Kurt Ejvind Østervig was born in 1912 in Odense, Denmark. He was originally trained and worked as a shipbuilding engineer. However, by the 1930s Østervig shifted to furniture design because of his passion for woodworking.
Østervig's career as a furniture designer began at E. Knudsen’s architectural design studio in Odense. In 1947, Østervig opened his first own studio as a freelance furniture designer, with a focus on modern design. In the following decades, he worked with many of the leading Scandinavian furniture producers of the period.
Østervig was exceptionally versatile, designing furniture for hotels, cinemas, and won numerous design competitions during his career. He won awards at the Milan Triennale in 1953 and 1960. In the 1960s, one of Østervig’s designs was selected for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Østervig had a flair for the dramatic, infusing his furnishings with unique elements that stood out. From elegant, organic to coarse and purely functional furniture, his versatility earned him recognition.
Find vintage Kurt Østervig seating, tables, storage cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by H. Gallery)
Midcentury Freestanding Bookcase in Teak by Kurt Østervig, 1960s
By K.P. Møbler 1, Kurt Østervig
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in teak designed by Kurt Østervig M.A.A. for K.P furniture in 1960s. Made in Denmark, great condition.
Brass
Midcentury Freestanding Bookcase in Teak by Kurt Østervig, 1960s
By K.P. Møbler 1, Kurt Østervig
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in teak designed by Kurt Østervig M.A.A. for K.P furniture in 1960s. Made in Denmark, great condition.
Brass
$3,400
H 67 in W 18 in D 18 in
Shelving Unit or Bookcase, Modern Chrome Shelving, Midcentury Design, C 1960
Located in New York, NY
A fantastic square, chrome shelving unit from the 1960's. Finished all around. Can be floating in a room for decorative objects. Glass shelves ar...
Chrome
$242
H 42.33 in W 19.1 in D 13.55 in
Vintage 4 Tier Freestanding Corner Whatnot Shelves Bookcase Display Stand
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Here we have for sale this vintage 4 tier freestanding corner Whatnot bookcase, shelves, display stand. Perfect for the corner of any room to stand book...
Bamboo, Pine
$5,202
H 63 in W 48.04 in D 10.24 in
Børge Mogensen Scandinavian Midcentury Oak Bookcase, Denmark 1960s
By Børge Mogensen, FDB Møbler
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury modern design oak bookcase designed by Børge Mogensen in the 1950s and produced by FDB Møbler from 1960s, variable height position of shelves, circa 1960s. ...
Oak
Midcentury Modern Danish Design Rosewood Bookcase, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Bookcase Danish design midcentury moder bookcase in beautiful rosewood veneer. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify the designer and maker of the quality cabinet. But that does ...
Rosewood
$2,344
H 60.63 in W 42.52 in D 12.21 in
Midcentury Modern Danish High Rosewood Bookcase by Hundevad & Co, 1960s
By Hundevad & Co.
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish bookcase in beautiful rosewood veneer. Designed by Carlo Jensen and made by Hundevad & Co. A Hundevad bookcase can always be recognized by the planks that are beveled. This b...
Rosewood
$2,380
H 55.12 in W 47.25 in D 11.42 in
Danish Design Rosewood Bookcase Model 5 by Omann Jun Mobelfabrik, 1960s
By Omann Jun Møbelfabrik
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design bookcase, Model 5 in beautiful rosewood veneer by Gunni Omann for Omann Jun Mobelfabrik A/S. The brand sticker can be found on the back. What's special about this midc...
Rosewood
$2,572
H 60.24 in W 42.52 in D 11.82 in
Midcentury Modern Danish Design Rosewood Bookcase by Hundevad & Co, 1960s
By Hundevad & Co.
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Bookcase Danish bookcase in beautiful rosewood veneer. Designed by Carlo Jensen and made by Hundevad & Co. Marked by 2 stamps! However, a Hundevad bookcase can always be recognized ...
Rosewood
$3,062
H 50.4 in W 54.34 in D 11.82 in
Danish Rosewood Bookcase with LP Rack made by Hundevad & Co, 1960s
By Hundevad & Co.
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Bookcase with LP/magazine rack Danish bookcase in beautiful rosewood veneer with LP/Magazine rack made by Hundevad & Co. The horizontal shelves can be adjusted in height. Overall th...
Rosewood
$3,500
H 42 in W 54 in D 15 in
John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Freestanding Pyramidal Bookcase in Espresso
By John Van Koert, Edward Wormley
Located in St. Louis, MO
John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” collection, freestanding pyramid or floating bookcase, refinished in dark espresso on silver elm. Unmarked, three...
