Poul Cadovius Shelves
Danish, 1911-2011
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.
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Creator: Poul Cadovius
Poul Cadovious "SYSTEM ROYAL" 3-Bay Teak Wall Unit 3 Media Cabinets & 8 Shelves
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Poul Cadovius, this wall unit was made in the 1960s by Royal System in Denmark. It feaures two different systems, with eight total uprights, four long and four short. The...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Wood, Teak
1960s 1970s Rio Rosewood Shelving System by Poul Cadovius for Cado Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s/70s Rio Rosewood Shelving System by Poul Cadovius for Cado Denmark
Object: Shelving Unit
Manufacturer: Cado
Condition: Good
Age: Circa 1960-1970
Dimensions:
Width = 241cm...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Rosewood
1970s Danish Cadovius Teak 5-Bay Cado Modular Shelving System Bookshelf Library
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
A stunning 1970s five-bay Danish teak CADO shelving system designed by Paul Cadovius consisting of 32 pieces including the uprights, plus 50 brackets. These designer shelves are full...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovius modular Teak Wall system Denmark 1960s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
Poul Cadovius Royal Wall system 1960s Denmark .consisting of . 3 uprights
Three cabinets . One display Glass door cabinet ,One Large Three drawers cabinet ,and one small cabinets wi...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
"Royal System" Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, 1950s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Karis, Nyland
Great Danish modern teak wall unit ”Royal System” designed by Poul Cadovius, circa 1950s.
This piece contains 2 shelves, one cabinet with glass sliding doors, one with drop-down do...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Brass
Poul Cadovius Room Divider Teak Royal Wall System Denmark 1960s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
For sale this very exclusive and rare poul cadovius room divider comes with 2 Steel telescopic legs, works with a spring .so is adjustable in height .
can be used on both sides .com...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovius Abstracta shelving unit teak Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Introducing the elegant 'Abstracta' free standing shelving system, a stunning example of minimalistic design by Poul Cadovius, manufactured by Royal System in Denmark in 1960. This t...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Poul Cadovius small Teak Royal Wall System 1950/60 Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice small Wall system . Two shelves and One Teak Cabinet
with sliding doors . Design by Poul Cadovius for Royal system
1960s . complete with hardware .
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovius 5-Bay Royal System
By Poul Cadovius, Lightolier, Royal System
Located in Littleton, CO
(Click on "More Details" below to see complete information.)
A large and versatile Royal System wall shelving system by Poul Cadovius.
The six vertical rails, five cabinets, a desk unit, and multiple shelf types (with accompanying hardware) allow for dynamic and versatile possibilities for configuration - in up to 5 continuous bays, or splitting into a 3-bay and 2 -bay, etc.
This system comes to market for the first time from a single estate, and was purchased and installed in stages in Honolulu, Hawaii between January 1968 and December 1978, with the exception of the deep desk shelf, purchased in Denver in the 2010's. Original purchase receipts are available for all components, except for the deep desk shelf.
The shelf with a down light was custom made for the Royal System by Lightolier, and is signed.
The small 2-drawer cabinet is independent of the deep desk shelf and may be placed anywhere on the rail system, just like all other components.
Many additional photos available.
All 25 components included:
6 Vertical Rails, 79" H x 1.5" W x .75" D
Small Cabinet With Glass...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Walnut
Poul Cadovius for Cado "Royal System" Modular Wall Shelve, circa 1948
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
'Royal System' wall shelve designed by Poul Cadovius, circa 1948.
Manufactured by Cado in Denmark.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:
Wood
Metal
Dimensions:
D 20.2 cm x W 60.5 cm x H 99 cm
Poul Cadovius (1911-2011) was a Danish designer and manufacturer. Trained as a saddler and upholster, Cadovius became interested in industrial design and established his own furniture manufacturing company under the name of Royal Systems in 1945.
Between 1964-1967, Cadovius purchased the well-established furniture manufacturer France & Søn and renamed the company Cado. Cadovius collaborated with the impressive roster of iconic Danish designers through France & Søn and Cado, including Sigvar Bernadotte, Grete Jalk, Arne Vodder, Edvard Kindt-Larsen, and Finn Juhl.
