Otto Wretling "Ideal" Table, Sweden 1936 (sold)




















































Otto Wretling "Ideal" Table, Sweden 1936 (sold)
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.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
By the mid-1980s, the modern and urban aesthetic was the epitome of cool. Tubular furniture, glass-topped tables, chrome finishes and glass bricks all became ‘must have’ items. Lother Klute created pieces in line with the trend, designing a plethora of glass-topped tables, and this one is a perfect example of the era’s style.
Utilising and highlighting the qualities of the materials used, combined with the expertise of Lother Klute, this coffee table is a beautiful piece that can both dominate and complement a modern space. The coffee table's round glass top showcases an appealing textural look. As a result, the impression is quite elemental and striking. The dark colour of the patinated solid brass that forms the structure of the table contrast 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. From the thick bubble glass, to the durable and resistant brass, this piece is made to last. 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, the table equally emphasizes function and visual interest, creating an instantly arresting aesthetic.
This piece is a representation of German Post-Modernist design from the 1980s, an interesting phase of cultural and social impacts with creatives trying to figure out a way towards leaving their mark on the design world.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
42.52 in ⌀ x 20.08 in H
108 cm ⌀ x 51 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Nordiska Kompaniet from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Skoga” series in the early 1930s.
The “Skoga” series was crafted as part of a broader collection of summer-house furniture, intended to be both practical and aesthetically harmonious with the rugged beauty of the Swedish landscape. Despite its utilitarian roots, the series, as well as this table, exudes quiet sophistication and a timeless appeal focusing on simple lines and the material itself. Made of pine wood, this table is strong, reflecting Hjorth’s principles according to which he mixed the ideals of the modernist movement with provincial Swedish traditions, producing a unique and primitive modernism. It is quite robust without being intrusive, naturally standing to be the centre of the room. The legs and stretch-bar base emphasize structural clarity and durability, while the rounded corners and visible joinery express a handcrafted, almost sculptural quality. The rectangular tabletop is comprised of three planks of wood, yet it has a light impression. The large surface shows off the pattern of the wood and colour variation. The absence of heavy ornamentation is also in service of enhancing the organic, simple look that defined Swedish design of the era. Each element, joint and line is well crafted and solid, the attention given to every construction and finishing detail is obvious.
This table doesn’t depend on its details, rather, it is just as arresting from afar as from a proximity. The joinery and woodworking reveal the quality craftsmanship of the experts at Nordiska Kompaniet. The most charming thing about this table however, is that it showcases classic elements and so much history, but it lends itself easily to a modern interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
70.86 in W x 23.62 in D x 27.55 in H
180 cm W x 60 cm D x 70 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
A drafting table or architect's table is, in its antique form, a kind of multipurpose desk which can be used for any kind of drawing, writing or impromptu sketching or for drafting technical illustrations. Many designs from the mid-century period adopted an almost structural logic, reflecting a broader interest in honest materials and visible craftsmanship, where the making of the object was never concealed but instead highlighted as an integral part of the design.
This worktop desk was made in France around the 1960s. It embodies rustic modernism and brutalist aesthetics through the robust yet carefully considered construction. The solid oak top is thick and slightly contoured, with softened edges that introduce a subtle organic quality to an otherwise rectilinear form, and an ergonomic cutout. Beneath, the base is composed of vertical supports connected by horizontal stretchers, creating a grounded structure. The architectural portico base is connected by solid crossbeams, where the joinery is clearly expressed, each connection contributing to both the strength and the visual identity of the piece. This detail is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship and brutalist influences. At the same time, the open space between these elements ensures that the design does not feel heavy, despite the mass of the material. The natural grain of the oak remains visible across all surfaces, adding depth to the otherwise restrained composition.
This desk maintains a strong presence rooted in its quality, but most of all, it represents a deeply functional piece of furniture. It balance of weight and refinement makes it perfect to serve a practical but elegant workspace.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The desk has recently been reconditioned and showcases a beautiful grain pattern. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item has minor marks and scratches, and may show slight discolouration.
Dimensions:
49.40 in W × 32.67 in D × 30.31 in H
125.5 cm W x 83 cm D x 77 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 40,000 - 50,000 usd / eur
This peculiar “T22” table model is also referred to as the “Eye”. While the name needs no further explanation, the ingenious design certainly does. Pierre Chapo always paired his creative and elegant designs with impeccable craftsmanship that gained him worldwide fame and love.
The “T22” is formed by two arcs, each resting on three cylindrical leg and a central oval module attached to one of the arcs by a sliding system. Placed together, the design forms an “eye”. Not a lot of designs receive a nickname by which they are immediately recognised, but this table is one of those. With its distinctive structure, it epitomises Chapo's research for new systems of joinery, in which the material and the design would be the lead factors in achieving stability, durability, and of course, an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Here, the smaller middle module can be adjusted or removed freely, allowing the table’s modules to be arranged in a variety of ways, for example, it can also be arranged to form a long undulating console. The immense functionality is accompanied by Chapo’s precise joinery techniques and woodworking. Pierre Chapo worked largely in elm wood and has a couple of signature design elements like the visible spline joint and the cylindrical legs as seen here as well. The solid elm has a stunning grain and various patterns that especially stand out on the curvatures of the table.
