We love sharing the details behind the design icons at urbnnest.com. Stories are a huge part of the products we sell. It gives them so much more depth and character, and gives customers like you a real connection to the pieces you buy.
WHO'S NATHAN?
Nathan furniture was set up in the early 1900s and manufactured furniture from their British base.
Nathan really started to become a major player in the UK furniture market from the 1960s onwards, when they really embraced the very fresh style of mid century modernism. Their products were very well built, towards the top end of the middle of the British furniture market. They mainly used teak which was ever popular at the time, and created some really iconic modern designs such as the sought after Circles sideboard.
WHAT IS NATHAN SQUARES?
In the early 1970s, styles were becoming slightly more conservative again as UK buyers opted for more traditional forms. Firms who were to survive this decade had to start producing designs to match the demand. Fortunately for Nathan, they were able to find a middle ground. The Jacobean inspired “Squares” range is a 1970s icon and was a huge hit. So huge that you could still buy it new well into the 2000s from their successor, Parker Knoll.
It combined more traditional wood panelling with the clean lines of modernism and still popular teak wood, with afromosia detailing as was popular at the time. The result was a range of statesmanlike pieces which ooze quality and presence.
Having had the pleasure of working on several of these pieces, they're some of the best built British furniture from this era.
WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND THE SHELVING UNIT?
We love the imposing wall units Nathan produced. We decided that we could remix the design for the 2020s, as a more lightweight open shelving unit. This has two benefits.
Firstly, it allows light and snippets of wall to pass through the shelves, breaking up the mass of dominant teak and allowing it to blend into its surroundings. This look is a lot more reflective of modern living, given how popular open shelving is.
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The other benefit is that, if the rear is finished like we did for this one, then it can be used as a room divider. Purpose built room dividers are difficult to source, and Nathan units like this one are much more plentiful, which also helps to keep the cost down for everyone.
This one has really useful storage with 4 drawers and a cupboard. We also have a variant without the drawers which has EVEN MORE shelf space!
These units fulfil the role of a sideboard and open shelving, for no more money than a sideboard and without the hassle / mess of installing separate shelving. They’re really practical pieces of furniture with all the style of the evergreen Squares design.
As we're living in increasingly small homes and with multi-generational households owing to increasing care costs, multi-purpose "lifetime" furniture is a great way of making sure your homes are flexible for all life's needs.
WHERE CAN I BROWSE MORE MID CENTURY DESIGNS LIKE THIS?
urbnnest.com - the home of vintage and mid century - stocks a wide range of vintage and mid century style furniture and decor, from the past to the present. We hand pick only the most stylish pieces to make your interior special.
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If there’s something particular you’re looking for, email us and we’ll source it for you
ABOUT URBNNEST.COM
At urbnnest.com, we only stock amazing, sustainable mid century designs from the past and present, marketing them at competitive prices. Helping you save money when styling your dream interior, while also helping to save the planet. Start shopping now and complete your dream look.
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