Kolmiojalka Bench by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy , Finland 1950s (sold)

Kolmiojalka Bench by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy , Finland 1950s (sold)

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At the Tenth Milan Triennial in 1954, Finland received the largest relative proportion of available prizes. The amount was even more than those eight prizes the country collected at a previous Triennial in 1951, when it made its initial break-through in the international exhibitions of design. A new era had begun: The 1950s and 1960s became known as the golden age of Finnish design and also of designer, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs.

Distinctive and original furniture characterize the Finnish mid-century, with immediately recognizable features such as the legs of this so-called “Kolmiojalka” (triangular foot) or simply ‘TV bench”. The Kolmiojalka bench is part of the Kolmiojalka series designed by Hiort af Ornäs in the 1950s. Hiort af Ornäs believed in craftsmanship, quality and refined finishing. The details of the Kolmiojalka bench make it an eye-catching classic.

Many of Hiort af Ornäs’s designs aimed for multiple uses. This model is also versatile due to its airy and light structure, and it forms a whole family of products: It can be used as a table, a bench, or as a stand for a television or even books. An upholstered version of this model also exists that was used at the end of beds and waiting rooms. Regardless of where and how it is used, it beautifully emphasizes the objects placed on it. The beautifully finished details make this bench an eye-catching classic.‎

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on wood.

Dimensions:

70.87 in W x 18.89 in D x 15.35 in H

180 cm W x 48 cm D x 39 cm H

About the designer:

Carl-Gustaf Vilhelm (nicknamed “Nalle”) Hiort of Ornäs was born on 27 February 1911 and lived most of his life in Tapiola/Espoo in Finland, and in his later life moved to Spain. He is remembered as a Finnish interior architect and designer known to be uncompromising.

Before the Finnish wars (1939-1944), Hiort af Ornäs spent his time in Pori, working at Björneborgs Mekaniska Verkstad. He studied at the Helsinki University of Technology to become an architect, but never graduated. He did, however, become known as an interior designer, and eventually even more known as a furniture designer.

In 1945, Hiort af Ornäs founded the furniture company Puunveisto Oy, for which he developed versatile techniques for shaping plywood. He started the furniture manufacturing shop on Lauttasaari in Helsinki (Veneentekijäntie 14) together with his brother. The wood shop, showroom and office were all located in the same building in Helsinki. Rolf Mesterton was the man in charge of producing the furniture, but there were several other carpenters at work in the woodshop. Hiort af Ornäs’s furniture was exhibited and sold by the shop Nupponen who also distributed Olavi Hänninen’s designs, while Puunveisto’s furniture were also sold by Gösta Westerbergs Möbler in Stockholm, Sweden, but despite a good selection of chairs, tables and shelves, did not do too well. Since production costs were high, Hiort af Ornäs faced economic troubles. The company was later sold to Nupponen after which Hiort af Ornäs’s interest in the company waned.

Hiort af Ornäs spent his retirement in Spain, and designed several buildings for Fuengirola’s Los Pacos neighbourhood, which has a large Finnish population. His house that he drew and built in Tapiola, Espoo, Finland, ‘Villa Hiort’, still stands and houses some of the designer’s original drawings. It is a beautiful example of 1950s Modernism and the talent of Hiort af Ornäs that brought him recognition that lasts to this day. ~H.

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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur

This impressive Norwegian coffee table is defined by its materials, seamless joinery, and distinctive tabletop. This table is characteristic of the postwar exploration with both natural and man-made materials.

Utilising and highlighting the qualities of the materials used, combined with the expertise of its maker, this coffee table is a beautiful piece that can both dominate and complement a modern space. The table's square top showcases an appealing textural and colourful look. As a result, the impression is quite elemental and striking. The sleek metal base also creates a sense of elegance and sophistication, while the modern stone top is smooth to the touch, adding a sense of solidity and durability to the overall design. Norwegian designers of this era aimed to create furniture and home decor that was both aesthetically pleasing and practical. This style has become synonymous with Scandinavian and Nordic design and is still sought after today for its timeless appeal and quality.

