Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak and Paper Cord Stool for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s (sold)


























Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak and Paper Cord Stool for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s (sold)
From Charlotte Perriand to Axel Einar Hjorth, stools have been staples in European design history. Modernist stools like this model, stem from one of the earliest forms of seating, the milking stool. With a highly functional history and modernist look, this stool is a rare and stylish piece.
The design is characteristically simple in form with clean lines, organic curves, and tapered legs. Like many of his Danish contemporaries, Hovmand-Olsen favoured the use of high-quality, beautifully grained woods like teak and rosewood. This solid teak stool stands out thanks to its seat, made of expertly woven paper cord. Stretched between the wood, the seat’s texture and colours pairs greatly with the teak. Furthermore, the seat has a subtle ergonomic shape to accommodate the sitter. The four, tapered legs are connected by two stretchers on the sides in the same way as the designer’s famous dining chair models. Every functional part, including these stretchers between the legs serve an aesthetic purpose as well. The lines are rounded out and complement the visually arresting pattern of the wood. The core principle of modernist design emphasizes that one should be in harmony with his or her environment, which therefore needs to be free of anything unnecessary. In line with this sentiment, this stool entirely focuses on its solid wood material and well-crafted, woven seat.
Characterized by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Arne Hovmand-Olsen’s design is all about harmony. Mogens Kold’s factory was once Denmark’s largest hardwood factories, and the company’s craft has evidently lasted well into the 1950s.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
18.5 in W x 15.15 in D x 18.3 in H
47 cm W x 38.5 cm D x 46.5 cm H
About the designer:
Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919 – 1989) was born in 1919 in Kirkeby Sogn, Denmark into a family working in agriculture. He quickly developed an interest in drawing and handiwork.
Hovmand-Olsen started his career in 1938 by an apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker for P. Olsen Sibast, where he was sent by his family. Upon the completion of his apprenticeship in 1941, Arne joined a furniture designing school in Aarhus to fulfil his dream of designing furniture. Once he finished his training program, he founded his own workshop, and began designing modern furniture with clean lines and simple forms for leading manufacturers, such as Bramin and Mogens Kold. His style is very much in the organic, natural style that defines mid-century Scandinavian furniture.
During the 1950s and 60s there was a huge demand for Danish furniture and design throughout Europe and the US, this led to Hovmand-Olsen’s work becoming recognized and coveted internationally. His designs quickly gained great success: he not only sold his furniture in Denmark, but also in the United States where he became very popular. His workshop closed during the 1970s due to illness. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Throughout the mid-20th century, European cabinetmakers continued to draw on traditional woodworking techniques while embracing the cleaner silhouettes associated with modern design. Smaller utility pieces from this period, such as this pair of stools, serve a variety of functions while maintaining the same attention to proportion and material quality found in larger furnishings. Their simplicity allowed the beauty of the wood and the skill of the maker to take centre stage.
Reduced to only the necessary elements, this pair showcases the quality of the timber, the precision of the joinery, and the maker's understanding of proportion. Crafted from solid wood, each stool is defined by a compact square seat supported by four gently splaying legs. The construction is straightforward, yet the clear lines and strong craftsmanship prove their quality. Beneath the seats, stretchers connect the legs on all sides, reinforcing the structure while creating a pleasing geometry. These elements not only contribute to the stability of the stools but also add depth and visual interest to the otherwise minimal silhouette. The slightly softened edges of the seats balance the angular construction, preventing the design from feeling austere. The understated appearance of the stools allows the material itself to become the focal point, showcasing the character and natural variation of the wood.
