Folke Ohlsson pioneered the “knock-down” revolution of furniture, making the innovative flat-pack means of manufacturing and shipping common practice. Credited with playing a significant part in bringing Scandinavian modern forms to the United States, he was an international designer who created attractive pieces that are highly coveted by today’s collectors.
In Sweden, Studio Ljungs Industrier AB is the large family-owned parent company of Duxiana (in America, DUX). While leading the design team for Studio Ljungs Industrier in his native Malmö, Ohlsson visited the West Coast of the United States in 1950 and opened DUX Inc., to expand the company’s global footprint. DUX put into practice an idea that Ohlsson patented for the so-called “knock-down,” or “KD,” chair, a term referencing easy, flat-pack assembly. It saved DUX space in warehouses and money on transportation and was a concept that would inspire hundreds of subsequent companies — most notably fellow Swedish brand IKEA.
Integrating American upholstery with Swedish knock-down hardware and wooden frames, Ohlsson and DUX revolutionized the furniture industry. The manufacturer consistently worked with brilliant mid-century modern designers — among them Bruno Mathsson, Edward Wormley and Alf Svensson — expanding the brand’s portfolio and establishing credibility as a design source. Today vintage DUX sofas and dining chairs are valuable collector’s items, and the space-saving attributes and efficiency associated with the company’s modular designs continue to influence manufacturers all over the world.
Partly because of the affordability of DUX’s furniture — as well as an understandable affinity for the simplicity, warmth and coziness of Scandinavian modern design — postwar America embraced Ohlsson’s vision. One of Ohlsson’s best-known designs is the Profil lounge chair, built on a teak frame that can rock or recline with the push of a lever, while the wool bouclé upholstery is sumptuous and stylish. Another iconic collection is the clean, minimal Pasadena set of sofas, footstools and armchairs, fashioned from solid walnut with brass sabots.
The Milano Triennale and the “Good Design” exhibition series at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art distinguished Ohlsson with more than 30 awards. In 1964, he was honored with Sweden’s Royal Order of Vasa decoration by King Gustav VI Adolf because of his role in exporting modern Scandinavian aesthetics to America. Ohlsson’s designs were also produced by Bodafors and Fritz Hansen.
On 1stDibs, find a selection of Folke Ohlsson seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Pair of walnut side tables model "Florida" by Folke Ohlsson 1950s
By Bra Bohag Bjärnum, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of Scandinavian coffee tables model "Florida" by Folke Ohlsson for Tingströms. Walnut frame with clean lines and refined details. Vintage Scandinavian coffee tables designed by...
Nutwood
DUX Teak and Travertine Marble Lamp Table by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
A solid teak lamp table with a travertine marble-top designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX. In excellent condition and with elegant proportions.
Travertine
Folke Ohlsson Dining Table for DUX
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Folke Ohlsson. Manufacturer: DUX. Period and model: Mid-Century Modern. Specifications: Teak. Condition: These Folke Ohlsson dining table for DUX...
Teak
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
$1,800 / set
H 15.5 in W 17.25 in D 17.25 in
Pair Mid Century John Keal Brown Saltman Walnut & Glass End Side Tables 1950s
By Brown Saltman, John Keal
Located in Troy, MI
Unique pair of side tables designed by John Keal for Brown Saltman circa 1950s Square walnut pedestal bases with decorative reverse painted glass surfaces in mottled gold tones Both...
Glass, Walnut
Pair Mid-Century Danish Dux Teak Side Tables Parson Style
Located in Baltimore, MD
A beautiful pair of parson style end side tables by Dux. Both Remain in good condition throughout. Featuring beautiful minimal design with stunning, teak table tops and classic round...
Teak
$1,995 / set
H 17.5 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
Pair of Vintage Italian Marble Pedestal Side Tables, Circa 1950s
Located in Germantown, MD
Beautiful Pair of vintage Italian marble pedestal side table in lovely condition. Made of solid, polished Italian Botticino Fiorito marble, this are a rare standout pieces. Probably made in the mid-to-late 20th Century, this is a really lovely 'Hollywood Regency' style tables with painted plaster base and gilt ornate ring.