His minimalistic aesthetic is considered a perfect harmony between form and function, industrial and organic, affordable and elegant. Although the Royal System shelving unit...
Category
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Free standing modular wall unit 'Royal system' Poul Cadovius, Denmark 1960s
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Poul Cadovius classic modular unit produced by CADO, Denmark, during the 1960s.
Rare free standing model. Made in teak.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Walnut Cado Display Shelf
By Poul Cadovius
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Walnut Cado System display shelf thats meant to hold books or flat artwork. The shelf has a beautiful catch at the bottom preventing a book from...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Rosewood
Shelving System Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Vienna, AT
Large wall unit, shelving system by Cado Denmark designed by Poul Cadovius in 1958.
This shelving systems is made in really height quality hard wood. The system allows arranging mu...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Hardwood, Softwood
Danish Modern Teak & Glass Shelving System Abstracta by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Odense, DK
Ingenious minimalist shelving or display unit SYSTEM ABSTRACTA designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark, in the 1960s. The system consists of black metal...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Danish Teak Shelving Unit With Desk & light, by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish Teak Shelving Unit With Desk & light, by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
Danish design by Poul Cadovius
Design year: 1960s
Dimensions: :
Depth: 24- 37- cm
Width: 84 cm
H...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
1960s Wall shelf, Poul Cadovius
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic shelving system from the 1960s. The high-quality containers and shelves are veneered in oak. The system consists of seven shelves, one container with drawers, one container w...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Oak
Danish Teak Wall Unit with 3 cabinets by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Big Mid century Danish Teak Wall Unit with 3 cabinets by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
Danish design by Poul Cadovius
Design year: 1960s
Dimensions: : 22 ---- 38 D x ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Large Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System , 1950s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Large Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System , 1950s
Poul Cadovius (1911 - 2011) was one of the most colourful and successful persons in the history of Danis...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Wood
Rare Poul Cadovius Two Shelves Wall Unit, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare handmade solitary teak wall unit with two shelves designed by acclaimed Danish designer Poul Cadovius in the 1960s. Solid smoothly rounded wooden brackets on which two shelves a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Wood, Teak
Vintage Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Modern Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) ca. 240 x 40 / 50 x 203 cm
Elevate your living space with this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Crafted by the iconic Danish designer Poul Cadovius in the 1950s, the Royal System is celebrated for its versatility, functionality, and timeless aesthetic. Crafted in solid teak wood and veneer this wall unit seamlessly blends into various interior styles. The unit features a combination of open shelves that come in different depths, of one them working as desk, a closed cabinet box and a display case with two glasses shelfs that are not shown in the images, providing ample storage space while maintaining a sleek and uncluttered appearance. The modular design allows for customization, making it adaptable to different room configurations and needs.
This Vintage Poul Cadovius Royal System...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak, Glass
Teak Royal System with conical Desk by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Handewitt, DE
Royal system by Poul Cadovius for Cado Denmark. With 1 small cabinet, shelfes and conical shaped desk. brass holders. Part of the table t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Danish Teak Wall Unit with Bar Cabinet by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid century Danish Teak Wall Unit with Bar Cabinet by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
Danish design by Poul Cadovius
Design year: 1960s
D...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Danish walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish walnut Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius, 1960s
Once the wall mounted brackets are fixed. The brackets have holes in the sides that each shel...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Two sides Danish teak free standing room divider shelving Unit, by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare Midcentury Danish Teak Shelving Unit, by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
used as a room divider
Danish design by Poul Cadovius
Design year: 1960s
The shelves and the desk cabinet are a...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 Scandinavian Modern "Butterfly" Shelves in Brass by Poul Cadovius, 1958
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Odense, DK
Wall shelves made by Danish Designer Poul Cadovius in 1958. They can be hung in different ways and can also be used for decorational purposes only. Very rare brass edition. Great con...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Brass
Poul Cadovius Wall Unit or Room Divider
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Cadovius, open bookshelf or room divider, metal, Denmark, 1960s
