Dutch Cabinetmaker Folding Dining Table by De Volharding, Netherlands 1950s (sold)















Dutch Cabinetmaker Folding Dining Table by De Volharding, Netherlands 1950s (sold)
Mid-century Dutch furniture design was characterized by a blend of modernist influences and a commitment to functionality. Wooden furniture from this time period often featured clean lines and a focus on the natural beauty of the wood, as seen with this dining table.
Furthermore, Dutch cabinetmakers focused on prioritizing usability and functionality alongside aesthetics. De Volharding was founded in the 1930s by Albert Boesveld (1905 – 1966) and Victor Klaassen. Initially, the company supplied wooden window frames, stairs and doors, and later school furniture. When a large wave of emigration originated from the Netherlands in the 1950s, the factory produced collapsible furniture that could easily be shipped in special boxes, like this folding table.
The design of this table is characterized by clean lines and minimalistic details, reflecting the influence of mid-century modernism. Its simple yet refined silhouette makes it suitable for various interior styles and decor preferences. This folding table embodies the manufacturer’s commitment to functionality, craftsmanship, and modern design aesthetics.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
54.33 in W x 31.10 in D x 30.31 in H
138 cm W x 79 cm D x 77 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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