportunity to acquire a complete early Dutch Modernist dining ensemble by one of the Netherlands' most historically significant pre-war furniture designers.