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Cado Armchairs

Danish

While Danish furniture company Cado is popular among collectors of Scandinavian modern furniture for its well-crafted chairs, sofas, coffee tables and dining tables, the brand is best known for its sculptural wall shelving systems created by renowned Danish designer Poul Cadovius (1911–2011), Cado's founder.

The Copenhagen-born Cadovius initially studied to be an upholsterer and saddler before pursuing furniture design. He began his career in the 1940s making Venetian blinds and other window treatments before shifting his focus toward designing versatile furnishings that could be adapted to all sorts of interior spaces.

In 1945, Cadovius founded the furniture manufacturer Royal System intending to produce his designs for postwar homeowners. His visionary works included the 1948 Royal System shelving unit, a space-saving solution that underscored Cadovius’s penchant for problem-solving in a multifunctional way. Rather than balance shelves on wooden or metal legs, it held them to the wall with brackets. The wall unit was practical and functional, but it was also decorative, made of rich and exotic woods like walnut, rosewood and teak, a favorite wood of Cadovius’s and a highly sought-after material among mid-century modern designers. 

Cadovius established Cado in the late 1950s. The manufacturer followed the Royal System shelving unit with several other modular storage designs including the System Ultra in 1957, System Cado in 1960 and System Abstracta in 1962. Two years later, with more than 400 patents to his name, Cadovius purchased premier Danish furniture manufacturer France & Søn and incorporated it into Cado.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Cado collaborated with influential Danish and European designers of the era such as Steen Østergaard, best known for his stackable Cado 290, a Space Age fiberglass-and-polyamide nylon lounge chair; Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick who embraced expressive, free-flowing shapes in chair and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues; and Ole Wanscher, who drew on Shaker furniture and Chippendale forms and created the widely loved Colonial chair and coffee table for P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik

Cadovius’s designs — as well as the other works manufactured by Cado — are widely coveted by vintage furniture enthusiasts all over the world. In 2018, the Danish brand dk3 reissued the Royal System as well as a more compact version.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Cado case pieces and storage cabinets, seating and tables.

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Creator: Cado
Finn Juhl for Cado Modular Sofa Lounge Armchairs 1950s, Danish Modern
By Cado, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl for Cado Modular Modern sofa lounge armchair set 1950s rarity, signed. Gorgeous rosewood base. Rare Finn Juhl for Cado Danish Mid-Century Modern modular three-piece sofa,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Rosewood

1960s Finn Juhl Set of Two Fully Restored Armchairs in Teak and Leather by Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Finn Juhl armchairs in Bangkok teak and black leather designed in 1963 and made by France and Son / Cado in the 1960s The armchairs have a solid stabile frame...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1960s-1970s Teak Easy Chair Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s-1970s Teak easy chair Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Denmark Object: easy chair Manufacturer: Cado / France & Son Condition: good - vintage Age: around 1960-1970 Dimension...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

1960s Finn Juhl Model 209 Diplomat Chair in Mahogany and Brown Leather - Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl designed the model 209 chairs in 1961. The chair is part of a series of furniture named the Diplomat series with chairs, desks, tables, cabinets and other furniture. The c...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Armchair by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Denmark, 1960's
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair designed in 1960's by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Denmark. Structure in teak wood with original upholstery in wool fabric.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Related Items
Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier). Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations. Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23. Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments. Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory. Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Finn Juhl 1960 Diplomat Chair in Rosewood
By Finn Juhl
Located in Dronten, NL
Distinguished Diplomat Chair in rosewood designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Cado. All original vintage condition, marked with silver Finn Juhl label. Fabric and foam are worn...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Finn Juhl 1960 Diplomat Chair in Rosewood
Finn Juhl 1960 Diplomat Chair in Rosewood
H 37.41 in W 21.66 in D 27.56 in
Stunning Midcentury Armchair Finn Juhl Rosewood
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Model 209 Midcentury armchair designed by Finn Juhl in jaw dropping solid rosewood. We have seen this chair used as an office chair, side chair, or dining chair. Incredible comfor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cado Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Finn Juhl for Bovirke Lounge Chair in Teak
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, armchair model BO-59 ‘Westermanns Kaminstol’, teak, fabric, Denmark, design circa 1946, production 1950s Static armchair designed by Danish designer Finn Juhl...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Finn Juhl for Bovirke Lounge Chair in Teak
Finn Juhl for Bovirke Lounge Chair in Teak
H 33.08 in W 24.81 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Teak "Diplomat" Chairs by Finn Juhl Model 209, 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Hamburg, PA
An Iconic pair of Finn Juhl's "Diplomat" Chairs was created circa 1960 made in Denmark. This pair of chairs is in the original faux leather from the period. The pair would work well ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Cado, Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark. Arms are removable. You can use as armless lounge as well. (See final pho...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Rosewood

Arne Vodder Armchair with Original Black Leather, circa 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in London, GB
Pictured is a set of seven armchairs priced and sold inidividually designed by Arne Vodder and made in the 1960s by Sibast. Original black leather is in good condition showing minor ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather

