Danish Modern Coffee Table with Blue Tiles, Denmark 1950s

With warm tones, exceptional versatility, and crafted with a range of appealing materials, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen furniture showcase the Danish duo’s penchant for innovation and durable design. For decades, the pair created sleek coffee tables - like this piece - that are characterised by the practicality and elegance commonly attributed to Scandinavian modernism. In mid-century modern design, the use of wood held a special significance: it was not merely a material choice, but a philosophy that emphasised the natural and organic over the ornate and extravagant. The design of this coffee table is inspired by the mid-century inclination towards elemental shapes, featuring a simple, elegant circle as its tabletop, supported by four straight legs connected by overlapping cross stretchers. This minimalist approach combined with solid wood creates a timeless appearance that resonates with any design style. Furthermore, round tables, such as this model, held a special place in mid-century design. Their open, unobtrusive look fosters social interaction, making them ideal for gathering, discussion, and shared experiences. The absence of sharp corners enhances safety and flow within a space, promoting a harmonious environment. This table has a humble but well-thought-out structure that relies on its material for its aesthetic, with a natural expression dominated by the natural beauty of the wood and its characteristics. The most eye-catching design (and functional) element remains the 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's 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 Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. Dimensions: 36.22 in Ø x 22.05 in H 92 cm Ø x 56 cm H Literature: Fritz Hansen catalogue, 1951 About the Designers: Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen attended what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, with Mølgaard-Nielsen having completed his studies under the Danish furniture design pioneer and architect Kaare Klint. Trained as an architect and cabinetmaker, Hvidt established his own firm in 1940 and taught at his alma mater for a few years. After they won a design competition held in Stockholm, Hvidt partnered with Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1944 to establish their firm in Copenhagen. The collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years. Aside from having created a wardrobe for the Queen of Denmark as well as numerous architectural structures, the pair’s flagship achievements include 1944’s teak Portex chair...

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In European midcentury design, there are some common elements that define the continent’s furniture design of the era. Most importantly, there was an early emphasis on wood as it connected everyday objects, such as furniture to nature. This rustic, solid wood coffee table is a perfect example of this sentiment, and the visual benefits of an understated, organic design. Mid-Century Modern represented a break with the traditional past: design-wise, furnishings were often a rejection of Victorian, Colonial, and other historical influences, especially the pseudo-historical use of ornamentation. In comparison, furniture of the 50s and 60s are generally more pared-down, smaller in scale, and uncluttered with unnecessary ornament: on this front, the movement shared qualities with the efforts of the Bauhaus designers’ vehement rejection of ornamentation. This coffee table has a strong elemental feel to it, which is a result of its thick table top and sturdy legs. The focus is on the Material, letting the beautiful qualities of the wood stand out. The circular pattern of the wood is the result of the trunk being used without cutting it into pieces, thus showing the tree’s year rings...

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