Key Details:
Maker / Designer: Dario Zoureff
Origin: Australia
Era: Late 1950s to Early 1960s
Style: Australian Mid-Century Modern
Type: Dressing Table / Vanity
Material: Timber / timber veneer, mirror and glass
Features: Full-height sculptural mirror, drawers, curved shelving and glass-topped side unit
Condition: Very Good Vintage Condition
Provenance: From a home originally furnished with pieces commissioned directly from Dario Zoureff
Approximate Dimensions:
Overall Height: 185 cm
Overall Width: 130 cm
Mirror Width: 80 cm
Side Drawer Unit Width: 45 cm
Please note measurements are approximate.
Mini Story or Hook:
A striking and highly distinctive piece of Australian mid-century design with excellent provenance.
This elegant dressing table is attributed to celebrated Melbourne furniture and interior designer Dario Zoureff and dates from approximately the late 1950s to early 1960s.
The piece was acquired from a family whose home was originally furnished with furniture commissioned directly from Zoureff, giving it a particularly strong connection to the designer and the period in which it was made.
The design is wonderfully sculptural, combining warm timber cabinetry with a dramatic full-height shaped mirror, asymmetric layout, curved shelving, tapered legs and a raised two-drawer side unit topped with inset dark glass.
The contrasting pale circular drawer pulls provide another distinctive period detail, while the generous proportions give the piece genuine presence.
At approximately 1.85 metres high and 1.3 metres wide, this is a substantial statement piece and an excellent example of sophisticated Australian modernist furniture.
Condition:
Very Good Vintage Condition – see detailed notes below.
This is an original vintage piece dating from approximately the late 1950s to early 1960s and presents very well for its age.
• Timber surfaces retain an attractive warm finish with expected age-related marks, scratches and light wear.
• The large sculptural mirror remains intact and presents well overall, with some visible age-related marks and deterioration toward the upper section of the mirror.
• The dark glass top to the raised drawer unit remains intact and shows light surface wear consistent with age and use.
• Drawers open and close as intended and retain their striped interior lining.
• Original contrasting circular drawer pulls remain in place.
• Tapered legs, curved shelving and asymmetric cabinetry retain the elegant proportions characteristic of Australian mid-century furniture.
• No major structural damage is apparent from our inspection.
The piece has deliberately not been heavily refinished, allowing its original vintage character and history to remain evident.
📸 The photos form part of the description – please examine them closely, particularly the mirror surface and general vintage wear.
Provenance:
This piece was acquired directly from a family whose home was furnished by Dario Zoureff during the late 1950s to early 1960s.
The original owner’s father commissioned Zoureff to provide furniture for the residence, with this dressing table forming part of that original interior.
This known history provides an important connection between the piece and the designer and significantly adds to its appeal for collectors of Australian mid-century furniture.
About Dario Zoureff:
Dario Zoureff is an important figure in Australian post-war furniture and interior design.
He studied Interior Design at the Royal Melbourne Technical College during the 1950s before commencing work with Zoureff Pty Ltd, where he worked as a furniture designer and manufacturer specialising in custom-built furniture.
Zoureff became a member of what is now the Design Institute of Australia in 1958, placing him firmly within Melbourne’s emerging professional design community during one of the most important periods of Australian modernism.
His work encompassed both furniture and interior design, with a strong emphasis on individually commissioned residential and commercial projects rather than mass-produced furniture. In 1966 he established his own private design practice, continuing a career which ultimately spanned several decades.
Zoureff also contributed to the broader Australian design profession through his involvement with the Victorian State Council of the Design Institute and the Interior Design course advisory committee at RMIT. In recognition of his contribution to the profession, he was made a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia in 1990.
Today, Zoureff’s surviving furniture is increasingly recognised and collected as part of Australia’s important mid-century modern design heritage.
Postage & Handling:
📦 Due to the size, weight and mirror, local pickup is strongly preferred.
Collection is available from Vintage HQ, Heidelberg, Victoria.
Melbourne metropolitan delivery may be available by arrangement at additional cost.
Interstate buyers are welcome to arrange specialist furniture transport or contact us prior to purchase to discuss possible freight options.
All items are carefully handled and prepared to ensure they arrive safely at their new forever home.
Need to Know More?
Have questions, need additional measurements or would like more photos? We’re happy to help! Just message us and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Inspection is welcome by appointment.
Other Info:
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We also have other Dario Zoureff furniture from the same original late-1950s / early-1960s commission, providing a rare opportunity for collectors of Australian mid-century design.
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