Versatile and enduring, these stools function equally well as occasional seating, side tables, or decorative accents within an interior. Their uncomplicated form allows them to integrate effortlessly into a wide variety of settings, from rustic and traditional spaces to more contemporary environments.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stools have recently been reconditioned. Some minor chips are present. Due to the nature and age of the material, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
12 in W x 11.61 in D x 18.89 in H
30.5 cm W x 29.5 cm D x 48 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The 1950s in France was a very versatile decade, the era’s design projects had a wide range both aesthetically and material wise. The modernist solid wood models were mostly created by hand, including this bench, showing the organic and modern approach to design.
This bench has an almost brutalist look that allows the distinctive back and the stained elm wood to guide the design. The design is defined by the long horizontal lines, the impeccable joinery, and the natural, raw beauty of the material. It can be incorporated into any space thanks to its classic look, not to mention its functionality; benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, hallway or even outside. The design has a startling rawness and has a preference for the material to set the tone of the overall aesthetic, which is somber, giving importance to the craftsmanship that formed it into its eerie organic shape. French furniture manufacturers are still regarded as some of the best of the mid-century era and are especially known for impeccable joinery and woodwork (think Guillerme et Chambron or Pierre Chapo for example).
The designer generation active during the mid-20th century created some of the most iconic wooden furniture designs of the whole century. This Aranjou edition table is a beautiful example of how successfully they managed to merge traditional craftsmanship and materials with an essentially modern approach to design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
78.74 in W x 16.53 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
200 cm W x 42 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Danish furniture from the 1970s saw an interest in craftsmanship and natural materials, moving away from strict industrial modernism toward pieces with a more tactile and handmade character. This oak stool reflects the cabinetmakers’ interest in highlighting the texture of wood through carving, turning, and exposed grain, while materials such as sheepskin and wool were introduced to soften otherwise simple constructions.
Rather than concealing elements of the construction process, pieces from this period embraced it, allowing hand-worked details to become part of the final expression. This stool showcases the contrast between its heavily carved legs and soft sheepskin seat. The frame is constructed through essential elements: four turned legs supporting a thick upholstered top. Each leg is individually worked with rounded carvings that create a rhythmic appearance, giving the otherwise compact stool a strong sculptural quality. The oak retains a warm natural tone that highlights the carving and the variation in the grain. Above, the padded seat is upholstered in cream sheepskin, introducing a different texture to the composition. The wool surface softens the geometry of the wooden structure and gives the piece a tactile warmth. Thanks to the upholstery, the stool gains a fuller and more relaxed silhouette despite its minimal construction.
The balance between rough carved wood and soft sheepskin gives the piece its timeless appeal. This piece functions as extra seating, a footstool, or as a small accent, while still carrying the material richness and presence of Scandinavian furniture of the period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stool has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The piece has recently been reupholstered in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
19.69 in W x 13.78 in D x 18.51 in H
50 cm W x 35 cm D x 47 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
European furniture makers in the mid-20th century increasingly embraced simplified forms that highlighted the natural character of wood rather than concealing it beneath ornament or excessive carving. Influenced by Brutalism, benches like this pair were often reduced to their essential elements: a solid seat supported by sturdy legs. This allowed proportion, craftsmanship, and material quality to define the overall impression of mid-20th century furniture.
This pair of benches features long, uninterrupted wooden tops and angled supports. The seats are cut from thick planks of elm, their surfaces revealing a lively grain pattern that runs continuously across the length of each piece. With its pronounced grain and durability, elm wood was favoured, giving even modest forms a strong appearance. Rather than being perfectly geometric, the edges of the seats retain a slight softness that preserves the natural look of the wood and keeping it from looking overly polished. The legs are positioned at a subtle outward angle, giving the pieces stability and completing the composition. Their relatively narrow proportions create an elongated silhouette that feels practical and understated, allowing the richness of the elm to remain the dominant visual element.
