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Cado Sofas

Danish

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.

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Creator: Cado
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa Senator, Danish Design Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Teak

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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

60s 70s Teak 2 Seater Sofa Couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish Design
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s-1970s teak 2 seater sofa couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish design Object: 2-seater sofa Manufacturer: Cado (France & Son) Condition: Good - vintage Age: a...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

60s 70s Teak 3 Seater Sofa Couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish Design
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s teak 3 seater sofa couch Ole Wanscher Cado France & Son Danish design Object: 3 seater sofa Manufacturer: Cado (France & Son) Condition: good - vintage Age: aroun...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Ole Wanscher Sofa for Cado, 1960s Danish Design
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic 3-seater-sofa from the 1960s. Model Senator by Ole Wanscher for CADO. High-quality solid teak frame. The sofa has been reupholstered and covered with a high-quality gray upho...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Special Moduline Hanging Sofa by Cado, Denmark, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen, Torben Lind
Located in Haderslev, DK
Moduline two seater designed by Ole Gjerløv Knudsen and Torben Lind for Cado (Poul Cadovius) 1968. This rare wall mounted two seater is green colored pleather and in good condtio...
Category

1960s European Space Age Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Aluminum

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Teak

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Arne Norell Three-Seat Sofa Model Ilona, 1970s
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Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

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Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Ole Wanscher Style Sofa
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1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

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Mohair, Beech, Wool

Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark, 1950s. Beech, teak and fabric. 2 adjustable positions.  
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Beech

Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
Free Shipping
H 30.32 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in
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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
H 43 in W 48.75 in D 29 in
Mid-century Senator High Back Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This is a beautiful high-back Senator easy chair by Ole Wanscher, featuring the original Epeda-system springs inside the cushions. This spring system, also used in Wegner's GE290 sof...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa for Cado in Senator Oak
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

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Set of Six Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for CADO, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Utrecht, NL
This set of dining chairs by Danish designer Ole Wanscher features distinctive splayed legs and fine exposed joinery in the back. The design is honest and simple with a refined technique and materials which makes this set a true example of mid-century Danish design. The simple and refined aesthetic of these chairs was achieved by Wanscher reinventing classic forms. This set consists of six individual chairs, two of them with armrests. The solid wood frame is made of stained mahogany in a warm, dark colour. The backs of the chairs have delicate dovetail joints, a joinery technique where the end grain is exposed from both boards, creating a dovetail-like pattern. The legs are slightly splayed, which is a reoccurring design element of Ole Wanscher. The general style of these chairs is both accessible and elegant, employing slender and gently curved lines. The seats have been reupholstered in a premium navy-blue fabric, complimenting the elegant mahogany frames. CADO began as modernist furniture producer France & Søn, and entered a new phase when successful Danish designer Poul Cadovius took ownership sometime between 1964 and ‘67. The company’s collaboration with Wanscher among others, paved the way for the style which later became known as Danish Modern. Like many of the other chairs designed by Wanscher, the chairs of this set are now seen as modern classics. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear due to age and use, including scratches and marks. The chairs have been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 20.27 in W x 19.29 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 17.32 in 51.5 cm W x 49 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 44 cm About the designer: Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) was an architect and professor, and is known today as one of the leading figures in the Scandinavian Design movement and many of his pieces became staples in Scandinavian homes. Wanscher studied at the Danish School of Art and Design, and was highly influenced by his professor, Kaare Klint. After graduation, Wanscher worked with Klint between 1924 and 1927, then set up his first own office, specialising in furniture design. By the end of the 1940s, Wanscher made a name for himself for his quality designs. As the Danish newspaper Politiken put it: “'Owning a Wanscher-chair is an adventure every day, and will be so even several hundred years from now, for this is how long it lasts”. Like Klint, Wanscher disagreed with the modernist full-sail rejection of the past and preferred to explore classic yet minimal aesthetics informed by precise study of the human body. Wanscher was also heavily influenced by Greek...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Danish Mid Century model 3330 Arne Vodder 3 seater leather sofa for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Vodder
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Vintage Danish mid century 1960’s model 3330 Arne Vodder 3 seater sofa for Fritz Hansen in recently reupholstered dark chocolate coloured leather. Arne Vodder was one of the grea...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

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Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, walnut, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period. T...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Previously Available Items
Poul Cadovius three seat sofa of Ash, Aniline Leather, Canvas and Saddle Leather
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Ash

Mid-Century Two-Seat Sofa, Senator Series, Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Teak

Poul Cadovius Three Seat Sofa of Ash, Aniline Leather, Canvas and Saddle Leather
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
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.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa
Ole Wanscher Two-Seat Sofa
H 34.65 in W 48.04 in D 27.56 in
Arne Vodder for Cado Teak Danish Modern Sofa / Settee
By Cado, Arne Vodder
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Grete Jalk Teak Sofa, 1960s Denmark, Manufactured by Cado
By Cado, Grete Jalk
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...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Grete Jalk Teak Danish Modern Sofa
By Cado, Grete Jalk
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Cado Sofas

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Teak Danish Modern Sofa
Grete Jalk Teak Danish Modern Sofa
H 27.88 in W 74 in D 27.63 in
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.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
H 34.65 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in
Danish Teak Vintage 3 Seat Sofa by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Teak Living Room Set by Arne Vodder for Cado, 1970s
By Cado, Arne Vodder
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...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Teak

Vintage Danish Modular Revolte Sofa by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1970s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
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...
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1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cado Sofas

Materials

Steel

Cado sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Cado sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Cado sofas, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sofas by Cado were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sofas by Kurt Østervig, Mogens Hansen, and Arne Wahl Iversen. Prices for Cado sofas can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,428 and can go as high as $4,460, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,537.
Questions About Cado Sofas
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    The difference between the Cado System and the Royal System lies in their designs. In 1948, designer Poul Cadovius introduced Royal System wall shelving made up of a system of rails that lent an open, airy feel to it. Unveiled by Cadovius in 1960, the Cado System built on the Royal System, with wood paneling added to the rails. The Cado System collection also included coordinating furniture, such as tables and sofas. Find a range of Poul Cadovius wall units on 1stDibs.

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