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.
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa by Cado, Teak Frame & Aniline Leather
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa Senator, Danish Design Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 182 x 75 x 80 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century three seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This mod...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
1960s Fully Restored Customizable Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored customizable Danish Ole Wanscher sofa by Cado The elegant light Ole Wanscher design of the sofa feature organic elegant shapes and lines, combined with very ex...
Teak
$1,459Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish design by Arne Vodder for Cado Denmark, 3 seater sofa.
By Cado, Arne Vodder
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Arne Vodder for Cado Denmark. 3 seater sofa, furniture wool, dark exotic/teak wood. Loose cushions. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains.
Wool, Teak
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa, Teak Frame, Tan Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
Three-seater sofa with teak frame and brown leather upholstery - Cado-
By Cado
Located in Madrid, España
Three-seater sofa with teak frame and brown leather upholstery - Arne Vodder - Cado - c. 1970 - Denmark Dimensions: 77 x 200 x 80 cm
Leather, Teak
Vintage Senator Two-Seater Sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cado, Danish Teak, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A beautifully proportioned vintage Senator two-seater sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cado, made in Denmark and rooted in the quiet refinement that defines Wanscher’s work so well. The Sena...
Fabric, Textile, Wood, Teak
Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, sofa, patinated leather, teak, Denmark, design 1953, manufactured late 1950s-1960s. Elegant two-seat settee in admirable cognac leather and teak by ...
Leather, Teak
$2,262Sale Price|50% Off
H 32 in W 76 in D 39 in
Teak Wood Three-Seat Sofa with Light Beige Upholstery, Fine Collection
By Uultis Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Fine teak wood three-seat sofa designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with light beige fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Fine three-seat sofa balances contemporary elegance with the inviting warmth of natural materials. Wrapped in soft wheat-thin twill weave fabric, this sofa exudes a light, airy feel, perfect for modern and refined interiors. The solid teak wood arms, finished with a matte, velvety teak touch, add architectural structure while showcasing the organic beauty of the wood's natural variations. Designed with deep cushions and a very soft comfort level, this sofa invites relaxation without compromising on style. Its solid wood frame, enhanced with elastic bands and foam support, ensures both durability and plush seating. Whether styled in a minimalist space or incorporated into a more layered decor, the Fine sofa...
Upholstery, Teak, Fabric
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, France & Søn
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
3-Seater Sofa with Great Patina in Brown Leather Upholstery
Located in Beerse, VAN
This 3-seater sofa from the 1970s is a beautiful example of brutalist design, blending raw minimalism with rich character. Upholstered in brown leather, it features a beautifully ag...
Leather
Arne Norell Three-Seat Sofa Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Three-seat. Original fabric, brown leather, brass, stained beech. Design by Arne Norell, produced by Arne Norell Möbel, Sweden.
Brass
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Wool, Mahogany
$3,800
H 28.75 in W 55.91 in D 26.38 in
Arne Vodder 2-Seater Sofa, Model Fd 161, Reupholstered in Bouclé, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Arne Vodder
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a Danish modern 2-seater sofa in solid beech, reupholstered cushions in white bouclé. Designed by Arne Vodder for France & Daverkosen in 1950s, Denmark. A classic...
Bouclé, Beech
Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Teak
1970s Danish 3-Seater Brown Leather Sofa with Beech Frame
Located in Praha, CZ
Classic 1970s Danish 3-seater sofa upholstered in supple brown leather, supported by a sturdy beech frame and legs. This inviting vintage piece features plush cushioning and a timele...
Leather, Beech
Zweisitzer Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher, ist bekannt u...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Three-Seat Sofa in Teak and Greenish Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Scandinavian modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The way the armrests bent outwards remind of the designs by Folke Ohlsson. Looking at the...
Fabric, Teak
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 29.93 in
Poul Cadovius three seat sofa of Ash, Aniline Leather, Canvas and Saddle Leather
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Cadovius three seat sofa with frame of ash. Seat and back with canvas, original upholstered tan leather cushions. Made by Cado.
Leather, Canvas, Ash
Sold
H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Two-Seat Sofa, Senator Series, Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 125 x 75 x 80 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century two seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series f...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 70.87 in D 29.93 in
Poul Cadovius Three Seat Sofa of Ash, Aniline Leather, Canvas and Saddle Leather
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Cadovius three seat sofa with frame of ash. New upholstered cushions in aniline leather. Seat and back with new canvas. Made by Cado.
Leather, Canvas, Ash
Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher two-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
Arne Vodder for Cado Teak Danish Modern Sofa / Settee
By Arne Vodder, Cado
Located in Fulton, CA
Two seat sofa designed by Arne Vodder for Cado. Made in Denmark 1970's. Substantial, solid teak frame. Reversible seat cushions. Retains "Cado" label. Structurally very solid. Right ...
Fabric, Teak
Grete Jalk Teak Sofa, 1960s Denmark, Manufactured by Cado
By Grete Jalk, Cado
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic sofa 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 high-qu...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 31.11 in W 70.87 in D 25.2 in
Vintage Scandinavian 3-Seater Senator Sofa and Chair by Ole Wanscher for Cado
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This elegant Senator lounge set, consists of a three-seater sofa and armchair, was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Danish Cado manufacture in the 1960s. T...
Fabric, Teak
Grete Jalk Teak Danish Modern Sofa
By Grete Jalk, Cado
Located in Fulton, CA
A nice original example of an original Grete Jalk teak Danish Modern sofa. Retains "CADO" Made in Denmark label. Original finish with nice glow to pati...
Teak
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with black Envy aniline leather from Arne Sørensen. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
Danish Teak Vintage 3 Seat Sofa by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Oirlo, LI
A beautiful Danish sofa in solid teak, this model is called the 'Senator', it was designed by Ole Wanscher and was made by Cado in the 60s-70s. It is in excellent condition for it...
Fabric, Teak
Teak Living Room Set by Arne Vodder for Cado, 1970s
By Arne Vodder, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Teak living room set by Arne Vodder for Cado, 1970s Vintage Danish Modern set of 3-seater couch, two lounge chairs and a coffee table in teak, model 162. Designed by Danish architec...
Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 55.12 in
Vintage Danish Modular Revolte Sofa by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1970s
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish modular revolte sofa by Poul Cadovius for Cado/ France & Son, 1970s The Revolte sofa was designed in the 1960s by Danish designer and architect Poul Cadovius. The ide...
Steel