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: 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

"Sequenza" Side Table with Pivotable Top by François Monnet, France ca 1970s

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

The 1970s witnessed the emergence of eccentric furniture pieces that seamlessly blended the avant-garde with practicality. Crafted in France, this distinctive "Sequenza" table by François Monnet bears the mark of French ingenuity and artistry, reflecting an era where experimentation in design was the norm.

The modern look of this table carries an industrial quality, yet retains the refined edge of late 20th century design. Each component of this table was designed with functionality and elegance in mind, culminating in a piece that transcends simple utility. It is a striking blend of form and function - the swivel top offers not just practicality, but also a touch of modern charm that can enhance the decor and warmth of an interior. The material choice of stainless steel also makes the piece look lightweight while maintaining its durability. Simplicity meets sophistication in this design, where craftsmanship and finish take center stage. The piece exudes a sense of artistic whimsy and individuality, embodying the best of its era. Objects like this make striking focal points in any modern home and this table is no exception.

Coffee and side 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.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The table has recently been reconditioned. There are minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the metal, the table may have marks, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

29.92 in W x 17.72 in D x 21.26 in H

76 cm W x 45 cm D x 54 cm H

Pine Side Table with Geometric Pattern by Hilding Nilsson, Sweden 1960s

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

The 1960s in Sweden were defined by a quiet but deliberate design philosophy rooted in function, clarity, and craftsmanship. Designers and cabinetmakers turned toward a more humanist modernism that emphasised warmth over severity. This approach is exemplified by Swedish Modern design movement, which focused on creating durable, accessible, and elegant furniture for the masses.

Rather than treating tables as purely functional objects, designers like Hilding Nilsson created furniture that integrated beauty into day-to-day life. Thanks in great part to an early emphasis on wood Swedish furniture design from the mid-20th century era avoided associations with cold industrialisation and machine aesthetics. This table is crafted from pine and because of its universally appealing form and impeccable craftsmanship, it fits almost any design style. It is apparent that equal attention was paid to the aesthetic quality, which is visible in the carefully crafted construction. The minimalist design allows the beautiful grain of the wood to stand out throughout the table. Moreover, the geometric grain pattern and warm patina of the pine speak to decades of gentle use, enhancing the appeal with a sense of history and authenticity.

Like most mid-century pieces, this side table is sure to enhance the daily lives of its users through its visually pleasing and functional design that is timeless in every sense of the word.

Condition:

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

Dimensions:

22.64 in W x 12.60 in D x 20.08 in H

57.5 cm W x 32 cm D x 51 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:

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

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 .

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

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