Chapo’s organic approach to arts and crafts and both designers resisted the stark industrial look that was dominant in the post-war period under the influence of socialism. This coffee table is undoubtedly an emblematic model of post-war French decorative arts and design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks. The elm wood has a beautiful patina. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have some additional scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
69.48 in W x 51.18 in D x 12.99 in H
176.5 cm W x 130 cm D x 33 cm H
About the designer:
Pierre Chapo, born in Paris in July 1927, was initially interested in becoming a professional painter. However, after a chance meeting with a shipbuilder who introduced him to wood and wood crafts, Chapo changed his focus and decided to study architectural studies at the prestigious École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
After graduation, Chapo and his wife, the sculptor, and painter Nicole Lormier, started to travel extensively through Scandinavia and Central America. Among the many places the couple visited was the home and studio of Frank Lloyd Wright in Taliesin West. A visit that had a lasting influence on Chapo’s future work and designs. Read more about Pierre Chapo. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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
REQUEST PRICE HERE
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
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the pioneers of the Danish modern in the 1950s. Rather than a regional phenomenon, Kofod-Larsen saw Scandinavian design as part of international modernism, and he became one of the best-selling Danish architects in the United States in the 1950s. This rare palisander sideboard was produced by Swedish manufacturer Säffle Möbelfabrik in cooperation with the Danish designer in 1958.
This very sought after model features distinctive V-shaped legs that complement the otherwise strict lines. The veneer has a grain that has come out beautifully over time, and gives the sideboard a striking look. This means that each model is different and unique, the pattern always varying. It praises the designer that the body is in an understated, rectangular shape that lets the wood and the legs stand out. Functionality also plays an important role in this model; with its sheer size and four doors, this piece offers a lot of shelving space. The first three doors cover space for height adjustable shelves, while the fourth covers four white, unevenly sized drawers. Each door has a small oval notch on the top, enabling easy opening while maintaining a clean and uncluttered front. Presumably only 40 or 50 of these models have been made when the Säffle factory bought a leftover stack of veneer from another factory. This sideboard is made with outstanding production quality and attention to detail.
Ib Kofod-Larsen's work became increasingly sought-after during the 1950s and 1960s, typically featuring organic and minimal pieces made specifically for the Scandinavian market. This “Trol” sideboard is a beautiful and elegant evidence of Kofod-Larsen’s graphic purity and artistic expression. He was a purist. A man of detail. At first glance, his furniture may seem simple, but at closer inspection it is full of detail.
Condition:
In good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The veneer has some minor marks.
Dimensions:
95.86 in W x 18.51 in D x 28.3 in H
243.5 cm W x 47 cm D x 72 cm H
Literature:
Mobilia Magazine n°106, May 1964
About the designer:
Ib Kofod-Larsen was born in 1921 in Denmark. Kofod-Larsen was trained as a cabinetmaker with the highest honours in 1944, and later completed his education as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1948.
His first recognition as a designer came when he won the Holmegaard Glass Competition and received the Danish Cabinetmakers Guild’s annual award. These awards attracted the attention of the Danish furniture manufacturer Faarup Møbelfabrik.
During his time at Faarup, he created some of his most beautiful works, like the rosewood Model 66 sideboard, and established himself as a furniture designer. Learn more about Ib Kofod-Larsen. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The Savonarola originates from a chair found in the convent of San Marco in Florence which was used by the 15th century Italian Dominican priest Girolamo Savonarola. Savonarola-style pieces feature a lower structure built from intersecting or flowing supports. In Italian design, it was often constructed from wrought iron, where curved elements replace rigid straight lines and create a sense of movement within the structure.
This dining table reflects that sentiment through its wrought iron base. The structure is made up of slender metal supports that curve and connect across the underside of the table. These elements distribute weight across the base to offer stability while also supporting the glass top above. The glass top introduces a strong contrast to the expressive base. It is flat, clear, and clearly geometrical, allowing the structure beneath to remain fully visible. This transparency turns the base into the focal point of the design rather than hiding it. The table feels balanced, from the mix of juxtaposing materials and shapes. The iron base is strong and bold, yet its curved lines prevent it from appearing rigid. The glass top, in turn, helps avoid visual clutter and makes the table easier to place in a room without overwhelming the space.
Overall, the piece works as both a functional dining table and a sculptural object. The combination of materials highlights the contrast between structure and transparency, while the flowing base connects the design to earlier Italian furniture traditions in a modern form.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Marks and scratches are present on the glass. Due to the nature and age of the iron, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to age and manufacturing inconsistencies.
Dimensions:
70.86 in W x 39.37 in D x 29.52 in H
180 cm W x 100 cm D x 75 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The Brutalist movement of the mid-20th century was known for its use of bold forms and imperfect organic materials, and gave rise to balanced, straightforward designs both in architecture and interiors. The skilled craftsmanship behind the construction of Brutalist furniture resulted in beautiful statement pieces, which celebrated and showcased the striking features of raw materials like wood or stone.
