Danish furniture designer Arne Wahl Iversen created a range of sculptural storage cabinets, secretary desks, armchairs and dressers in teak, rosewood and other durable woods that reflect the pared-back elegance and prioritization of function that are so often attributes of the finest examples of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture.
Born in Nyborg, Iversen learned the craft of furniture making from his father, who operated a modest furniture business near the family home. Iversen apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and later enrolled in the Odense Technical School to study furniture design. In 1949, Iversen attend the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in Copenhagen. It was there he studied under legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the academy and mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher. Iversen was in good hands.
Upon finishing school, Iversen opened his own furniture shop in Nyborg. Soon after, his work immediately impressed Swedish furniture maker and IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad.
At the time, the popularity of modern Danish furniture was gaining steam around the world — it was in the postwar era that American tastemakers sold the citizenry on the appeal of Scandinavian design and its emphasis on the principles of traditional craftsmanship. Copenhagen native Finn Juhl had shown his work in the United States in 1950 and created a Danish modern line for Michigan’s Baker Furniture in 1951 (the company produced his award-winning Chieftain chair for a short time). Kamprad was eager for Iversen to create modern Danish furniture for IKEA, but their collaboration didn't last very long. Iversen decided to work independently on his own designs.
Initially, Iversen's furniture was mainly sold in Denmark, but by the end of the 1960s, he had expanded his sales to the rest of Europe and in America. Though he designed for many manufacturers, he created his most popular works for Komfort and Vinde Møbelfabrik. Iversen continued to design furniture until he retired in the mid-1980s.
Find vintage Arne Wahl Iversen chairs, cabinets, console tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Arne Wahl Iversen for Ingemann Hansen Set of Nesting Tables
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Ingemann Hansen
Located in Hanover, MA
Very unique design on this Danish mid-century set of nesting tables by Arne Wahl Iversen for Ingemann Hansen. Two petit tables are suspended from slots on the width rather than lengt...
Teak
$2,064 / set
H 19.3 in W 17.33 in D 15.36 in
Nest of Three Brass & Glass Trolley Tables by Maison Bagues France, Midcentury
By Maison Baguès
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning set of three original mid century modern Maison Bagues trolley nested tables A very good looking highl...
Brass
$2,400 / set
H 19.75 in W 22.5 in D 14.75 in
Set of Three Vintage Rosewood Nesting Tables in the Manner of Severin Hansen
By Severin Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Set of Three Vintage Rosewood Nesting Tables in the Manner of Severin Hansen, Denmark, c. 1960s. Fabricated in a rich rosewood, these tables are slender and sleek with an attracti...
Rosewood
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3
By Baker Furniture Company, Barbara Barry
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Mahogany Nesting Tables - Set of 3 The top table measures: 14.5 wide x 14.5 deep x 28.75 inches high The middle table measures: 12.25 wide x 14.5 deep x 25.2...
Mahogany
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
Located in Annville, PA
The Set of 3 Nesting Tables from Niagara Furniture features three tables, all with attractive inlaid mahogany tops. Supported on hand carved, solid mahogany legs which are turned to ...
Mahogany
$3,000 / set
H 18.25 in W 43.25 in D 12.5 in
Severin Hansen Coffee Table with Nesting Tables for Haslev Brazilian Rosewood
By Severin Hansen
Located in Dallas, TX
A trio of rosewood tables by Scandinavian master Severin Hansen. The large table could serve as a coffee table and the smaller tables as drink or tv tables. The smaller tables have a...
Rosewood
$383Sale Price|20% Off
H 17.33 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Danish Sculpted Teak Nightstand, Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in LYON, FR
Danish Sculpted Teak Nightstand Maison Lecan presents this elegant Danish teak nightstand attributed to Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Features the designer’s signa...
Teak
Set of Nesting Tables, by Barbara Barry for Baker
By Barbara Barry
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Designed by Barbara Barry for the Baker Furniture company, This set of 3 nesting tables w/ splayed legs is finished in a rich mahogany, Dimensions of all tables: Large: 29h x 15"w x ...
Wood
Fritz Hansen – Set of Three Beech Nesting Tables
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Set of three nesting tables by Fritz Hansen, crafted in beech in 1944. The tables have a simple and functional design with slender square legs and horizontal stretchers. The tableto...
Beech
Midcentury Nesting Tables by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For you consideration is this wonderful set of nesting tables in teak wood. Minimal to the eye with complex joinery, these multifunctional tables are a perfect addition to your midce...
Teak
Severin Hansen Nesting Tables, 1950s
By Severin Hansen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Severin Hansen nesting tables, Denmark, 1950s. Excellent condition, restored.
Rosewood
Arne Wahl Iversen Rosewood Danish Modern Planter or Table
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Planter or side table in Rosewoos Model 36 by Arne Wahl Iversen manufactured by Vinde Mobelfabrik. Original metal planter.
Wood
Set of 3 Nesting Tables
By Zanaboni
Located in Milan, IT
This precious set of three tables will be a versatile and stunning addition to a modern and contemporary home. Either positioned together, nested in one another, or in different area...
Glass