French Olive Wood Dining Table, France 1970s (sold)




































French Olive Wood Dining Table, France 1970s (sold)
The 1970s were, arguably, one of the most interesting eras in French design, with “a lot going on”. In part a reaction against the sleek modernism of mid-century design, 1970s design was more about playful embellishments and self-expression in general. This dining table is the visual antithesis to that sentiment, with an understated, rustic look, created for a primarily functional purpose.
At first glance, this table appears to have an almost Brutalist look, with the style’s basic characteristics all present: unornamented, solid wood, exposed joints, and raw wooden surfaces. At the same time, the artisanal use of the wood’s natural qualities shows great consideration for the “not strictly necessary” as well, with elongated lines that are more delicate with their rounded edges. The wood’s uneven surface and patterns are immensely characteristic and diverse, dictating the visual impression. The sole ornamentation is therefore the wood itself with all its natural qualities. Olive wood, despite its many advantages, is a fairly rare material, especially in other parts of Europe. Wood from olive trees is hard and rich in colour with a fine, versatile texture, which is why it is prized. The pattern of the wood is very striking, creating a dynamic look through the swirls, loops, and colour scheme. The organic look is further enhanced by the mortise and tenon joinery seen on the double stretchers, and the visible screws under the table.
Wood has never gone out of style, and pieces with an emphasis on the unfinished or natural look are only gaining popularity today. This dining table is equally striking standing alone, or as a part of an interior with a medley of styles.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some cracks and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
66.92 in W x 31.49 in D x 30.11 in H
170 cm W x 80 cm D x 76.5 cm H
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet were a French design duo who worked together during the 20th century. They were known for their innovative use of natural, sustainable materials, including rope, wicker, and bamboo. The duo’s work was heavily influenced by the Modernist movement, which sought to create functional and streamlined designs that were accessible to a wider audience.
Audoux & Minet’s pieces are characterised by a strong sense of craftsmanship, with each piece being handmade by the designers themselves or by skilled artisans. This dining table showcases a long rectangular top finished in warm wood veneer, its broad uninterrupted surface displays the grain. The top sits above thick base covered in a tightly woven natural fibre that introduces an immediate depth of tone and texture. The fibre flows across the supports in beautiful braided patterns, emphasising the bold and solid look. The rope is made into a geometric pattern which breaks up the woven surface to create a beautiful rhythm within the structure. The contrast of materials is central to the table’s character: the smooth, richly grained wooden top stands out against the coarse, rough and natural fibre below, allowing two very different surfaces to define the piece.
Today, Audoux and Minet's designs are highly sought after by collectors and are considered important examples of mid-century modern design. Furniture pieces like this table stand out through their unique textures, and their materials, as well as their classic charm.
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. Additional imperfections like chips, dents or discolouration may be present.
Dimensions:
67.12 in W x 33.46 in D x 29.13 in H
170.5 cm W x 85 cm D x 74 cm H
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Price category: 20,000 - 30,000 usd / eur
Generally, Czech mid-century modern designs tend to be more sober than their French, German, American, and even Scandinavian counterparts. However, works by Pavel Novak are an exception - as evidenced by this large desk. While his genius is evident in his work, the Czech designer’s repertoire is finally starting to surface, and as this piece shows, we are lucky to witness it.
Novak often worked with a gouge, that originally never had any other vocation than to furnish his farm. Part of this table is made of hand gouged oak, which is in itself a time-consuming and rare woodcarving technique. While most woodworkers offer help with fixing gouges in wood, Novak used the technique to create this rustic looking body that can be considered to be a functional sculpture. Thanks to the unique, hand-carved texture, the table is one of a kind, with an inimitable pattern .
This solid wood table, with its natural finish, exemplifies the enduring charm and warmth that mid-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 desk has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
88.98 in W x 26.78 in D x 39.97 in H
226 cm W x 68 cm D x 101.5 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: 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
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Among furniture design ideas, the 1950s and 60s were pivotal for the emergence of the Brutalist movement. Irregular edges, visible joinery, and expressive grain patterns were embraced, creating pieces that balanced traditional craftsmanship with a sculptural modern sensibility.
This sideboard puts the emphasis on showcasing the material through a robust design. As is the case with its European contemporaries, this model also deserts any unnecessary ornamentation in favour of the Brutalist design philosophy, which centres around craftsmanship and functionality. The wide surfaces and the carved lines are perfect to showcase the artistry and workmanship. The design of this piece isn’t loud, it leaves the focus on the wood and the details, yet, it has a stately appearance that is exemplary of the works created by Aranjou. French furniture pieces generally show great balance between decorative and functional elements which is the case here as well. The design still primarily aims to serve as storage space. As a result, the three cupboards and drawers open to reveal ample space that makes the sideboard ideal for daily use. The maker of this table clearly focused on the material, letting the beautiful qualities of the wood stand out. The craftsman’s handiwork is clearly visible throughout, highlighting its organic allure.
