Custom Esko Pajamies Desk for Valmet HQ Helsinki, Finland 1960s (sold)














































Custom Esko Pajamies Desk for Valmet HQ Helsinki, Finland 1960s (sold)
The origins of this desk model makes it a very rare and unique piece. This model was a custom order for the CEOs at Valmet HQ in Helsinki in 1965. Later this model was used by the National Police Commissioner.
The design of this desk was clearly created with the future users in mind; its exquisite mix of materials is hardly seen, especially on a desk. The guiding visual element is the leather tabletop, providing elegance to the design and cushioning for the arms. The black leather complements the main material, the solid wood comprising most of the tabletop and the drawers. The rectangular, thick top holds two drawers that are aligned with the leather top. The design is “topped” by the lower part, the Roman style bronze legs that add architectural modernism to the design. The legs have beautiful patina that adds to the historical value of this desk.
Esko Pajamies founded his own design office in 1961, and proceeded to design many now-iconic pieces for private and public spaces. Some of his most famous designs - such as the Bonanza set - combine leather and wood. His workshop was awarded the State Prize in the Arts Industry in 1979. Interestingly, Pajamies was also known as a jazz trumpet player.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bronze legs have beautiful patina.
Dimensions:
90.55 in W x 39.37 in D x 29.52 in H
230 cm W x 100 cm D x 75 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Wall-mounted furniture reflects the interest in clean, uncluttered living spaces. By lifting storage from the floor, designers created furniture that appeared lighter and more architectural while making efficient use of available space. Consoles of this kind were particularly versatile, functioning equally well in entrance halls, bedrooms, or living areas where discreet storage and a refined visual presence were equally important.
The elegance of this console lies in its sleek look. Crafted from wood with a rich, unique grain pattern, the rectangular body is defined by crisp lines and carefully balanced proportions. Two seamlessly integrated drawers sit beneath the wide top, their fronts uninterrupted by visible handles, allowing the continuous grain to become the visual focus. Raised side panels frame the upper surface, introducing a subtle architectural quality while preventing objects from slipping from the edges of the tray top. The floating construction allows the console to project effortlessly from the wall and lending it a sense of visual lightness. The vibrant red tone the wood animates the otherwise minimal form, revealing the natural beauty of the material.
The combination of practical storage and understated sophistication makes this console exceptionally adaptable. It offers its surroundings a quiet elegance, once again proving the enduring appeal of mid-century furniture, where simplicity and functionality were brought together with remarkable refinement.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The console has recently been reconditioned. Some marks, scratches and discolouration are present.
Dimensions:
31.29 in W x 10.03 in D x 6.10 in H
79.5 cm W x 25.5 cm D x 15.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
With its distinctive structure, this table epitomizes the search for new systems of joinery during the mid-century era, when material and design became the lead factors in achieving stability, durability, and of course, an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Without heavy ornamentation, the viewer's eyes fall on the beautiful silhouette and quality materials. From the use of wood to the Formica top, the piece shows intention and proves experienced cabinetmaking. The use of Formica, a hard plastic laminate, gained popularity in the mid-20th century and continues to capture the attention of interior designers and design enthusiasts today. Moreover, the wood base is sculpted to perfection, the level of woodwork and precise joinery technique greatly shows off the skills of the craftsman, as the separated wooden parts appear to flow into each other effortlessly. The overall form of the table has a light and airy feel, enhancing the mid-century modern aesthetic. With its elegant shape and careful design, this piece rises above the endless passing of trends, establishing itself as a modern classic in the realm of interior design.
Like most mid-century pieces, this table is sure to enhance the daily lives of its users through its visually pleasing and functional design that is timeless in every sense of the word.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
37.99 in W x 22.44 in D x 17.32 in H
96.5 cm W x 57 cm D x 44 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
“Danish Modern” is a recognised term around the world, standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the mid-20th century. The design of this sideboard is focused on the aesthetics of modernism whilst employing the exquisite technique and material familiarity of a highly skilled craftsman - Henning Kjaernulf.