Placed together, the benches create a rhythmic effect, as well as ensuring generous seating space. Their simplicity makes them highly adaptable, from dining areas to unconventional interiors. The design relies entirely on material, proportion, and construction, which gives the pair a quiet confidence characteristic of mid-century European furniture.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. Minor scratches and spots are present. Due to the age and nature of the material, the items may have marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
78.75 in W x 11.42 in D x 17.92 in H
200 cm W x 29 cm D x 45.5 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Originating from Turkiye, ottomans have long functioned as seating elements, designed to complement larger upholstered pieces while offering flexibility in their use. Through the mid-20th century designers focused on efficient forms that could shift easily between roles - for example as a footrest, an occasional seat, or even storage.
This ottoman captures that approach through its soft and understated construction. The design has a low and gently rounded silhouette, defined my its softness in both shape and material. The rich and slightly irregular character of the sheepskin defines the piece. The fabric catches light differently across its surface and gives the piece a sense of depth despite its simplicity. This material choice also reflects a broader interest in natural textures during the period, where softness and warmth were used to offset the cleaner lines of modern interiors. Beneath, small pine feet provide a subtle lift, preventing the stool from appearing too heavy while introducing a quiet contrast in material. The proportions are compact and well-balanced, making it easy to position alongside a chair or sofa without dominating the space. The oval shape adds a slight variation to the more common square or circular formats, making it feel more organic.
More than just a footstool, pieces like this allow for wider usage, perfect for additional seating options within a limited space. There is no excess detail or dominating structure; instead, the focus remains on the functionality and warm character of this piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The ottoman has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The item has recently been reupholstered in a premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
31.50 in W x 22.84 in D x 17.72 in H
80 cm W x 58 cm D x 45 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Mid century modern design in Europe was driven by a desire to balance comfort, clarity, and everyday use. Emerging after the Second World War, it favoured honest materials, soft sculptural forms, and furniture that felt functional yet welcoming. Designers moved away from heavy ornamentation and instead focused on proportion, tactility, and a focus on how pieces work within a space.
In recent years, benches have become a popular choice in home décor. Of course, a bench’s primary purpose is to provide a convenient and comfortable place to sit. However, a pair, such as this beautiful wooden model, can also be used as an interior decorative element. With a clear preoccupation with geometry, this model’s outstanding architectural frame speaks of the mastery of the designer and of the producer. The wooden frame is outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. Each bench features a softly curved backrest that offers both comfort and rhythm, accentuated by a middle slat for subtle texture and visual warmth. The form of the backs gives the pieces a sculptural quality, inviting the sitter into a posture that feels both natural and upright. The light colour and the slender lines that make up the benches create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. The neat finish also further emphasises the beautiful grain pattern and warm tones of the wood giving the piece a rich, inviting appearance.
With the major rise in popularity that mid-century modern experienced, it’s easy to see touches of the style in contemporary homes. The natural and unfading beauty of wood, and the understated, but ingeniously stylish design is timeless of the era. With an outstanding balance of straight and curved lines, quality materials, and unmistakably modern design elements, this pair of benches is sure to provide a stylish touch to any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The benches have recently been reconditioned. The finish differs slightly in each bench. Visible scratches and dents are present. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items also have some marks and slight discolouration.
Dimensions:
72.83 in W × 18.11 in D × 30.51 in H
185 cm W x 46 cm D x 77.5 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was originally coined to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity. Similarly, in furniture design Brutalism inspired designers to create models with the same look of strength and style.
This rare Jean & Sébastien Touret oak bench is a beautiful example of this design movement, with a clear emphasis on the material’s natural qualities. This bench was created for a religious community of Loir et Cher -a department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France - from oak of the property.
The duo’s design has a strong architectural approach, and while it is very sturdy on first sight, the outstanding execution of the legs and the natural appeal of oak make this bench the embodiment of creative, elegant design. Much like in architecture, brutalist furniture has organic, unpolished shapes. The seat and back planks of this bench exemplify this characteristic, with uneven edges, letting the natural qualities of the oak shine. The use of the sizeable pieces of oak wood with a beautiful grain, and the visible joints and bolts give this bench a natural, elemental feeling. The body was created employing the “bois arraché technique”, a finishing method by which lacquer is rubbed onto wood.