Finn Juhl NV-48 Armchair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finn Juhl NV 48 armchair produced by Niels Vodder, with maker's stamp on the rear stretcher. Wood is Teak.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Finn Juhl NV-48 Armchair
Finn Juhl NV-48 Armchair
H 31.5 in W 27 in D 27 in
Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in taranto, IT
Danish collectible chair, model "197", France & Søn production based on a design by Finn Juhl, mid-1960s made on a teak structure, it measures 76 cm in height, 50 cm in width, 45 ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Easy Chair
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Oakland, CA
Midcentury Danish lounge chair attributed to Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, circa 1945 Denmark. Solid wood frame with hand-tied springs, and horsehair padding. Newly upholstered in a...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Cado Armchairs

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Fabric, Velvet

Ole Wanscher Easy Chair
Ole Wanscher Easy Chair
H 29 in W 25 in D 28.5 in
Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Vienna, AT
Finn Juhl, diplomat desk chair or armchair with frame in solid hardwood, model 209. Designed in 1963. Produced by France & Son. Measures: H. 82 cm, SH. 44 cm, B. 69 cm. Used but st...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Hardwood

Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
H 32.29 in W 27.17 in D 24.02 in
Finn Juhl Leather Desk Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
This 'Model 209' swivel chair by France and Søn was created by Danish architect and designer Finn Juhl  in the 1960s. The 'Model 209' chair was part of the Diplomat and Technocrat of...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Chrome

Finn Juhl Leather Desk Chair
Finn Juhl Leather Desk Chair
H 32.29 in W 25.2 in D 21.26 in
Previously Available Items
1960s Armchair, Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic armchair from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for Cado. High-quality solid teak frame. The original spring core has been reupholstered and covered with a high-qualit...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

1960s Armchair, Ole Wanscher
1960s Armchair, Ole Wanscher
H 29.93 in W 26.78 in D 26.38 in
Danish Modern "Senator" Highback Rosewood Easy Chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM Danish modern "Senator" highback rosewood easy chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado, circa 1970s. Great lines and simple design on this elegant piece with original robin eg...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Armchairs

Materials

Rosewood

60s 70s Teak Easy Chair Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s Teak Easy Chair Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Denmark Object: Easy Chair Manufacturer: Cado Condition: good - vintage Age: around 1960-1970 Dimensions: Wid...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Mogens Koch Folding Chair
By Mogens Koch, Cado
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch 1898 - 1992. Folding chair from Cado. Seat and back of light canvas, arm straps of grain leather. Designed 1932, Denmark.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch Folding Chair
Mogens Koch Folding Chair
H 34.65 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Grete Jalk Teak Armchair, 1960s Denmark, Manufactured by Cado
By Grete Jalk, Cado
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic armchair by Grete Jalk for Cado. High-quality solid wood frame made of teak. The original spring cores of the seat and backrest have been reupholstered and covered with a hig...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

1960s Ole Wanscher Senator Teak Armchair for Cado, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered. - Carefully refurbished. - Measure: height of seat 45 cm.
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of Rosewood Armchairs by Grete Jalk, Model 118 for France & Son, 1960s
By Grete Jalk, Cado, France & Søn
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Very comfortable pair of astonishing rosewood lounge chairs by designer Grete Jalk, from the 1960s. One is stamped by Cado (previously known as France & Son) and another one is stamp...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Arne Vodder for Cado Danish Modern Lounge Chair Midcentury
By Arne Vodder, Cado
Located in West Hartford, CT
With its plinth shaped legs, bar reclining back, oatmeal tweed upholstery, and incredible lines, this signed Cado lounge chair, designed by Arne Vodder is nothing short of exception...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Textile, Teak

Pair of Midcentury Armchairs in Rosewood and Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of armchairs in rosewood and patinated leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher for Cado. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. Great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1960s Finn Juhl Six Model 209 Diplomat Chairs in Mahogany and Leather, Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl designed the model 209 chairs in 1961. The model 209 chair is part of a series of furniture named the Diplomat series with chairs, desks, tables, cabinets and other furnitu...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

1960s Finn Juhl Model 209 Diplomat Armchair in Rosewood for Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
This comfortable armchair from the Diplomat series was designed by Finn Juhl in 1961 and made by Cado. If you are interested in this item feel free to use the ”Request more info” fu...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Pair of Senator Armchairs, Model 166, by Ole Wanscher for Cado of Denmark
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Cado of Denmark, this pair of armchairs forms part of his Senator series. The chairs are superbly crafted with elegantly curved arms. The dee...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Armchairs

Materials

Textile, Mahogany

Cado armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Cado armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Cado armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original armchairs by Cado were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Poul Jeppesen, Erik Jørgensen, and CFC Silkeborg. Prices for Cado armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,089 and can go as high as $17,100, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,226.
Questions About Cado Armchairs
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between the Cado System and the Royal System lies in their designs. In 1948, designer Poul Cadovius introduced Royal System wall shelving made up of a system of rails that lent an open, airy feel to it. Unveiled by Cadovius in 1960, the Cado System built on the Royal System, with wood paneling added to the rails. The Cado System collection also included coordinating furniture, such as tables and sofas. Find a range of Poul Cadovius wall units on 1stDibs.

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