This sizable and minimalist shelving unit was designed by Poul Cadovius. This shelving system exists of a thin f...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
3-Bay Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Great Vintage Condition
Dimensions: 97” L x 78”H x 12” D (Deepest)
Description: A vintage teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius. Freshly imported from Denmark. Completely modu...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Abstracta Modular Shelf by Poul Cadovius for Royal System Smoked Glass - 2 Pcs
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Abstracta Modular Shelf by Poul Cadovius for Royal System with Smoked Glass - 2 Pc Set. Item features 2 shelves with slight variation in shelf height, clean Modernist lines, great st...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Chrome
Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit with Desk, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) ca. 82,5 x 40 / 50 x 203 cm
Elevate your living space with this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius ...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Glass, Teak
Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Midcentury Danish walnut Corner Wall-Mounted Shelving Unit, by Royal for Poul Cadovius, 1960s
Once the wall mounted brackets are fixed. The brackets have holes in the sides that e...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Danish Modern Poul Cadovius "Cado" Teak Wall Unit
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Wilmington, DE
Mid-Century Danish Modern Poul Cadovius for Cado Denmark Teak Wall Unit
Offered is a Danish modern teak wall unit that was designed by Poul Cadovius for Cado Denmark in the 1960s. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Glass, Teak
Set of 6 Butterfly Shelves in Teak by Poul Cadovius, 1950's
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 6 Butterfly Shelves in Teak by Poul Cadovius, 1950's
Additional Information:
Material: Teak
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Produced in Denm...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Two Bay Cado Wall Unit / Bar Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century two bay wall mounted unit or bar cabinet. Made from warm teak wood and designed by Poul Cadovius, Denmark. This particular Cado arrangement features two smaller shelves, one large shelf / desk, and cabinet with key. All shelves and cabinet are modular therefore can be moved to fit your needed height requirements.
Can be used for several functions; a bookshelf, a bar cabinet and drink station...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Wood, Teak
Scandinavian Modular Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian shelf by Poul Cadovius (Denmark, 1911-2011). Teak version with three wall panels supporting several shelves and boxes.
This wall system is composed of :
- 4 shelves
- 1 box with sliding doors in wood
- 1 glass sliding door cabinet...
Category
1960s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovious für Royal System „Abstracta“ Regal Chrom Glas 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Minimalistisches, filigranes und sehr seltenes, freistehendes Steck Regal aus verchromten Stahlelementen und Glas von Poul Cadovious für Royal System, Dänemark 1960er Jahre.
Dieses ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Steel
Poul Cadovius Cado Royal System Wall Unit Shelving Bookcase 1960s 1970s in Teak
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Markington, GB
A wonderful large 5 Bay mid century Danish vintage PS wall unit in teak, this dates from the 1960s. The condition is excellent for its age, little wear to be seen, the teak has a stu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovius Royal Teakholz Regalsystem 1950
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Das Royal System von Poul Cadovius, entworfen in den 1950er Jahren, ist ein vielseitiges Regalsystem aus hochwertigem Teakholz. Es besteht aus einem erweiterbaren Tisch und vier Rega...
Category
20th Century Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Teak
Poul Cadovius 'Abstracta' Metal, Teak, Glass Modular Display Unit, Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Minimal Danish design modular display shelving by Paul Cadovius
Around 1960 Poul Cadovius made a huge impact on the shelving area of the Danish furniture industry – he designed a freestanding modular based shelving system in metal with endless combinations and able be assembled without using tools...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Danish modular shelf in Rosewood by Poul Cadovius 1960.
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Scandinavian shelf/library composed of (each element measures 80 cm wide):
- 2 shelves 22 cm deep
- 4 shelves 30 cm deep
- A modular lamp
- 3 racks 200 cm high.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Rosewood
Poul Cadovius Shelves Set of 6 Copper " Butterfly" Denmark, 1950
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, FR
Set of 6 Wall shelves Model " Butterfly " made by the Danish designer Poul Cadovius in Denmark 1955. They can be hung in different ways and can also be used for decorative purposes o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Copper
Set of Three Butterfly Shelves by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of three midcentury shelves in metal. Designed and made by Poul Cadovius 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Poul Cadovius Shelves
Materials
Metal
Poul Cadovius shelves for sale on 1stDibs.
Poul Cadovius shelves 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 Poul Cadovius shelves, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original shelves by Poul Cadovius were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider shelves by Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch, and Kai Kristiansen. Prices for Poul Cadovius shelves can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $200 and can go as high as $12,140, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,583.