Crafted during a time of architectural innovation, this table boasts a robust, almost industrial aesthetic, marrying form and function with an unapologetic rawness. Its intricate design showcases a hexagonal stone top and crossed metal base. This combination of materials makes it a stylish example of the period’s design versatility. The unique colour variation of the stone top greatly adds to the visual interest of this piece. Stone nowadays is an indispensable element of interior design. Not only is it durable, but it has the power to arrest visual interest through its versatility. Brutalist furniture from Europe in many ways transcends the word ‘modern’, and so does this coffee table. Like the style, this piece can be incorporated successfully into contemporary and traditional interiors alike, lending itself to a timeless and universal appeal.
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 or 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.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. The metal base has scratches. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the table may have some marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
45.67 in W x 39.76 in D x 15.94 in H
116 cm W x 101 cm D x 40.5 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect David Rosén worked alongside renowned designers such as Axel Einar Hjorth and Josef Frank at Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), one of Sweden’s most respected design houses. Rosén crafted this beautiful table for NK in 1938.
Made from pine, this table exudes a lovely charm and robust aesthetic that is characteristic of the era. In early 20th century design, the use of wood held a special significance; it was not merely a material choice, but a philosophy that emphasized the natural and organic over the ornate and extravagant. Moreover, in a rather distinctive way, softness and tradition merge in this coffee table. While it is elemental thanks to the solid pine and interesting construction, the roundness of its top and its elegantly sculpted base still provide a sense of gentleness. It is this well measured tension between the shapes that make the design eye-catching and infinitely interesting. Organic and natural materials often take pride of place in Swedish design, reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries’ relationship to nature. The solid pine wood of this table is not overworked, its natural grain stands out and serves as ornamentation in itself. With minimalism comes timelessness, a guarantee that this coffee table will never go out of style.
With its strong and distinctive details, this table model is a perfect accent table, while also being capable to complement its surroundings. This piece could fit well in a modern interior, as well as in a minimalist or rustic space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
28.74 in W x 21.65 in D x 23.62 in H
73 cm W x 55 cm D x 60 cm H
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This coffee table is a stunning example of Modernism in design: clear forms without exaggeration with the high-quality work of a Danish cabinetmaker. Humble in its material and size, this table still draws attention thanks to its distinctive look and personality.
Early on, many of the Danish cabinetmakers’ workshops had been producing historical furniture; master cabinetmakers had been renowned for their solid wooden furniture rendered in various styles of the past. This coffee table, while not specifically historical in style, shows some restrained decorative elements that are generally rather sparse in Scandinavian mid-century furniture. However, accordingly to the design ideals of Danish designers, the scalloping pattern is not overwhelming the table, nor does it demand attention, rather, it is an understated but clever addition to the design. The scalloped patterns on the tabletop and legs differ slightly; the scallops on the legs are more pronounced with straight lines between each scallop, while under the tabletop, it is in a more traditional, round shape.
The wavy effect is even more pronounced thanks to the beautiful grain and colour of the solid oak that is most apparent on the wide, circular top. As it can be expected from Danish design and craftsmanship, visually appealing elements usually serve a functional role as well. In this case, the wooden elements under the table reinforce the stability of the structure in this ingenious manner.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
35.03 in W x 35.03 in D x 22.04 in H
89 cm W x 89 cm D x 56 cm H
About the Designer:
The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.
Works from the Danish Cabinetmakers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.
Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.
The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognisable today. These lounge chairs are the perfect illustrations of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
In European mid-century furniture design, there was an early emphasis on wood because it connected everyday objects to nature. This solid oak coffee table is a perfect example of this sentiment, and features the visual qualities of an understated, organic design.
Within the thriving Dutch design landscape of 1970s, Brutalist furniture left an indelible mark and this coffee table shows why as it epitomises the era's aesthetic medley. Crafted from solid oak, the wood’s hues exude warmth amidst the starkness that defines the Brutalist design. This piece has a strong elemental feel to it, which is a result of its thick round tabletop and sturdy yet sleek legs. The Netherlands embraced Brutalism as a rejection of ornate embellishments, opting for raw, utilitarian forms. Oak became the material of choice for many pieces during this time due to its durability and malleability, enabling intricate yet robust constructions. This coffee table exemplifies this, with its neat woodworking and sharp angles connecting the legs with the round top. The table top is layered, with its edge showing the beauty or organically carved wood. The contrast of sleek lines against the natural grain of oak echoes the broader Brutalist ethos: blending the industrial with the natural in a bold, unapologetic way.
The craftsman’s handiwork is visible throughout the table, adding to its character. The piece, with its natural finish, exemplifies the enduring charm that 20th century design continues to bring to contemporary interiors, underscoring the timeless appeal of this iconic design era.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Minor scratches and dents are present. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have some marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
47.63 in ø x 19.88 in H
121 cm ø x 50.5 cm H