It might go unnoticed, but nowadays, brutalist furniture is part of any modern interior design project. In the same fashion, glimpses of brutalist interior design are found in top interior design projects. Think about Kelly Wearstler‘s interior design projects, where both on residential and commercial interior design projects, the popular interior designer integrates brutalist furniture. Nevertheless, like Wearstler, most designers prefer brutalist furniture with organic shapes, just like this oak bench.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.
Dimensions:
55.11 in W x 18.11 in D x 44.68 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
140 cm W x 46 cm D x 113.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Many major interior design companies have released their own bench models, but it is hard to live up to the wooden pieces created in the mid-20th century. This oak bench is dominated by two elements: its material and the master joinery techniques.
Oak was the preferred material for many craftsmen in the mid-20th century, and in creating this piece, the maker of this bench has expertly showcased its rich and robust character - resulting in a solid, functional, and captivating work of art. This bench combines solid materials with clear lines and elegant curves to arrive at a truly timeless piece of furniture. The oak, with its natural grain and warm tones, becomes a canvas for the subtle sculptural details that adorn the side of this bench, highlighting the beauty of simplicity. The carved out crosses on the sides are the only decorative elements of this design. They are visually appealing details that give plenty of character. The proportions are carefully considered, providing function while maintaining the strong architectural outline that makes the piece so visually striking.
This bench can be incorporated into any space thanks to its classic look, not to mention its functionality. Benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, hallway or sometimes even outside. Craftsmanship and quality materials are among the few things that will never go out of style, therefore this pine bench could be a perfect to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bench has recently been reconditioned. Minor marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
78.15 in W x 15.35 in D x 25.59 in H; Seat height 18.50 in; Seat depth 13.38 in
198.5 cm W x 39 cm D x 65 cm H; Seat height 47 cm; Seat depth 34 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The postwar boom years of the 1950s through to the 1960s were one of the periods of the greatest influence of Italian designers. Design in the 50s paved a way to a more aesthetic approach to products as opposed to more utilitarian predecessors, resulting in exceptional pieces like this piece.
This bench features elegant and measured proportions, balanced compositions, and refined décor elements including the choice of materials. The outline is quite sculptural, with characteristic curved shapes. The details set the piece apart from most benches and sofas, and transforms it into a statement piece which can break the monotony of any space. The seats are upholstered in a high-quality fabric that exudes both comfort and luxury, with a soft textural feel that invites relaxation. The stained dark colour stands out beautifully against the upholstery and emphasizes the slim shape of the backrest. With a clear preoccupation with geometry, this model’s outstanding architectural frame speaks of the mastery of the designer and of the producer. All the decorative elements are in service of the piece’s functionality. Moreover, the smooth, tapered legs typical of the period, contribute to both a sense of lightness and sturdiness. The Italian craftsmanship that went into creating this piece is nothing short of exceptional. Each part of the bench was carefully crafted, the joinery is also exemplary of the skill of the artisans who meticulously shaped the wood frames to fit seamlessly together.
Though many mid-century Italian designers may not have the same name recognition as some of their Scandinavian counterparts, they were integral to developing a modern aesthetic in Europe. The appreciation for their contribution is still growing today, making outstanding Italian pieces like this modular bench highly sought after.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This bench comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
72.44 in W x 56.29 in D x 37.79 in H; Seat height 21.06 in; Seat depth 16.93 in
184 cm W x 143 cm D x 96 cm H; Seat height 53.5 cm; Seat depth 43 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This beautiful stool was crafted in the manner of French design duo Audoux-Minet. Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet worked together during the mid-20th century. The duo are known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. Their work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Like in Scandinavia, there was an early emphasis on wood in most European mid-century design as it connected everyday objects to nature. This stool is a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. The high quality woven wicker makes the piece an outstanding example of woven furniture. It features a fairly traditional shape with rounded edges and an airy feel. The straightforward shape highlights the understated beauty of the materials, allowing the beautiful woven pattern and the grain of the wood to stand out. The seat is set on three splayed club feet, stained in a rich colour lending a more dramatic presence to the form. The tripod base is ideal for ensuring the sturdiness needed for a classic piece of furniture made to withstand the passage of time. Being functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, the stool will be a great addition to set the tone of a space. The design is strong but subtle, with expert wickerwork thanks to which it can add depth as well as functionality to a space.