The design generation active during the mid-20th century created some of the most iconic wooden furniture designs of the whole century. This Aranjou edition sideboard 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. The sideboard 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:
78.74 in W × 20.08 in D × 42.91 in H
200 cm W x 51 cm D x 109 cm H
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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
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This coffee table embodies the essence of European mid-century design, with its distinctive features that recall a time when form and function were equally paramount. Crafted from solid wood, this table exudes a rustic charm and robust aesthetic that is characteristic of the era in which it was made.
In mid-century modern 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. The design is inspired by the mid-century penchant for elemental shapes, featuring a simple circular tabletop, supported by four straight legs. The tabletop has a brutalist feel to it. The warm tone of the oak wood creates a sense of lightness, while also projecting an air of strength and solidity. Oak has been the defining material for European brutalist pieces partly due to its durability and malleability, enabling intricate yet robust constructions. The large tabletop showcases the unique qualities of the wood, while also providing functional space. Mid-century modern design represented a break with the traditional past; design-wise, furnishings were often a rejection of Victorian, Colonial, and other historical influences.
This solid wood table, with its natural finish, exemplifies the enduring charm and warmth that mid-century design continues to bring to contemporary interiors, underscoring the timeless appeal of this iconic design era. The maker of this table clearly focused on the material, letting the beautiful qualities of the oak wood stand out. This model will make a perfect addition to a range of interior styles.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
47.24 Ø in x 11.18 in H
120 Ø cm x 46 cm H
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Danish modern, the popular movement that took over the design world, is characterised by clean lines, organic forms, and emphasis on functionality over unnecessary ornamentation. This sideboard beautifully showcases the era’s interest in functional beauty.
The design features simple, geometrical shapes and offers an uncomplicated silhouette, which serves a clear purpose; a quality that is quintessentially mid-century modern. Combining tradition and modernity, Frederik Stærmose Møbelfabrik created pieces with a great consideration for functionality. This sideboard is evidence of this pursuit, thanks to its streamlined aesthetic and impressive storage volume. The use of elm gives the sideboard a very calm, natural feeling. The veneer has a beautiful grain and pattern that stands out on the large surfaces on all sides. The slender legs balance the design perfectly both visually and physically. With its subtle decorative element, the geometric panelling on the doors accentuates the design, adding depth and visual interest. The craftsmanship is even further highlighted in the rounded sides and the precision of the woodwork, reflecting the high standards of cabinet making at the time.
This piece of furniture carries the Danish mid-century design history that defined not only the era’s aesthetic, but still influences contemporary design. It sets itself apart thanks to the beautiful shape making it the perfect addition to any interior space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature of the material, item may some marks, scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
85.82 in W x 24.60 in D x 35.43 in H
218 cm W x 62.5 cm D x 90 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
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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: 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.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Designed in the manner of Henning Kjærnulf, this cabinet features a strong angular structure that gives a feeling of strength and durability. The wood construction is carved and sculpted in an unmistakable way, showcasing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. If there is a single common denominator for Danish Modern design, it is the quality of the woodwork, and this piece is evidence of that.
Many associate Danish furniture with the country's golden age, the mid-20th century. This model shows why: its design follows in the vein of Scandinavian functionality, timelessness and quality. Combining tradition and modernity, Kjærnulf created his pieces with a great consideration for functionality, while not shying away from decorative flair. His wood of choice was oak, a durable, long-lasting material that is the perfect canvas for the intricately carved shapes and details to take form. The functional and decorative elements of this design are treated equally, resulting in a stunning but balanced look. The cabinet features a versatile shelving and storage system. The bottom drawers also feature metal ring pulls. These small functional elements also serve an aesthetic function alongside the carved front. The mixture of round and straight shapes is used masterfully, giving depth to the oak.
The only thing that is hard to decide in the case of this piece is where to look first, as there is no doubt about its aesthetic or material quality. This cabinet is a beautiful example of Danish modernism, complete with influences from previous art and design movements. It is sure to stand out as an accent piece, or complement its surroundings thanks to its natural colour and warm tones.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cabinet has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the oak, the item has minor marks, scratches, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
65.75 in W x 18.50 in D x 52.95 in H
167 cm W x 47 cm D x 134.5 cm H