Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s


























Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece to bring the coveted style into any interior.
Modernism was an escape from the rigidity of Realism, and a multitude of cultural and aesthetic movements grew from it. Design wise, Modernism in Denmark incorporated Scandinavia’s core values into the movement, including praising nature and its forms in art, human creativity and faithfulness to traditional materials and craftsmanship. These traits can be traced in the organic forms and cosiness of this sofa. The vertical stripes of the velour upholstery visually elongate the model, while the button tufting breaks these lines to add depth. The visual appearance of this sofa however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design; the exquisite craftsmanship under the upholstered body is evident, creating the rounded outline of the design. The back effortlessly comes forth to form the arms that curve outwards, adding to the inviting shape. The beech tapered legs ensure stability, and further lengthen the design visually.
This two-seater sofa has its original upholstery with velour stripes, accentuating the wooden legs and the mid-century look. The fabric brings an additional layer of interest to a space and pairs well with the rounded shapes of this sofa. Scandinavian textiles are still world renowned for their quality and power to define not only a piece of furniture, but the whole space it is placed in.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
55.51 in W x 32.28 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
141 cm W x 82 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This Danish cabinetmaker sofa comes from a moment in mid-20th-century Denmark when craftsmanship and comfort were treated with equal seriousness. Cabinetmakers played an important role in shaping the country’s design identity, working to produce furniture that balanced sculptural presence with daily usability. Their work often resulted in pieces with thoughtful proportions, careful joinery, and a level of detail that signaled true mastery. This sofa clearly reflects that tradition.
This mid-20th century piece carries the quiet confidence of an object made by hand, where every curve, and every seam has been shaped with intention. The sofa’s form is soft and inviting, defined by a long, gently scalloped backrest and a subtly rounded silhouette that seems to hold the sitter rather than merely support them. The deep, rhythmic tufting across the back introduces texture without overwhelming the form, creating a sense of movement that brings the whole piece to life. Its arms curve outward slightly, opening the composition. The upholstery, a warm and tactile fabric in an earthy tone, enhances the sense of comfort, allowing the light to move delicately across its surface. Below, the wooden legs ground the piece and ensure sturdiness. Their clean lines and warm tone balance the softness above. From every angle, this piece reveals the quality work of its cabinetmaker, combining a sensitivity to form, proportion and material.
As a whole, this sofa carries a calm, understated beauty that fits seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary settings. It speaks to the Danish approach to living, where simplicity is enriched by craftsmanship and comfort. It is a reminder of why mid-century Danish design endures: its ability to balance refinement and warmth in a way that still resonates today.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The sofa has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
68.70 in W x 35.82 in D x 29.33 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 21.25 in; Arm height 24 in
174.5 cm W x 91 cm D x 74.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 54 cm; Arm height 61 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
A desire for functionalism went hand in hand with understatement, refinement, and elegance. The Danish mid-century furniture designer was concerned with graceful proportions and restrained, harmonious ornament while reinstating the ideals of fine craftsmanship. He desired sleekness. He revered the maxim “form follows function.”
This spectacular daybed is essentially a simple, refined design standing on solid wood legs. What makes it stand out is its opulent upholstery. Yak hide provides warmth, and wherever they are placed, they provide an attractive Nordic look. Renowned for its decadent thickness and length, this material has been the accessory of choice for modernist architects and designers throughout the 1950s. Today they are perfect for creating the mid-century look in any space. This daybed - unlike sofa beds - can be easily placed and used as a bench in large entryways, next to windows, or at the foot of a bed thanks to its functionality. Thanks to its visual qualities, mainly the yak hair’s lush texture and colour, this infinitely cosy daybed can also function as a kind of sculpture to break the mostly straight lines of any minimalistic space.
Characterized by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Danish design is all about harmony. Here, the pairing of the materials creates this balance as the understated wooden structure complements and supports the extravagant yak hide. Danish design also left much room for individuality thanks to which this daybed is one of a kind with its stylish edge.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The legs are a later replacement. This daybed has been reupholstered recently in premium yak hide. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
74.8 in W x 29.13 in D x 17.32 in H
190 cm W x 74 cm D x 44 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Renowned for her curvaceous chair and sofa designs that utilize wood and the then pioneering use of polystyrene, Swedish modernist architect and furniture designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist hails from a robust early-century generation of Scandinavian female furniture designers.