The interplay of a simple structure and refined detailing evokes a sense of harmony, aligning with the era’s focus on blending beauty with utility. The organic design makes this piece stand out with an elemental edge. The colour palette further allows it to easily adapt to almost any interior to either complement a space, or to stand as an accent piece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This stool has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches or discolouration.
Dimensions:
13.39 in ø x 14.37 in H
34 cm ø x 36.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The “Svensk Fur” bench is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork.
The Svensk Fur designs are often compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though it is an exceptional design on its own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. This bench holds a strong expression with its sturdy shaped, organic design, which is dominated by the natural beauty of the material. The backrest is formed by a straight line that slightly curves near the edges. This curvature is followed by the armrests that curve outwards at the ends, creating visual interest. The joinery is visible throughout the bench, and features both bolts and seamless wooden dovetail joinery which is always a sign of quality craftsmanship. The wide backrest showcases the solid pinewood’s beautiful pattern, reinforcing the rustic feel of the bench along with the conical legs that are gently tapered and tilted to support stability. The seat cushion was created specifically for this bench and is upholstered in a premium fabric with a pattern that adds to the rustic feel.
In 1898 Malmvall’s father, the master carpenter Karl Andersson started making well-made and durable furniture in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Many pieces of furniture from Karl Andersson & Söner are classics and can be seen in the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, among other places.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The added cushion is upholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
47.24 in W x 23.42 in D x 34.05 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
120 cm W x 59.5 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
About the Designer:
Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer.
Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet series, first created in 1972 and already a modern classic.
The manufacturer, Karl Andersson & Söner was established in 1898, when carpentry master Karl Andersson started to produce “durable and sustainable furniture” in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Over a hundred years later, the historic company still manufactures quality furniture and designer furniture in their own modern factory in Huskvarna. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Brutalist furniture emerged as a reaction against refinement and ornament, favouring instead expressive raw materials. Designers and artisans embraced rough textures, asymmetry, and forms that appeared almost primitive in their honesty. While many Brutalist pieces relied on heavy geometric volumes, others explored a more organic language, drawing inspiration from nature and hand-carved objects. Chairs such as this example blur the boundary between furniture and sculpture, where utility merges with artistic expression.
This side chair stands out through its highly sculptural presence and deeply textured surface. Hand-carved from solid wood, the chair preserves a raw and tactile character throughout its form. The seat is formed as a hand carved, rough disc, supported by four irregular legs that taper organically towards the floor. Above, the backrest rises in a dramatic arched form, creating a silhouette that immediately draws the eye. The uneven contours, visible tool marks, and richly textured surface give the piece a sense of organic flow and individuality, ensuring that no two pieces are entirely the same. Rather than concealing the making process, the chair celebrates it, allowing every carved ridge to become part of its visual identity. The dark patinated wood further enhances this effect, creating depth across the surface and accentuating the sculptural quality of the design. Despite its unconventional appearance, the chair balances visual drama with functionality.
More than a seating piece, this chair functions as a work of art. Its expressive form allows it to stand alone as a statement object while still serving its practical purpose. The combination of raw craftsmanship, organic shaping, and Brutalist sensibility offers the chair a powerful presence.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Minor marks, scratches, and discoloration.
Dimensions:
13.78 in W x 13 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.72 in; Seat depth 12.60 in
35 cm W x 33 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 32 cm