While Poul Cadovius is most famous for his modular floating shelving system, his career in design didn’t actually start with wall units.
Born just outside of Copenhagen in 1911, Cadovius began manufacturing window treatments in the 1940s with his partner, Hother Brønner. He soon turned his focus from Venetian blinds to furniture, finding success designing svelte pieces in teak, a richly colored hardwood favored by the Danish mid-century modernists.
In 1945, Cadovius founded the furniture manufacturer Royal System with his designs, including 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.
Cadovius followed the Royal System shelving unit with the System Ultra in 1957, the System Cado in 1960 and the System Abstracta, which was installed throughout the exhibition halls of the 1962 Cologne Furniture Fair. All expanded on his idea of wall-mounted shelving that saved space while offering functionality, allowing for limitless combinations of storage, shelves, work surfaces and other units. The Royal System proved to be especially popular and is still produced by Danish furniture brand dk3 today, with early models continuing to be in demand.
Along with the shelving systems, Cadovius designed everything from lounge chairs to mushroom-shaped bus shelters, and he held over 400 patents. In addition to being a designer, he was also an entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity, such as purchasing Danish manufacturer France & Søn in the mid-1960s and folded it into Cado, a company he founded years earlier. He used this as an occasion to experiment with his designs, conceiving such unusual pieces as an aluminum-based dining table topped with rosewood and hand-painted by artist Susan Fjedldoe Mygge.
Cadovius’s innovations in shelving continued throughout his career, with examples like the sculptural Butterfly shelf and vertical pieces mixing shelving and storage. In 2018, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Royal System, dk3 reissued the celebrated shelving system as well as a more compact version reimagined for 21st-century homes.
Find a collection of vintage Poul Cadovius storage cabinets, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Walnut
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid walnut frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: –...
Walnut
$1,574 / item
PIA Chair by Poul Cadovius, Walnut
By Poul Cadovius, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
PIA chair Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: H 75 x 49 x 48 cm (seat height 45cm) Wood: – Oak – Smoked oak – Black lacquered oak – Walnut Paper cordel: – Natural – Black (Contact us) -- The Pia chair signed by DK3 was imagined and designed by the famous designer Poul...
Walnut
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Walnut
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid walnut frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oa...
Walnut
President Lounge Chair by Steen Ostergaard for Poul Cadovius, Denmark 1970s
By Poul Cadovius, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Haderslev, DK
Iconic lounge chair from the 1970s by Steen Ostergaard for Poul Cadovius. The model is called President lounge chair. It has been fully r...
Felt, Fiberglass
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Smoked Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3, Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – O...
Oak
Set of Four Rare Teak PIA Chairs by Poul Cadovius, Girsberger, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Girsberger
Located in Praha, CZ
- very rare type - confortable - merket by label
Fabric, Teak
$1,314 / item
PIA Chair by Poul Cadovius - Black Lacquered Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
PIA Chair Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: H75 x 49 x 48 cm (seat height 45cm) Wood: – Oak – Smoked oak – Black lacquered oak – Walnut Paper ...
Oak
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Oil Oak
By Poul Cadovius, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – Oa...
Oak
vintage armchair + ottoman sofa Cadovius France & Son
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage armchair + ottoman sofa Cadovius France & Son Vintage modular sofa consisting of an armchair with ottoman. Model "Revolt" designed by Poul Cadovius for France & Son in th...
Aluminum
$1,444 / item
PIA Chair by Poul Cadovius - Smoked Oak
By Poul Cadovius, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
PIA chair Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: H 75 x 49 x 48 cm (seat height 45cm) Wood: – Oak – Smoked oak – Black lacquered oak – Walnut Paper...
Oak
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Black Lacquered Oak
By Poul Cadovius, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3, Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak ...
Oak, Papercord
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Oil Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak –...
Oak, Papercord
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Soap Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak –...
Oak, Papercord
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Smoked Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3, Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak ...
Oak
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Black Lacquered Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3, Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – O...
Oak
$1,314 / item
PIA Chair by Poul Cadovius - Light Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
PIA Chair Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: H75 x 49 x 48 cm (seat height 45cm) Wood: – Oak – Smoked oak – Black lacquered oak – Walnut Paper cordel: – Natural – Black (Contact us) -- The Pia chair signed by DK3 was imagined and designed by the famous designer Poul Codavius...
Oak
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Soap Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – Oa...
Oak
$11,400 / set
Pair of Fd 211 "Guvenør" Lounge Chairs in Oak
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Poul Cadovious Manufacturer: France + Søn Era: 1960s Materials: Oak Measurements: 33" wide x 31" deep x 28" tall Condition: In excellent original c...
Oak
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, White Oil Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – Oa...
Oak
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, White Oil Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak –...
Oak, Papercord
Set of 10 Danish Mid Century Modern Cado Dining Chairs Wool Upholstery Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 10 Danish Mid Century Modern Cado Dining Chairs Wool Upholstery Denmark
Wool, Chestnut
$3,250 / set
H 30.75 in W 18.25 in D 18.75 in
1960s Danish Modern Teak Dining Chairs by Poul Volther for Frem Rojle
By Poul Volther, Frem Røjle
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Sophistication by Poul Volther for Frem Røjle This 1960s set of dining chairs is a stunning example of Danish modern design, created by the renowned Poul Volther and c...
Faux Leather, Teak
Erik Buck OD61 Walnut Counter Stools
By Erik Buch, O.D. Møbler A-S
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted stools of walnut wood, seats upholstered in black leather, model OD 61. Designed by Erik Buch in the 1960s for by O.D. Møbler in Denmark. Dimensions: 3...