In the 1950s, Nordiska Kompaniet’s workshops in Nyköping, Hörlin-Holmquist was asked to take a larger role in the development of the Triva Collection and to provide the company a variety of furniture designs and interior fittings that expressed a modern Scandinavian ethos through soft lines and adaptive humanism. It was during this tenure that Hörlin-Holmquist designed her most iconic work—namely, her Paradiset Collection (Swedish for “Paradise” or “Eden”) from 1956-1958, which included this button-back (a Hörlin-Holmquist hallmark) Paradiset sofa. This stunning model features an immediately recognizable, organic shape that is very representative of the designer’s characteristic. It is a great example of how she managed to mix classic lines with modern design. The sofa has the typical rounded form with button tufting on the backrest, and an arched wooden base. The elegant curves and the overhanging back and armrest create an almost sculptural appearance, and unlike most models, the decorative buttons are arranged in two parallel lines following the curvature of the back. This creates a soft and stylish look that is further complemented by the tapered, solid beech legs, and the light bouclé upholstery.
Beyond jewellery, fashion, cosmetics, and Sweden’s first escalator, Nordiska Kompaniet offered its own line of custom-made furnishings crafted in workshops in Nyköping (est. 1904). The design aesthetic reflected the general ethos of the company: high quality production, pared-down lines with touches of genteel elegance, and, above all, an air of exclusivity.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
73.03 in W x 31.49 in D x 32.67 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
185.5 cm W x 80 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa recalls the Art Deco style of the 1930s with the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism. Thanks to its elegantly curved shape, this type of sofa is often referred to as the “banana” style.
Apart from the visual appearance, the exquisite craftsmanship of this sofa echoes Art Deco as well. Many of the well-known Danish architects felt the urge to try their hands at “Nordic Art Deco”, even though the style’s focus on luxury and decorative elements is in its nature an opposition to the ideas behind Danish design and constitutes a creative contradiction to the period’s streamlined modernism. Nevertheless, in combination with the unadorned style of Danish mid-century modern design, this sofa brings together the best of both styles.
The short, stained beech legs add that modern, organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous profile of the sofa. The masterful sense of proportions, the curved back and the soft seat cushions guarantee functionality and comfort. This sofa has been reupholstered in premium light bouclé fabric with pronounced texture that accentuates the defining curves, creating a luxurious feel and look.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
72.44 in W x 41.33 in D x 29.52 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
184 cm W x 105 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
About the designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design, while recalling the shapes of the Art Deco movement. What both movements valued highly is the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to details.
Mid-century pieces such as this sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The mid-century was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen. Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The “Great Danes” believed furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and be an amalgam of form and function.
A master cabinet-maker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinet-maker. Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality and usability.
Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa features the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism: exquisite materials, craftsmanship, and an elegantly curved shape, because of which this type of sofa is often referred to as the “banana” or “boomerang” style.
The visual appearance of this sofa echoes Danish design and directs the eyes to the voluptuous body, that is the result of the exquisite craftsmanship. Many of the well-known Danish architects of the era felt the urge to try their hand at three-seater sofas, adhering to the period’s streamlined modernism. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century design, this sofa brings together the best attributes of the era. The rounded conical wood legs add an organic feel, while also matching the rounded profile of the sofa. The back legs differ from the front ones as they are tapered to reinforce the sofa’s stability. The masterful sense of proportions, the curved back and the soft upholstery guarantee functionality and comfort. While most curved sofas of the era feature tufting and other forms of decoration, this model is free from unnecessary ornamentation, resulting in a sleek, elegant and modern look. This sofa has been reupholstered in a premium light bouclé fabric, accentuating the stained wooden legs and the luxurious feel and look.
Derived from the French word meaning “curled” or “ringed,” bouclé provides a unique range of benefits; it is abundant in texture yet breathable. This durable fabric makes for an easy way to add instant texture and interest to any modern space, and despite its resurgence around 2020, is a timeless trend with longevity that will stand the test of time. Bouclé pairs incredibly well with curvilinear shapes as demonstrated by this sofa.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
78.14 in W x 43.50 in D x 29.13 in H
200 cm W x 110,5 cm D x 74 cm H
About the Designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design, while recalling the shapes of the Art Deco movement. What both movements valued highly is the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to details.
Mid-century pieces such as this early sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The mid-century was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen. Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. The Danish design idiom was centred on warm woods, quality fabrics and gentle yet robust support for the spine - qualities that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The “Great Danes” believed furniture should be shorn of aesthetic detail and be an amalgam of form and function.
A master cabinet-maker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinet-maker. Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality and usability.
Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.