Overview
Rare pair of “Bagdad” bedside tables designed by Aldo Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio and produced in Italy during the 1970s. Part of the celebrated Bagdad bedroom collection, the nightstands combine richly figured walnut burl with extensive gold-laminated brass details, creating the luxurious and highly decorative character that distinguishes the series.
The model is documented in the original Frigerio di Desio catalogue and retains the manufacturer's label.
 
Description
The pair belongs to the “Bagdad” bedroom collection designed by Aldo Frigerio for Frigerio di Desio. The original period catalogue illustrates the complete bedroom ensemble, including the bed, chest of drawers and the same bedside table model, identifying the collection as “Parure Bagdad.”
Each nightstand is conceived as a compact architectural volume, with the warm and richly figured walnut burl forming the top and side surfaces, contrasted by the luminous gold-laminated brass used across the front, base and surrounding profiles.
The façade is divided into four square sections arranged in a precise two-by-two composition. Behind this geometric appearance are two large horizontal drawers, each fitted with two individual brass-faced fronts and small sculptural handles.
This distinctive construction creates the visual impression of four independent compartments while preserving the practicality and storage capacity of two full-width drawers.
 
Design & Function
The Bagdad nightstands combine a rigorous geometric structure with an exceptionally decorative use of materials.
Each cabinet contains two spacious horizontal drawers. Their fronts are visually divided into four square brass panels, producing the characteristic graphic composition of the model. Small geometric brass handles reinforce the rhythm of the façade while maintaining the clean architectural character of the design.
The broad upper surface provides a practical bedside area, while the compact proportions make the pieces suitable not only as nightstands but also as small side cabinets.
The substantial brass-clad plinth visually anchors each piece, while the raised brass border surrounding the walnut burl top creates a precise frame that emphasizes the richness of the wood.
 
Materials & Aesthetic
The aesthetic identity of the Bagdad model is defined by the dialogue between walnut burl and gold-laminated brass.
The walnut burl displays a deep reddish-brown tone and a highly expressive natural grain, particularly visible across the tops and lateral surfaces. Its organic figuring contrasts dramatically with the geometric regularity and reflective character of the brass façades.
Gold-laminated brass is extensively used for the drawer fronts, handles, perimeter profiles and bases, giving the pair a distinctly luxurious appearance.
The brass has developed a pronounced natural patina over time, with oxidation, tonal variations, marks and traces of age clearly visible across the surfaces. Rather than concealing the history of the pieces, these characteristics contribute to their authentic vintage appearance and underline the material character of the original metal.
 
Technical Details
Product: Aldo Frigerio Italian Walnut Burl and Gold-Laminated Brass Bagdad Nightstands
Designer: Aldo Frigerio
Manufacturer: Frigerio di Desio
Period: 1970s
Materials: Walnut burl; gold-laminated brass
Dimensions: Length: 54,5cm | Depth: 37,5cm | Height: 53,5cm
Condition: Please note that this item is in good vintage condition. Minor signs of age may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We kindly invite you to take these characteristics into consideration before purchasing.
The brass has been intentionally left unpolished to preserve its original patina.
Functionality: Each nightstand features two full-width drawers with four brass front panels, providing practical bedside storage while maintaining the distinctive geometric composition of the Bagdad series.
 
Collectibility
The pair represents a documented example of the Bagdad collection produced by Frigerio di Desio. The model appears in the original manufacturer's catalogue as part of the complete “Parure Bagdad” bedroom ensemble, alongside the corresponding bed and chest of drawers.
The combination of highly figured walnut burl, extensive gold-laminated brass surfaces and rigorous geometric construction gives the model a particularly recognizable identity within Frigerio di Desio production.
The presence of the original manufacturer's label and period catalogue documentation further strengthens the historical and collectible interest of the pair.
It is sold with a certificate of authenticity issued by the Luciano Frigerio Archive, of which JF Gallery Design is the current custodian, confirming its attribution and its historical and collectible importance.
 
Designer & Manufacturer
Aldo Frigerio was associated with the creative production of Frigerio di Desio, the Italian furniture manufacturer based in Desio and known for its distinctive approach to high-quality furniture and decorative materials.
For the Bagdad collection, the original Frigerio di Desio catalogue identifies Aldo Frigerio as the designer and describes the collection as executed in walnut burl with profiles and plaques in gold-laminated brass.
The resulting furniture combines the richness of traditional cabinetmaking materials with the bold proportions, metallic surfaces and decorative language characteristic of sophisticated Italian interiors of the period.