This sideboard is defined by its long silhouette and commanding proportions. The front features a series of panelled doors arranged in a strict geometric grid, creating a powerful sense of rhythm across the surface. Each panel adds depth and shadow, allowing light to interact dynamically with the carved wood. Raised on sturdy carved legs, the sideboard maintains a grounded presence while avoiding visual heaviness. The warm-toned wood softens the severity of the geometry, revealing subtle grain patterns and tonal variation throughout. Hinges and hardware are understated, allowing the structure itself to remain the focal point. The interior offers generous storage, making the piece as practical as it is visually impactful.
Today, this sideboard stands as a sculptural statement piece that bridges function and design history. Its bold geometry and refined craftsmanship allow it to anchor both contemporary and eclectic interiors with ease. Whether placed in a dining room, living space, or even bedroom, it offers strong visual identity without sacrificing usability.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sideboard has recently been reconditioned. The item has visible marks and scratches. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item may show discolouration, especially on the top.
Dimensions:
92.91 in W × 20.86 in D × 35.62 in H
236 cm W x 53 cm D x 90.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This lovely bookcase designed by Grete Jalk for P. Jeppesen reflects the Danish designer’s aesthetic—clean and highly functional, yet creative.
Danish mid-century pieces were often created with a functional purpose in mind, rather than decorative, as this bookcase exemplifies. Elegant in its simplicity, it puts the emphasis on showcasing the material through a simple, uncluttered design. This model deserts any unnecessary ornamentation in favour of the traditional Danish design philosophy, which centres around craftsmanship and practicality. A “bogkasse”, or bookcase is an essential and timeless piece of furniture in Scandinavian homes, where it serves both a practical and an aesthetic role. This piece features exposed shelves and thanks to their arrangement and the large surfaces, the beautiful grain of the wood is highlighted. The wood grain is warm and expressive, enhanced by a natural finish that highlights the material’s inherent richness. The bookshelf’s open and airy design offers a sense of visual lightness, making it equally suited to display treasured books or decorative objects. The shelves are gracefully integrated, offering both structural integrity and stylistic coherence.
A timeless piece, this bookshelf embodies the era’s philosophy of democratic design—functional, beautiful, and enduring. It serves not only as a practical storage solution but also as a quiet statement of mid-century Danish elegance. Ideal for modern interiors, it remains a collectible example of postwar Scandinavian design at its finest.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The vertical shelves are adjustable. Minor marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
42.51 in W x 11.61 in D x 46.65 in H
108 cm W x 29.5 cm D x 118.5 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The 1960s saw furniture makers apply the principles of modern design to increasingly versatile pieces. As homes became increasingly modern, desks were no longer treated as purely utilitarian objects but as pieces of furniture expected to integrate naturally within a living space. Designers responded by refining forms, adding sleek storage, and placing greater emphasis on the visual lightness of their creations. The result was furniture that remained highly functional while maintaining a distinctly architectural character.
At first glance, this 1960s desk appears simple. The rectangular top rests within a clean, open framework, creating a silhouette that feels balanced and remarkably precise. Closer inspection reveals its most distinctive feature: three integrated drawers concealed behind a series of horizontal fronts. This detail looks like a simple aesthetic detail, while it showcases the designer’s concern with practicality. The stacked drawer fronts create a subtle rhythm across the front without disturbing the calm geometry of the piece. When opened this detail creates a layered effect that captivates the eye and emphasizes the horizontal construction. The warm tone of the wood further enhances the design. The open sides prevent the desk from appearing heavy, while the strong stretcher below reinforces the structure and contributes to its clear architectural presence.
What makes this desk particularly successful is the way storage is incorporated into the overall composition. Rather than reading as separate functional elements, the drawers become part of the design itself. The piece carries the quiet confidence associated with the best Italian modern furniture, where proportion, practicality, and visual clarity work together effortlessly.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The desk has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the material, the item has minor scratches and dents, and may have additional marks or discolouration.