This coffee table follows the fundamental Scandinavian design principles both aesthetically and technically. The simple design serves the purpose of showing the understated beauty of the materials and their endless possibilities in the hands of an expert craftsman.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The base of the coffee table is a later replacement.

Dimensions:

41.14 in W x 41.14 in D x 15.74 in H

104.5 cm W x 104.5 cm D x 40 cm H

Mid-Century Modern Writing Desk with Integrated Drawers, Italy 1960s

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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

Birch and Oak Carved Desk by Pavel Novak, Czechoslovakia 1980s

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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 .

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

Oak Coffee Table with Round Legs, Europe 1960s

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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

Handcrafted Brutalist Solid Oak Side Table, the Netherlands 1970s

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

In the thriving design landscape of the 20th century, the emergence of Brutalist furniture left an indelible mark on design. Brutalist furniture design in the post-war decades came as a direct response to both architectural developments and shifting social ideals. This 1970s side table emphasizes raw materials, structural honesty, and an absence of ornamentation.

The Netherlands embraced Brutalism as a rejection of ornate embellishments, opting for raw, utilitarian forms. Oak became the material of choice for many Brutalist pieces due to its durability and malleability, enabling intricate yet robust constructions. Crafted from solid oak, the deep hues of this table exude warmth amidst the starkness that generally characterised style. The straightforward shape of this table highlights the understated beauty of the material, allowing the grain of the wood to stand out. The table top is set on four splayed block legs, stained in the same dark, rich colour lending a more dramatic presence to the piece. The base is ideal for ensuring the sturdiness needed for a classic piece of furniture made to withstand the passage of time. The surface of the wood is left largely untreated to showcase the material’s inherent texture and tonal variation. Rather than relying on decorative features, the table derives its character from this raw materiality and its geometry. Although relatively simple, the table carries a strong visual presence and sense of intention - it showcases versatility, while maintaining character.

The emphasis on material and function allows this table to age gracefully, developing character over time, while anchoring every space it finds itself in. The piece reflects the enduring appeal of Brutalist furniture: objects that prioritise substance over decoration, offering both utility and a lasting architectural presence.

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 item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

46.86 in W x 27.96 in D x 29.53 in H

119 cm W x 71 cm D x 75 cm H

Art Deco Octagonal Side Table, Europe First half of the 20th Century

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

During the early 20th century, Europe was experiencing a dramatic shift in design sensibilities. Art Deco emerged as a response to the austerity of the previous era, blending modernist ideals with a love for luxury and ornamentation. It was an era that celebrated geometric forms, rich materials, and innovative craftsmanship. Even after the height of the Art Deco period had passed, many of its defining motifs continued to influence furniture production throughout Europe.

Geometric forms occupied a central role in Art Deco design, where they were used to introduce structure and visual rhythm to everyday objects. The octagonal top immediately establishes the character of this table. It is made from triangular wooden elements that seem to radiate from the middle, adding great visual detail. Its faceted outline is echoed by the lower shelf, creating a layered composition that feels both balanced and architectural. Supported by four slender legs, the structure remains visually open, allowing the empty space to emphasize the relationship between the upper and lower surfaces. The rich grain of the wood complements the precision of the form, introducing warmth and natural variation across the surface.

The table reveals a constant interplay between geometry and proportion. The repeated octagonal elements create a sense of structure truly representative of Art Deco. Compact in scale yet distinctive in appearance, it functions as a side table and decorative accent, bringing a touch of Art Deco elegance to a wide variety of interiors.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

21.06 in W x 19.48 in D x 25.19 in H

53.5 cm W x 49.5 cm D x 64 cm H

Danish Modern Wooden Coffee Table, Denmark Second Half of the 20th Century

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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