Elm
$4,305Sale Price|20% Off
H 59.06 in W 54.34 in D 11.82 in
Poul Hundevad Scandinavian Dark Wood Bookcase for Hundevad Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Poul Hundevad, Hundevad & Co.
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design darkwood bookcase designed by Poul Hundevad and produced by Hundevad Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, variable ...
Wood
$1,961
H 55.91 in W 53.55 in D 10.24 in
Danish Design Oak Bookcase by Borge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Soner, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Midcentury Modern : Danish Design A Bookcase by Børge Mogensen, top designer from the Danish mid-century modern period. Borge Mogensen : Oak Bookcase This bookcase has 6 height-adj...
Oak
Willy Guhl Orange Concrete Bookcase, 1960s Switzerland
By Willy Guhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of painted concrete cubes in a pastel orange by Swiss architect and designer Willy Guhl. Handmade in the early 1960s in Switzerland. Produced by Eternit. Set of 9 cubes...
Concrete
Kurt Ostervig Rosewood Bookcase by KP Mobler
By Kurt Østervig, Hans J. Wegner, Arne Vodder, Finn Juhl, KP Mobler
Located in Raleigh, NC
A mid century modern classic. With beautifully sculpted frame and brass hardware this piece can be placed in any interior. Professionally restored with custom sliding doors made to...
Rosewood
original rosewood bookcase by Kurt Østervig, Denmark.
By Kurt Østervig
Located in København K, DK
Rosewood bookcase in two sections. Designed in the 1950s by Kurt Østervig and manufactured by KP Møbler, Denmark. This system is modular AND adjustable with bureau modul and a glass ...
Brass
original rosewood bookcase by Kurt Østervig, Denmark.
By Kurt Østervig
Located in København K, DK
Rosewood bookcase in two sections. Designed in the 1950s by Kurt Østervig and manufactured by KP Møbler, Denmark. This system is modular AND adjustable with bureau modul and a glass ...
Brass
Sold
H 73 in W 46 in D 17.63 in
Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Oak Storage with Lower Cabinet & Upper Bookcase
By KP Mobler, Kurt Østervig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Kurt Østervig cabinet or bookcase. This unit is two separate pieces that are not attached, bookcase sits on top of the lower cabinet....
Oak
Mid-Century Danish Freestanding Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit, Kurt Ostervig
By Povl Dinesen, Kurt Østervig
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Danish teak wood free standing bookshelf or wall unit designed by Kurt Ostervig crafted by Povl Dinesen. Five shelves (4 shelves are 10'' lower shelf is deeper at 16''). The shelves ...
Brass
Sold
H 70.87 in W 41.34 in D 15.75 in
1950s Danish Free Standing Bookcase Room Divider by Kurt Ostervig
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A 1950s Danish bookcase or room divider By Kurt Ostervig for International Designers Group. The teak shelving contrasts with the oak supports, which are sculpted to angled, tapere...
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 71 in W 41 in D 10 in
Kurt Ostervig Povl Dinesen Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelf with Display Shelf
By Povl Dinesen, Kurt Østervig
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modular and adjustable Danish teak wood bookshelf or room divider. Designed by Kurt Ostervig crafted by Povl Dinesen. Four shelves plus one angled ...
Brass
Sold
H 70.87 in W 40.95 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Freestanding Bookcase in Teak by Kurt Østervig, 1960s
By K.P. Møbler 1, Kurt Østervig
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in teak designed by Kurt Østervig M.A.A. for K.P furniture in 1960s. Made in Denmark, great condition.
Brass
Sold
H 71 in W 41 in D 10 in
Kurt Ostervig Povl Dinesen Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelves Room Divider
By Povl Dinesen, Kurt Østervig
Located in Ferndale, MI
Modular and adjustable Danish teak wood free standing bookshelf or room divider. Designed by Kurt Ostervig crafted by Povl Dinesen. Five shelves one having an angled magazine or book...
Brass
Kurt Ostervig Danish Teak Adjustable Bookshelf and Room Divider
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Denton, TX
Modular and adjustable Danish modern teak wood bookshelf or room divider with brass support structure.
Brass
Kurt Ostervig Danish Teak Roomdivider Wall Unit, circa 1960
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Breda, Netherlands
This Danish Mid-Century Modern freestanding room divider or bookshelf is a top -quality unit. Design by Kurt Ostervig. This chest features two height adjustable shelves, one big shelf...
Brass
Sold
H 70.87 in W 41.34 in L 70.87 in
Kurt Ostervig Danish Freestanding Teak Bookshelf Wall Unit, circa 1960
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Breda, Netherlands
This Danish Mid-Century Modern freestanding room divider/bookshelf is a top -quality unit. Design by Kurt Ostervig. This chest features three height adjustable shelves, two sliding d...
Brass