Dimensions:
59 in W x 30.3 in D x 31.6 in H
150 cm W x 77 cm D x 80.5 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Swedish modern design remains popular today due to its clean lines, functionalism, and timeless aesthetic. Ultimately, it offers a combination of beauty and practicality that remains highly sought after, even for contemporary interiors.
With its distinctive structure, this cabinet attributed to Ulf Ekdahl epitomises the mid-20th century era, when material and design would become the lead factors in achieving stability, durability, and of course, an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Therefore, the proportions of this piece are finely tuned to successfully achieve something timeless. The design holds a natural expression with its airy and organic design, which is dominated by the natural look of the wood. The geometric panelling on the cabinet doors accentuates the design further, with this subtle decorative element adding depth and visual interest. The craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the woodwork, reflecting the standards of furniture making at the time. The doors and drawers on the front can be opened with lovely wooden doorknobs. Inside, the cabinet offers storage space and a shelf. Overall the form of this cabinet is not loud, it leaves the focus on the wood and the carvings, yet, it has a stately appearance. As a fundamentally functional type of furniture, this model does more than serve its utilitarian purpose.
Swedish modern – despite its name – in many ways transcends the word “modern”, pieces like this can be incorporated successfully into contemporary and traditional interiors alike, lending themselves to a timeless and universal appeal.
Condition:
In good condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
21.06 in W x 12.60 in D x 54.72 in H
53.5 cm W x 32 cm D x 139 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
In Finland, the second half of the 20th century saw the use of new materials like plastic, synthetics, and fibreglass being combined with advances in manufacturing technologies, allowing designers in Finland to expand their range of colours and forms in mass production. However, this coffee table model still gives preference to natural materials, primarily to its wooden frame.
Utilising and highlighting the qualities of the materials used, combined with the expertise of Esko Pajamies, this coffee table is a beautiful piece that can both define and complement a modern space. The coffee table's round glass top showcases an appealing look. The dark colour of the solid wood that forms the structure of the table contrasts beautifully with the top, as its robustness grounds the design. The combination of materials make this table a stylish example of the period’s design versatility. Coffee tables, in general, serve as design staples in living spaces for a multitude of reasons: beyond their utilitarian function of providing a surface for drinks and books, they anchor a room, creating a focal point around which furniture and conversation revolve. Overall, this table equally emphasises function and visual interest, creating an instantly arresting aesthetic.
The overall form of the table has a light and airy feel, enhancing the 20th century aesthetic which it represents. With its elegant shape and careful design, this piece rises above the endless passing of trends, establishing itself as a modern classic in the realm of interior design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the coffee table may have minor marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
47.24 in ø x 19.68 in H
120 cm ø x 50 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Ole Wanscher was a leading figure in Danish and Scandinavian design, as was his mentor, the legendary Kaare Klint, renowned to be the “father” of modern Danish furniture design. Together, they made significant achievements in redefining classic forms. Drawing inspiration from human anatomy, his developments influenced the concept of Scandinavian modernism as we know it today. Wanscher’s contribution to the field is widely acknowledged as he acquired his skills at the esteemed Det Kongelige Danske Kunstakademi - Billedkunst Skolerne in Copenhagen.
The post-war era, especially the period spanning from 1940 to 1960 resembled the golden age of Danish furniture, and was when Wanscher created his most well known works. This model "1762" coffee table retains the cherished Danish modernist traits, such as simplicity and functionality, while also reflecting an ongoing precise focus on quality materials. This minimalist approach combined with solid wood creates a timeless appearance that resonates with any design style. The stunning grain pattern of the table top enhances the visual appeal, yet the most eye-catching design (and functional) element remains the curving cross stretchers connecting the legs. Albeit simple, its uncommon overlap - as opposed to bisecting - design catches the eye, and contrasts effectively with the top.
