Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, Arne Hovmand-Olsen created furnishings that boasted all of the alluring qualities now associated with vintage Scandinavian modern design. The esteemed Danish designer favored high-quality teak, oak and rosewood for his sideboards, chairs and dining tables. Elsewhere, Hovmand-Olsen’s side tables and credenzas feature elegant organic curves and tapered legs, while his graceful armchairs and dining chairs are characterized by slender frames and sculptural seat backs.
From an early age Hovmand-Olsen showed an interest in drawing and an aptitude for design. In 1938, he began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under Peder Olsen Sibast, the founder of Sibast furniture company. Owing largely to the creative direction of Peder’s son, designer Helge Sibast, during the mid-century era, the manufacturer is internationally revered today for its wide range of sleek and collectible modern furniture.
In 1941, Hovmand-Olsen enrolled in a technical school to study furniture design, and opened his own workshop shortly after graduating. He created a range of furnishings for such notable manufacturers as Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Elven Geertsen and Jutex. He found success in Denmark, but attained even greater notability when he began selling his work in America.
Mid-century-era design from this region of the world — including objects like Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair, Alvar Aalto’s undulating Savoy vase and Tapio Wirkkala’s leaf-shaped birch-laminate tray — took off in the States after the Second World War, when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
Hovmand-Olsen closed his workshop during the 1970s. Today his work is widely collected by enthusiasts of mid-century Scandinavian modern furniture.
Find vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen seating, tables, storage pieces and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Danish Teakwood Corner Cabinet by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Skovmand and Andersen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Hans J. Wegner, Dyrlund, Johannes Andersen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful Danish teak corner cabinet from the 1960s. The high-quality workmanship and the elegant design make the corner cabinet a real favourite. Design: Arne Hovmand...
Birch, Teak
$2,850Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian wall mounted flip top teak desk with 3 drawers Arne Hovmand-Olsen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A wall mounted teak flip-top desk with a black laminate writing surface over 3 drawers. It's in very good vintage condition without stains or major flaws. Designed and made by Arne H...
Brass
Vintage MCM Danish Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak Credenza
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza is a quintessential example of Danish design by the renowned Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Crafted from richly grained teak wood, the piece showcas...
Teak
Arne Hovmand Olsen Wooden Sideboard for Mogens Kold, Denmark, circa 1960
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Oirlo, LI
Elegant Danish mid-century dressoir designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Denmark, circa 1960. This exceptionally long dressoir combines clean Scandinavian lin...
Wood
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik Danish Rosewood Credenza & Hutch
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik Mid Century Danish Rosewood Credenza and Bar Hutch The credenza measures: 94.5 wide x 18 deep x 28.5 inches h...
Rosewood
Arne Hovmand Olsen Vanity / Secretary in Teak with Etched Glass Doors
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arne Hovmand Olsen Manufacturer: Linnebjerg Era: 1950s Materials: Teak, Glass Measurements: 39.5" wide x 21.5" deep x 33" tall Condition: In excelle...
Teak, Glass
Extra long Danish sideboard, teak, oak, leatherette, 280 cm, Arne Hovmand-Olsen.
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Exceptional, very, very large Scandinavian sideboard. Two large sliding doors spanning the entire width and upholstered in an elegant black wavy fabric open onto two large, height-ad...
Faux Leather, Oak, Teak
Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip-Top Teak Desk
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Dansk
Located in Pasadena, TX
Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip-Top teak desk for Dansk Designs circa 1970s Beautifully grained teak with unique flip top shelf flips down to extend the desk for more working space and...
Teak
$4,250
H 72.5 in W 45 in D 23 in
Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik Danish Modern Teak Display Cabinet / Hutch
By Faarup Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional Danish Modern two-piece teak display cabinet designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, circa 1960s. #5672 A beautifully proportioned example of Scand...
Glass, Teak
19th-C. French Corner Cabinet
Located in Ballard, CA
A single door painted French corner cabinet in the Louis XVI style. Made out of pine wood painted with light gray/blue and cream accents. Feature...
Iron
Danish Modern Peter Løvig Nielsen Flip-Top Teak Desk
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
This flip-top partner desk by Peter Løvig Nielsen for Dansk in Denmark has been immaculately restored. It has a gorgeous deep hue, old-growth quarter-sawn teak with beautiful flecks ...
Teak
$2,650
H 37.625 in W 35.375 in D 18.5 in
Scandinavian Teak Wood Rolltop Secretary Desk by Egon Ostergaard, Made in Sweden
By Egon Ostergaard
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Scandinavian modern teak wood rolltop secretary desk cabinet by Egon Ostergaard was made in Sweden circa 1960. The classic Swedish modern design has clean, m...