Leather, Walnut
$3,200 / set
H 31.5 in W 18 in D 16 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of Four Dining Chairs in Teak for K.S. Mobler Denmark, 1960s
By Niels Otto Møller, Kai Kristiansen, K.S. Mobler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic set of four dining chairs in teak with wool seats designed in the 1960s by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Mobler of Denmark. The style of these Kai Kristiansen chairs is often mi...
Teak
Set of 4 Teak Vintage Chairs, 1960s, by Uldum, Denmark
Located in Hannover, DE
Rare find. Nice set of 4 massive teak chairs by Danish manufacturer, Uldum. Production period: 1960s. Displayed price is for a set of 4. Sturdy teak wood frames. Refurbished and ...
Teak
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Chile Stool This White Oak Chile Counter Stool is beautifully constructed from solid wood...
Wood, Oak
Storia Counter Height Stool in Oak by Kari Virtanen
By Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The four-legged stool is designed for both contract environment and domestic use with durable joints, comfortable seat and three different heights. Its Nordic craftsmanship soul can ...
Oak
Beachcomber Counter Stool in Walnut
By Greg Mitchell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light and strong, the Beachcomber Counter Stool evokes the sight of an old wooden single hull; it's lean, sturdy mast together with the rigging worthy of the high seas. Constructed of hand shaped legs and stretchers, each piece is carefully fit and pinned with hardwood pegs and wedges to last for generations, much like the sea craft that inspire them. For every bar stool, we start with scrupulously chosen lumber; each board must consist of straight grain and have absolutely no defects. This is not just for aesthetics, the clear grain gives the stool its strength. The boards are then milled to dimension and shaped by hand using a combination of machines and time honored hand tools. They are then given a polish by taking thin shavings with well sharpened planes and spokeshaves; rarely is sandpaper used in our shop. Once assembled, the Beachcomber bar stool...
Maple, Walnut
Clarkester Counter Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Steel
Danish teak dining chairs 1960s, set of 6
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Danish teak dining chairs 1960s, set of 6 The chair frames are made from solid teak and and are in Good condition. Made in Denmark in the 60s Dimensions: Width: 52 cm Depth: 4...
Faux Leather, Teak
PK 9 Tulip Chair by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjærholm PK 9 - 'Tulip' chair in patinated natural leather with steel frame. E. Kold Christensen.
Leather
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Cicely
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, White Oak Counter Stool, Cicely These White Oak Counter Stools - The Cicely are beautifully constructed from solid white oak ...
Wood, Oak
Bertu Counter Stools, Boca Uno Walnut Counter Stool
By Bertu Furniture
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Bertu Counter Stools, Boca Uno Walnut Counter Stool Please scroll down to read IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT OUR STUMPS before purchase! Why buy B...
Wood, Walnut
Sold
H 28.5 in W 33.25 in D 20.5 in
Vintage Boho Poul Cadovius “Govenor” Teak Case Lounge Chairs - A Pair
By Poul Cadovius
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This extraordinary pair of "Governor" lounge chairs, designed by the legendary Poul Cadovius for CADO, is a masterclass in Danish Modernism and Postmodern architectural form. Charact...
Fabric, Bouclé, Teak
Poul Cadovius Rosewood and Leather Sofa
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Sought after Brazilian Rosewood version of a classic Paul Cadovius design for France and Son, made in 1973. Featuring original orange lather cushions in a beautiful basketweave Rosew...
Rosewood
Very rare Outdoor Bench by Poul Cadovius 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Handewitt, DE
Very rare and large outdoor bench by Poul Cadovius. Made in fiberglass. Denmark 1960s. Our information is, that Poul Cadovius designed this bench only in 5 pieces for the big furnitu...
Fiberglass
vintage armchair sofa Cadovius France & Son
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage armchair Cadovius France & Son Vintage modular sofa consisting of an armchair. Model "Revolt" designed by Poul Cadovius for France & Son in the 1970s. Can also be combined ...
Aluminum
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 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
Sold
H 31.1 in W 18.5 in D 19.7 in
Vintage 1958 Set 6 Pia Chairs by Poul Cadovius for Royal Persiennen Woven Seats
By Royal Persiennen, Poul Cadovius
Located in Basel, BS
Pia Chair, Set of 6, Original first edition by Poul Cadovius for Royal Persiennen 1958 model chairs, in excellent vintage condition. Beautiful woven seating. Teak wood. Design by Poul Cadovius, 1958 The Poul Cadovius Pia...
Cord, Papercord, Rope, 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
Governor sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in Ranst, VAN
Rare ‘Governor’ sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son. The sofa is in very good condition and is marked by the manufacturer.
Fabric, Wood
Poul Cadovius Governor Sofa in Teak and Leather
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
A Danish modern classic, this teak frame sofa with basket weave panels and leather cushions was designed in the 1960s by Poul Cadovius for France...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 33.08 in D 27.56 in
Poul Cadovius Rosewood Lounge Chairs Basket Weave Pair France & Son Denmark 1962
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Camden, ME
Poul Cadovius "Guvernor" pair of lounge chairs with rosewood basketweave detail produced by France & Son in Denmark. This pair of chairs and a matching 3 seat sofa were imported to R...
Acrylic, Teak, Bouclé, Rosewood
Poul Cadovius Mid Century Teak Lounge Chairs, a Pair
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Poul Cadovius mid century teak lounge chairs - a pair Each chair measures: 28 wide x 28.5 deep x 27.5 high, with a seat height of ...
Upholstery, Teak