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.
$2,182Sale Price|68% Off
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Cado, France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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
Ole Gjerlov Knudsen for Cado Saw chair 1960 Denmark
By Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Saw chair designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen. 1958 Denmark. Birch wooden frame. Four parts sliding in each other. The seating angle can be changed by adjusting the parts more forward or...
Canvas
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair by Cado, Teak & Cognac Leather, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Teak, Leather
Set of 2 Moduline chairs by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen and Torben Lind for Cado, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Landgraaf, NL
Set of 2 Moduline chairs by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen and Torben Lind for Cado, 1960s Denmark. The “Moduline” series was like the name suggests a modular syst...
Faux Leather, Wood
$2,432Sale Price|64% Off
Finn Juhl FD 112 Lounge Chair, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Cado, France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl FD 112 Lounge Chair, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark. Gorgeous rosewood base. maker's label underside: "Cado Made in Denmark 7416...
Textile, Rosewood
Rare Danish teak lounge chair/ Easy chair by Grete Jalk For Cado , 1960s
By Grete Jalk, Cado
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid-century Rare Danish teak lounge chair/ Easy chair by Grete Jalk For Cado , 1960s Design year: 1960s Style: vintage, Danish modern Designed by: Grete Jalk For Cado Matching...
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Mahogany Senator High Back Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This Danish mid-century modern high-back lounge chair is a must for those seeking that classic Scandinavian design. Elegant and beautifully sculpted, Ole Wanscher captured that refi...
Fabric, Mahogany
Set of Lounge Chairs by Ole Wanscher in Sangria Leather, Denmark, C. 1960s
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Westport, CT
An exquisite set of Scandinavian Modern lounge chairs by renowned Danish designer Ole Wanscher for Cado. Crafted from rich mahogany, these chairs exude sophistication and elegance. P...
Leather, Mahogany
2x Moduline armchairs designed by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen & Torben Lind for Cado
By Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen, Torben Lind
Located in Breda, NB
2x Moduline armchairs designed by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen & Torben Lind for Cado, 1960s. Timeless design combined with unparalleled comfort. These iconic Moduline leather lounge chairs,...
Wood
Sold|$3,250
H 30 in W 31 in D 28.75 in
Grete Jalk Model-128 Teak & Boucle Lounge Chair for France & Søn
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,375
H 30.32 in W 29.14 in D 28.35 in
Finn Juhl FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen
By John Stuart Inc., Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Fraser, MI
Finn Juhl FD 133 chair in Teak. Made by France and Daverkosen. Sold through John Stuart of Grand Rapids.
Fabric, Foam, Teak
$3,474 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 27.96 in
Set of 2 France & Son Rosewood Moduline Armchairs by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Lind
By Torben Lind, France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Listed is a pair of iconic ‘Moduline’ rosewood and leather armchairs by Ole Gerlev Knudsen and Torben Lind for France & Son, Denmark. Chairs are in fair original condition, ‘dans son jus’. The rosewood actually is in immaculate condition, however the leather is adequate. Though I could see them standing — as is — in a loft or a bachelor pad...
Leather, Rosewood
$718
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
$10,011 / set
H 27.56 in W 21.26 in D 17.33 in
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen Dining Chairs Model 195 by France & Son in Denmark
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of six dining chairs model 195 designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
$5,200 / set
H 28.6 in W 23 in D 29.5 in
Pair of Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen for Cado Slipper Chairs, Denmark, Plaid Wool Fabric
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Round Rock, TX
Pair of “Moduline” Lounge Chairs by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Son / Cado An uncommon in oak and highly attractive pair of Danish modern slipper chairs, designed...
Wool, Oak
Pair of Lounge Chairs Grete Jalk Danish Teak, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Grete Jalk lounge chairs, Denmark, 1960s. Excellent condition. New cushions, freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Lounge Chair Model FD 136 in Teak
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lounge chair model number FD 136 designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, with a curved backrest and an undulating seat that floats within a spare, eleg...
Cotton, Teak
$2,237
H 28.35 in W 22.84 in D 27.56 in
1960's Danish Lounge Chair by Ole Gjerlov Knudssen for France & Søn
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Paris, FR
A Mid-Century Modern Danish collectible cool low lounge chair designed Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen for France & Søn. The sleek teak frame and upholstery are impeccably restored by our atelie...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,239 / set
H 29.93 in W 27.96 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Danish mid-century modern 1960s teak Lounge chairs by Grete Jalk
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of lounge chairs by one of the few Danish female mid-century furniture in the refined teak woodwork. A beautiful pair of chairs with organic shapes and clean lines giving them a ...
Teak
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...
Hardwood
$6,783
H 29.93 in W 29.14 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Danish Finn Juhl Model 138 Teak Lounge Chair For France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An exceptional and highly sought-after Finn Juhl Model 138 lounge chair, designed in the late 1950s and produced by France & Son. Crafted in solid teak, this iconic Danish modern...