The design of this table encapsulates a rich moment in furniture design history. It is a tangible embodiment of the mid-20th century era’s focus on materiality and craftsmanship, while also reflecting the innovative spirit of Danish designers like Ole Wanscher.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item has visible marks and scratches, and may show slight discolouration.
Dimensions:
35.44 in W × 21.66 in D × 21.66 in H
90 cm W x 55 cm D x 55 cm H
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This stunning "L'Italienne" dining table, designed by the renowned French duo Guillerme et Chambron, showcases an exquisite blend of elegant aesthetics and rustic design elements. Crafted in the 1960s by Votre Maison, the table reminds us how form and elegance blend together in the duo's exceptional distinctive craftsmanship style.
At the heart of the construction of this model is the use of oak, a material renowned for its durability and timeless aesthetic qualities. Oak was the preferred material for Guillerme et Chambron, and this piece expertly showcases its rich and robust character, resulting in a solid, functional, and visually captivating work of art. Compared to the duo’s other models, this table is more pared down, relying mostly on the natural appeal of the oak, and its decorative legs. Unlike in most mid-century models, ornamentation was an important part of the duo’s creations, and while apparent, they were never overwhelming. This balance kept the pieces’ elegance, like in the case of this dining table. Furthermore, this piece is full of character and offers expressive and sculptural functionalism. Guillerme et Chambron’s table designs are well-known for their distinctive appearance and multi-functionality; this model is extendable and shows how decorative design and functionality were equally important for the designers, being as sensitive to the use of furniture in everyday life as to the creation of innovative design.
The table's form is clean, geometric, and is a testament to Guillerme et Chambron's dedication to modernism, while staying rooted in traditional craftsmanship and joinery techniques. Their work not only represents the fusion of function and form, but also exemplifies the mid-century modern aesthetic, which they played a pivotal role in actively shaping. Their emphasis on quality craftsmanship and the use of noble materials - like oak - has undeniably left a lasting imprint in the world of furniture making, solidifying their legacy in the French design landscape during the mid-century era.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
70.87 in W x 34.45 in D x 28.54 in H
180 cm W x 87.5 cm D x 72.5 cm H
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Price category: 50,000+ usd / eur
"I can't live well with too much rigidity. The 90-degree angle, for example, is something I love, but I can't do it. The things I do end up being a little lyrical, a little sensual, in short, there is always an element that does not come from purity or cleanliness."
This beautiful pedestal table visualizes the above quote from Jorge Zalszupin. It was designed in 1959 and produced by his own company, L'atelier. Essentially, the sizeable top rests on one concrete base finished with soft leather. The solid wood patchwork on the tabletop is mesmerizing, showcasing the many shades of Brazilian hardwood. This was not a purely aesthetic choice, but also an initiative for the rationalization and use of leftover scraps of wood available at the factory, allowing at the same time a combination of their different colourings. The way the large top is supported by the thick metal structure shows architectural precision and the use of materials of the highest quality. At the time of its creation, this table was presented as a dynamic piece that could be used in both the corporate and the domestic places thanks to its casual elegance. Today, its versatility is still recognized, a mark of good design. Zalszupin’s L’Atelier was a design collective comprised of architects, engineers, craftsmen and a full-scale team of professionals who did everything from researching materials to finalizing the product. Therefore, the quality of L’Atelier furniture has transcended time and his pieces have become timeless.
The name is said to be a reference to the famous Baia de Guanabara, a traditional postcard image of Rio de Janeiro. Zalszupin's production established a dialogue very close to the artisanal traditions of working with wood, ensuring quality in the aesthetics and manufacturing of his work.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wooden tabletop. The leather covering on the base is a later replacement.
Dimensions:
98.82 in W x 49.21 in D x 29.13 in H
251 cm W x 125 cm D x 74 cm H
Literature :
Jorge Zalszupin, Design Moderno no Brasil – Maria Cecilia Loschiavo dos Santos, Olhares Edition, São Paulo, 2014, p. 142
About the designer:
Jorge Zalszupin was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1922. He graduated as an architect in Romania in 1945. His importance for Brazilian design has been articulated in several publications so far. In addition to being the owner of the l'Atelier furniture factory of modern furniture, Zalszupin led a unique initiative: he coordinated a team of designers working for four different factories in the same business group, the Forsa Group.
