This beautiful foldable table by Otto Wretling is quite literally ideal. Designed in Umeå, Sweden in 1936, this “Ideal” model was also produced by Wretling and still features the maker’s label inside.

The “Idealbord” (Ideal table) has an inventive design, with flaps that make the tabletop foldable, and a column that can adjust the table’s height. Although this table dates from the dawn of what we now call Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, functionality was clearly already a core design idea. The column on the base is black lacquered and the metal bearing adjusting the height is also painted black to match it. The table in its closed position has an ebony veneer like the base, while when folded out, the birch becomes visible with its ebony inlays. The inlays have a peculiar pattern and show great craftsmanship.

Thanks to the adjustability of the table’s height and length, it can serve as both a dining and coffee table as well as a console table. It is ideal not only in its name, but also for its versatile functions. It was patented in 1936 by Swedish cabinetmaker Otto Wretling, who designed the table together with his son, Bo Wretling in 1935.

SOLD

Condition:

In very good vintage condition. Item has some minor marks and scratches. Table top has some hair cracks and a few possible older repairs.

Dimensions:

88.19 in W x 26.97 in D x 30.32 in H

224 cm W x 68.5 cm D x 77 cm H

About the designer:

Otto Leonard Wretling (1901-1986) was born in the city of Umea, Sweden. He was a visual artist, designer, painter, and furniture manufacturer. Contemporarily he is best-known for the Ideal table.

Together with brother Wilhelm (1871–1951) Otto Wretling took over the father's painting company in 1897. The business was soon expanded with a furniture carpentry in 1905, and Otto Wretling became the head designer. The company's furniture style was initially inspired by Art Nouveau, but over time it developed into a tighter Scandinavian design. Wretling also designed and built a couple of houses in Umeå. The company in central Umea was active until 1969. Throughout his life, he was active as a visual artist and created a large number of paintings in oil with natural motifs from Norrland (Northern Sweden). In 1928, Company Otto Wretling was selected as the Royal Court Supplier by King Gustaf V. ~H.