Marble
Mid-Century Modern "Florida" Coffee Table by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish modern 1960s beautiful rosewood coffee table named "Florida" by designer Folke Ohlsson. "With a timeless, teak-laden style—so emblematic of Scandinavian modernism—Swedish f...
Rosewood
DOOQ Side Table in Travertine and Estremoz White Marble Braque
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Celebrating a new invented reality, smooth and rough surfaces contrast with one another giving way to a new approach in shape and balance. Braque side table shows a torn and fragment...
Marble, Travertine
$4,995
H 29 in W 60 in D 42 in
DUX Scandinavian Modern Teak Draw Leaf Extending Dining Table by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Scandinavian Modern teak draw leaf extending dinning table by Folke Ohlsson for DUX. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear. There is a mark on each leaf where it has rubbed as it was pulled out and both leaves are a slightly different color from the main top as so often happens in this type of table where the main top gets light and the leaves do not. Please see photos and zoom in for details. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, 1960’s...
Teak
Pair of Brass and Glass Side Tables, French 1950s
By Maison Baguès
Located in London, GB
Elegant pair of mid-century French side tables in the style of Maison Bagues featuring brass frames with refined neoclassical details. Each table is designed with two tiers of glass ...
Brass
Pair of Georgian Walnut Side Tables
Located in Westwood, NJ
Georgian style square walnut side tables, the top with canted corners set above a paneled frieze and turned baluster legs around an under tier...
Walnut
$1,990
H 22 in W 47.25 in D 23.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Expandable "Aristokrat" Coffee Table by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Atlanta, GA
1960s beautiful teak coffee table named "Aristokrat" by designer Folke Ohlsson. Two pull-out shelves on each side. Stamped on the bottom. Beautifully simple and functional.
Teak
$7,925Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 19.69 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Memphis-Inspired Bohld Side Table Travertine Oak Marble by Malabar
Located in RIO TINTO, PT
In the early 80s, objects and furniture were designed to be functional, not decorative. So the Italian-based designer and architect Ettore Sottsass met a group of designers to change...
Marble, Brass
Tavolino di Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brescia, IT
Tavolino vintage di Folke Ohlsson del design scandinavo anni '60. Si distingue per la forma del piano dal bordo leggermente rialzato e curvato. Le linee minimali e moderne ne fanno...
Teak
Frisco side tables by Folke Ohlsson
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of vintage coffee tables by Folke Ohlsson of 1960s Scandinavian design. They are distinguished by the shape of the top with a slightly raised and curved edge. Minimal and mode...
Rosewood
Sold
H 20.7 in W 22 in D 32.2 in
Folke Ohlsson Dux Sweden Travertine Teak Cane Side End Table Mid Century
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Forest Grove, PA
Folke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden Mid Century travertine side table on a solid teak base and a removeable shelf. The substantial rectangular travertine top is beautifully figured. The travertine top floats on a clean, stable and strong teak base. Fully marked, the table was made in Sweden in the 1960s. We have a matching travertine and teak coffee table...
Travertine
Danish Modern Teak Square Coffee Table by Folke Ohlsson for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern coffee table in teak designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux, circa 1960's. This piece features a sculptural supporting x- base and can also function as an occasional table or living room side table. Offered by Mid Century Maddist
Teak
Pair of Folke Ohlsson End Tables by DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Highland, IN
These Folke Ohlsson side tables have beautiful lines and wonderful proportions. They are expertly crafted of teak and oak and feature a woven cane shelf and brass capped feet.
Brass
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Pair of End Tables, Sweden, 1960s
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome pair in teak with great original finish. Very fine condition. Caned lower shelves completely intact. Upswept edge detail.
Teak
Folke Ohlsson Teak End Table
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage- modern Swedish side table featuring sculpted teak base and top with raised edge, designed by Folke Ohlsson for Tingstrøm. Please confirm item location NY or NJ with dealer.
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Teak End Table
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Handsome end or side table with raised edges. By Folke Ohlsson for DUX , the Frisco line. Can also serve as a coffee table. In excellent condition.
Teak
Pair of Folke Ohlsson for DUX Teak Table Set
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of teak Mid-Century Modern tables designed by Folke Ohlsson and made by DUX. Each table is in great condition and is marked on the bottom.
Teak