Teak
Sold
H 31.11 in W 30.71 in D 30.32 in
Pair of 'FD164' easy chairs by Arne Vodder for CADO, Denmark 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Cado
Located in Ranst, VAN
Beautiful set of two 'FD164' easy chairs by Arne Vodder for CADO, Denmark 1960s. The frame is made of teak wood and the cushions are reupholstered with a light blue fabric. The set ...
Fabric, Teak
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair, oak, Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge upholstered with original black leather Made of solid oak Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Oak
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair, oak, Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge upholstered with original black leather Made of solid oak Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 29.93 in
Poul Cadovius lounge chair of Ash, Aniline Leather, Canvas and Saddle Leather
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Cadovius lounge chair with frame of ash. Seat and back with canvas, original upholstered tan leather cushions. Made by Cado.
Leather, Canvas, Ash
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair, oak, Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge upholstered with original black leather Made of solid oak Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Mahogany
Midcentury France & Son Easy Chairs (pair)
By Cado, France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Stylish easy chair by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind for France & Son Denmark. Very good condition with oak frame and original wool upholstery. Signed with manufacturer's mark C...
Upholstery, Oak
Sold
H 33.75 in W 34 in D 35.5 in
'President' Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, 1968, Signed
By Steen Ostergaard, Cado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of rare 'President' Lounge chairs, Model #265 by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, Denmark (each chair signed with Cado embossed logo on frame), was designed in 1968 and produced at Krauss Maffei, Munich, Germany for a short time in limited quantities. For collectors of 1960s and 1970s Space Age, this is a sought-after and coveted design to have. Produced in fiberglass reinforced poly-amide nylon and is anti-static, full depth colored, and can not delaminate, and were cast in the largest injection mold in the world at the time. The head / neck rest is adjustable via the two dials on the back and can be raised or lowered to your desired setting. The President Lounge, which was part of the A-Line series, was prominently featured in many books, magazines and movies such as 'Star Trek' where it appears in Captain Kirk's 23rd century San Francisco apartment. ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Educated Cabinetmaker and Imagery Carver – Bronze Medal 1957. Graduated from the SCHOOL of ARTS & CRAFTS, Copenhagen, Denmark 1960, with certificate – Highest Marks. Officer in the Royal Danish Army 1960-1962. ACTIVITIES: Own Design offices in Denmark, respectively England, Germany and France. Main activities – Furniture design – Industrial Design – Professional product development. Designer and inventor of worlds first chair injection moulded in one piece. Developer and designer of the first Action Recliner furniture...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Sold
H 28.35 in W 31.89 in D 26.78 in
Danish Pair of 'Senator' Easy Chairs by Ole Wanscher for Cado, 1951
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Great pair of easy chairs designed by Ole Wanscher for Cado in 1951. These chairs feature beautiful organic solid teak frames and the original cushions in very good condition. Labele...
Fabric, Teak
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge new upholstered with yellow wool fabric Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair with ottoman, Mahogany Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair with ottoman new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid mahogany. Model senator.
Leather, Mahogany
Lounge Chairs by Grete Jalk for France & Son, 1960s, Set of 2
By Cado, Grete Jalk
Located in Antwerp, BE
A set of two lounge teak chairs designed by Grete Jalk in the early 1960s for France & Son, later Cado. The chairs features an elegant frame of teakwood and upholstered with high-qua...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 33.75 in W 34 in D 35.5 in
'President' Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, 1968, Signed
By Steen Ostergaard, Cado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of rare 'President' Lounge chairs, Model #265 by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, Denmark (each chair signed with Cado embossed logo on frame), was designed in 1968 and produced at Krauss Maffei, Munich, Germany for a short time in limited quantities. For collectors of 1960s and 1970s Space Age, this is a sought-after and coveted design to have. Produced in fiberglass reinforced poly-amide nylon and is anti-static, full depth colored, and can not delaminate, and were cast in the largest injection mold in the world at the time. The head / neck rest is adjustable via the two dials on the back and can be raised or lowered to your desired setting. The President Lounge, which was part of the A-Line series, was prominently featured in many books, magazines and movies such as 'Star Trek' where it appears in Captain Kirk's 23rd century San Francisco apartment. ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Educated Cabinetmaker and Imagery Carver – Bronze Medal 1957. Graduated from the SCHOOL of ARTS & CRAFTS, Copenhagen, Denmark 1960, with certificate – Highest Marks. Officer in the Royal Danish Army 1960-1962. ACTIVITIES: Own Design offices in Denmark, respectively England, Germany and France. Main activities – Furniture design – Industrial Design – Professional product development. Designer and inventor of worlds first chair injection moulded in one piece. Developer and designer of the first Action Recliner furniture...
Fabric, Fiberglass