Zalszupin immigrated to Brazil in 1949 and after a brief stay in the capital, he settled in São Paulo, a city that was then entering a cycle of great industrial growth and great cultural transformations. In the first half of the 1950s, he opened an architecture office, having José Gugliota as a partner. When he got tired of designing exclusive furniture manufactured for his clients' homes, he decided to join a group of woodworkers and started to produce smaller series. This was how l'Atelier came into being, which eventually began to manufacture office furniture and went from a carpentry shop with handcrafted products to an industry with serial production. The first piece in this series was an armchair nicknamed 'Danish' by employees. It was first created in 1959.
After the crisis of the 1980s, Jorge Zalszupin dedicated himself exclusively to architecture, an activity he had never abandoned. From 2005, the company Etel Marcenaria started to produce several of the items designed by Zalszupin for l'Atelier - among them the 'Danish' armchair -, privileging the objects of the company's artisanal phase. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This bookcase is a lovely example of mid-century design, blending form and function. The Italian design language of the 1970s looks just as attractive and fresh today as it did decades ago. Elegance and strength are cleverly combined in this minimalist piece.
Elegant in its simplicity, this bookcase places the emphasis on showcasing the material through a simple, uncluttered design. This model deserts any unnecessary ornamentation in favour of traditional form with the structure being both practical and aesthetically balanced. The proportions are carefully considered, offering a sense of harmony that aligns with the craftsmanship typical of Italian furniture design from the second half of the 20th century. This piece features open shelves and thanks to their arrangement and the large surfaces, the beautiful grain of the wood veneer is highlighted. The material is warm and expressive, enhanced by a natural finish that highlights it’s inherent richness. The bookshelf’s open and airy design offers a sense of visual lightness, making it equally suited to display treasured books or decorative objects.
A timeless piece, this bookshelf embodies the era’s philosophy of democratic design; functional, beautiful, and enduring. It serves not only as a practical storage solution but also as a quiet statement of mid-century elegance.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor chips and scratches.
Dimensions:
33.46 in W x 8.66 in D x 58.66 in H
85 cm W x 22 cm D x 149 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
During the 1950s, Danish Modern furniture placed equal emphasis on structural clarity and refined craftsmanship. Rather than treating tables as purely functional objects, designers created furniture that integrated beauty into day-to-day life. Thanks in great part to an early emphasis on wood and a resistance to certain modernist currents by influential designers, Danish Modern has avoided associations with cold industrialisation and machine aesthetics.
The movement's preference for fine cabinetmaking and expressive timber is evident in this coffee table, whose elegant silhouette is achieved through a restrained combination of curves and expressive wood. The long, rectangular top displays a dramatic grain pattern, with tonal variations across the surface. Supporting it is an elegant, trestle-like base. The designer strayed away from the bulky, robust versions of this iconic base style, opting instead for two sweeping curved side supports connected by a single stretcher, creating an open architectural framework beneath the tabletop. The contrast between the crisp horizontal plane of the top and the flowing curves of the base creates a dynamic, yet balanced, composition. Danish modern designs are, at their core, utilitarian objects; as a result, this table’s form follows function, offering both a generous surface area and great stability. The absence of unnecessary detailing directs attention to the quality of the timber, the precision of the joinery, and the graceful geometry of the structure.
Elegant from every angle, the table demonstrates why Danish Cabinetmakers and their designs are some of the most thoughtful pieces of furniture. Its understated design and versatile character allow it to complement a wide range of interiors while showcasing the enduring appeal of the Danish modern period.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item has some marks and scratches on the tabletop.
Dimensions:
59.25 in W x 25.59 in D x 21.65 in H
150.5 cm W x 65 cm D x 55 cm H