Brass
Danish Modern Teak Tambour Door Credenza
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Beautiful Danish modern teak tambour door credenza designed in Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece features a well-crafted teak case with two t...
Teak
$1,355Sale Price|20% Off
H 43.51 in W 32.09 in D 22.25 in
Teak Mid-Century Modern Corner Cabinet or Cupboard, 1960s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern corner cabinet or cupboard. Striking Dutch design from the 1960s. Solid teak and teak veneer. Three original drawe...
Teak
Danish Teak Arne Vodder Drop-Leaf Extendable Sliding Desk
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern drop leaf desk in teak designed by Arne Vodder, circa 1960s. This versatile piece features a sliding adjustable bank that includes three dovetailed drawers with si...
Teak
$3,210
H 69 in W 31.5 in D 17.25 in
Danish Modern Teak Credenza With Smoked Glass Hutch Danish Modern 1960s
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, Smoked Glass Measurements: 31.5" wide x 17.25" deep x 69" tall A striking Danish teak credenza ...
Smoked Glass, Teak
Scandinavian teak desk with removable drawers, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak desk with a three-drawer wall-mounted chest and square-section legs. Scandinavian production, 1960s. The light proportions and clean lines define this teak desk, an embodiment ...
Teak
$6,200
H 31.5 in W 75 in D 18 in
Arne Vodder for Sibast 75" Tambour Door Credenza/Cabinet in Teak Made in Denmark
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Danish icon Arne Vodder, this wonderful cabinet was produced by Sibast, the producer of some of the most iconic pieces ever made, such as the Bovirke Chaise. This cabinet...
Teak
Arne Vodder Style Danish Teak Sideboard
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite vintage teak sideboard features elegant sculpted pulls, tapered legs and shapely leg stretcher for addition support. Spacious interior cabinet offers adjustable shelf ...
Teak
Danish Modern 7 Drawer Chest by Arne Hovmand Olsen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This elegant Scandinavian modern drawer chest boasts 7 drawers (shallow by today's standards) with sculptural rectangular finger pulls. It Is made from old growth teak with a trad...
Teak
Arne Hovmand - Olsen Teak Credenza / Server Denmark
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very well crafted teak wood credenza / server fashioned by the early cabinetmakers in Denmark with exceptional wood graining the doors . Sculptural pulls to the fronts of the four...
Teak
Danish Modern Bookcase Room Divider w Desk by Arne Hovmand Olsen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Arne Hovmand Olsen Freestanding Shelf Unit or Room Divider with Drop Down Secretary Desk or Bar Cabinet. 41w 14d 79h
Wood
Mid-Century Secretary Desk by Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century secretary desk designed by Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold. Crafted from rich teak, the desk showcases exceptional craftsmanship with its warm, beautifully grained wood and...
Wood, Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.5 in D 17.5 in
"Floating" Sideboard / Credenza, Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold, Denmark, 1960s
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Deland, FL
Presenting a remarkable teak sideboard designed by the renowned Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold. Crafted in Denmark during the 1960s, this piece exemplifies the finest of Danish M...
Teak
1960s Sideboard, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic sideboard from the 1960s by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold. High-quality corpus in teak veneer with four sliding doors, three shelves, five internal drawers and solid woo...
Teak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold, sideboard, Denmark, 1960s
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Torino, IT
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold, sideboard, Denmark, 1960s
Oak
Sold
H 30.75 in W 57.5 in D 16.5 in
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Danish Teak and Rosewood Eight Drawer Dresser Circa 1960s
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Peabody, MA
Eight drawer dresser in teak with contrasting rosewood handles by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Denmark, ca. 1960s.
Rosewood, Teak
Danish Modern 7 Drawer Chest by Arne Hovmand Olsen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This elegant Scandinavian modern drawer chest boasts 7 drawers (shallow by today's standards) with sculptural rectangular finger pulls. It Is made from old growth teak with a trad...
Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 17.72 in
Danish Teak Sideboard by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold 1960.
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sideboard that can be used as a Sideboard because it is veneered in teak on its rear side. 4 sliding doors, the left door opens onto 6 interior drawers, the two ...
Teak
Sold
H 7 in W 40.5 in D 23.5 in
Mid-Century Wall-Mount Rosewood Flip-top Desk Wall Console Hovmand Olsen Danish
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Denmark, circa 1960. Arne Hovmand-Olsen Flip-top, 2-Drawer Wall-mounted Desk. Made with rosewood veneer, black laminate, and brass hinges. Rare double drawer unit. w 40½ × d 23½ ×...
Brass
Sold
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 17.72 in
Danish Teak Sideboard by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold, 1960
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian row that can be used as a sideboard because it is veneered in teak on its rear face. 4 Sliding doors, the left door opens onto 6 interior drawers, the two middle ...
Teak