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.
Finn Juhl Set of Two Fully Restored Armchairs Including Custom Upholstery Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl set of two fully restored armchairs including custom upholstery The chairs were designed in 1963 for France and Son that later changed their name to Cado as part of an of...
Leather, Teak, Fabric
1960s Finn Juhl Model 209 Diplomat Chair in Mahogany and Brown Leather - Cado
By Cado, Finn Juhl
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...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Finn Juhl Model 209 "Diplomat" Armchairs, c. 1960
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern “Diplomat” armchairs designed by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, circa 1960s. Sculpted wooden frames feature gently curved armrests, slender legs,...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
We feel that Finn Juhl's delegate's chair (or FJ51) is one of his most under appreciated designs. Perhaps overshadowed by the sexy #45 chair, with which it shares many qualities, it ...
Teak, Upholstery
$1,478
H 31.5 in W 23.04 in D 21.26 in
Finn Juhl Armchair or Desk Chair in Curved Beech and Grey Fabric, Denmark 1970s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful armchair in beechwood with a deep grey upholstery. This stylish chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced in Denmark during the 1970s. In fantastic condition. Entirely ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$8,527 / set
H 32.68 in W 28.75 in D 27.96 in
Two Armchairs, Scandinavian design - In the manner of Finn Juhl - Sheepskin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exceptional pair of armchairs showcases outstanding craftsmanship and a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. Every detail reflects the skill of an accomplished cabinetmaker, from the...
Sheepskin, Wood
$693
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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 ...
Faux Leather, Teak
Rare "Model 10239" by Finn Juhl, Denmark, c. 1965
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare Model 10239 swivel armchair designed by Finn Juhl in 1965 for Ring Möbelfabrikk. This elegant and well-proportioned armchair reflects Juhl’s refined modern aesthetic, combining ...
Aluminum
$1,633
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 20.87 in
Diplomat 209 Armchair in Rosewood & Black Leather by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
Finn Juhl Diplomat 209 armchair by France & Son in rosewood and black leather. Danish design classic from the 1960s. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Finn Juhl — Manufacturer: Fran...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Rare BO-72 Rosewood Armchair, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - BO-72 Armchair, 1953 This rare and important piece by Danish master Finn Juhl was an evolution of his NV-46 chair from 1946. The chair was produced by Bovirke in Denmark...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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 bu...
Hardwood
$2,037Sale Price|30% Off
H 30 in W 27 in D 23 in
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Finn Juhl, Cado, 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...
Textile, Rosewood
1960s Danish Rosewood and Leather Diplomat Chairs by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
A refined and quietly confident pair of Diplomat chairs by Finn Juhl, produced by France & Son and executed here in beautifully figured ros...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Bwana chair in teak and leather France & Son 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Bwana Chair by Finn Juhl. This armchair is real sculpture that has been meticulously designed by the man who is considered the greatest designer of the Scandinavian moderni...
Leather, Teak
Fine French 1960s Mahogany Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Mid-Century mahogany armchairs
Mahogany
$9,500 / set
H 33 in W 21 in D 21 in
Set of 10 Danish Mid Century Modern Cado Dining Chairs Wool Upholstery Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 10 Danish Mid Century Modern Cado Dining Chairs Wool Upholstery Denmark
Wool, Chestnut
$4,800 / set
H 32.5 in W 27.25 in D 25.75 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 ...
Upholstery, Teak
Coppia di poltrone Senator di Ole Wanscher per Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Brescia, IT
Coppia di poltrone Senator di Ole Wanscher per Cado. Raffinata coppia di poltrone modello Senator disegnate da Ole Wanscher per Cado negli anni ’60. Realizzate in teak massello, pre...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 27.17 in D 21.26 in
Danish Teak and Leather Armchair Model 209 "Diplomat" by Finn Juhl for Cado.
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
The iconic "Diplomat" armchair by this equally famous designer is elegant, balanced, and very comfortable. It is ideal for a living room, office, or professional use. This piece of f...
Leather, Teak
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...
Fabric, Teak
Armchair by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Denmark, 1960's
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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.
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 41 in W 27 in D 316 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...
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...
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.
Brass
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...
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.
Fabric, Teak
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...
Fabric, Textile, Teak
Sold
H 31.89 in W 22.05 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs in Rosewood and Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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.
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 31.3 in W 27.17 in D 25.6 in
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...
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...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Diplomat Armchair in Rosewood
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Classic Finn Juhl diplomat armchair for Cado in rosewood and covered in leather suede. Perfect as an easy chair, desk chair or side chair. Very comf...
Rosewood, Suede
Pair of Ole Wanscher Teak Senator Lounge Chairs
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Berkeley, CA
This pair of Senator Model 166 teak lounge chairs was designed by Ole Wanscher for Cado in the 1960s. Crafted in solid teak with understated elegant lines, this pair is extremely com...
Teak