A striking and highly distinctive Australian mid-century dressing table attributed to Melbourne furniture and interior designer Dario Zoureff, dating from approximately the late 1950s to early 1960s.
This substantial piece combines elegant modernist proportions with a dramatic full-height shaped mirror, asymmetric cabinetry, curved shelving, tapered legs and a raised two-drawer side unit topped with inset dark glass.
The warm timber finish is complemented by contrasting pale circular drawer pulls, giving the piece a particularly refined and sculptural appearance.
At approximately 1.85 metres high and 1.3 metres wide, it has real presence and would make a superb feature in a bedroom, dressing room, boutique interior or design-led home.
Provenance
This dressing table was acquired directly from a family whose home was originally furnished with pieces commissioned from Dario Zoureff.
The original owner’s father commissioned Zoureff to provide furniture for the residence during the late 1950s to early 1960s, with this dressing table forming part of that original interior.
This direct family provenance adds considerably to the appeal of the piece and provides an important connection between the furniture and its designer.
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 working with Zoureff Pty Ltd as a furniture designer and manufacturer of custom-built furniture.
Zoureff became a member of what is now the Design Institute of Australia in 1958, placing him within Melbourne’s developing professional design community during a significant period in Australian modernism.
His career encompassed furniture and interior design, with an emphasis on individually commissioned residential and commercial projects. In 1966 he established his own design practice and continued working in the profession for several decades.
Zoureff later served on the Victorian State Council of the Design Institute and on the Interior Design course advisory committee at RMIT. In recognition of his contribution to Australian design, he was made a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia in 1990.
His surviving furniture is increasingly sought after by collectors of Australian mid-century design.
Details
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Designer / Maker: Dario Zoureff
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Origin: Australia
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Era: Late 1950s to Early 1960s
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Style: Australian Mid-Century Modern
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Type: Dressing Table / Vanity
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Materials: Timber / timber veneer, mirror and glass
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Features: Full-height shaped mirror, curved shelving, drawers, tapered legs and glass-topped side unit
Approximate Dimensions
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Overall Height: 185 cm
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Overall Width: 130 cm
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Mirror Width: 80 cm
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Side Drawer Unit Width: 45 cm
Please note measurements are approximate.
Condition
Very Good Vintage Condition
The piece presents very well for its age and retains much of its original character.
- 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.
- The dark glass top remains intact and shows light surface wear consistent with age and use.
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Drawers open and close as intended.
- Original contrasting circular drawer pulls remain in place.
- Tapered legs, curved shelving and asymmetric cabinetry retain their elegant original proportions.
- 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.
Please refer closely to all photographs as they form an important part of the condition description.
Collection & Delivery
Due to the size and mirror, local pickup is preferred from Vintage HQ, Heidelberg, Victoria.
Melbourne metropolitan delivery may be available by arrangement at additional cost.
Interstate buyers are welcome to contact us before purchase to discuss specialist furniture freight options.
Vintage HQ
At Vintage HQ, we source distinctive vintage furniture, art, design and collectables with character, history and a story to tell.
We also have other Dario Zoureff pieces from the same original commission, offering a rare opportunity for collectors of Australian mid-century design.
Follow @vintagehqcomau on socials for more unique finds and stories behind the pieces.
