Still in production since 1961 — there's a reason Ercol never stopped making this one. But here's the thing: the vintage versions were made from English elm, which has a richer, deeper grain than anything Ercol uses today. Dutch elm disease saw to that. This is wood you genuinely can't buy new anymore.

Look at that top. The swirling grain, the honey tone, the softly rounded edges that slope away with no hard angles anywhere. That's solid elm doing what solid elm does — and it looks better at sixty than most furniture looks at six months.

Dark stained beech legs with the signature Ercol splay and a spindle magazine rack underneath. Stash the remotes, the Sunday papers, the kids' books — everything you want nearby but off the surface.

That two-tone contrast between the light elm and the dark legs is what makes this model so popular. Warm without being heavy, mid-century without being cold.

The top has been recently refinished — stripped, sanded and sealed, ready for the next few decades. A new 459 from Ercol will cost you north of £800 and come in ash. This one's the real thing, for less.

Made in High Wycombe by Ercol — British furniture that your nan might've had and your interior designer would charge you a finder's fee for.

Length: 105 cm | Width: 45 cm | Height: 35.5 cm

Message me if you'd like more photos or have questions about delivery.