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.
Scandinavian Modern Square Rosewood Coffee or Cocktail Table by Poul Cadovius
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Table by Poul Cadovius – Timeless Design Introducing a timeless piece of Scandinavian Modern design, this exquisite table is a creation of renowned desi...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Style Coffee Table by Bassett
By Bassett Furniture
Located in South Charleston, WV
Solid surfboard stylized edges and magazine rack shelf. Features raised edges typical of Danish modern production, but American produced. Ideal for use as coffee or end table. In ex...
Oak, Walnut
$4,371
H 19.3 in Dm 47.05 in
Poul Cadovius Rosewood Coffee Table Designed For France & Son Circular 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Poul Cadovius Beautiful Rosewood Coffee Table Designed For France & Son Circular Top Inlaid With Brushed Chrome Floral Decoration Made In Denmark 1960's Poul Cadovius (1911 - 2011) was one of the most colourful and successful persons in the history of Danish furniture industry. He was originally educated as an upholsterer but became very interested in design at an early stage, and in 1945 he established his own furniture manufacturing company Royal System. A few years later, in 1948, he designed the iconic shelving system ROYAL...
Steel
Ceramic Coffee Table or End Table by Maarten Stuer, circa 2022
By Maarten Stuer
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A ceramic coffee table or end of sofa by Maarten Stuer. 2022. This piece can be put indoor or outdoor. A pair of tables is now available. Signed and dated. - Born in 1965 in Japan,...
Ceramic
Swedish Modern Round Walnut End or Coffee Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Atlanta, GA
Round walnut table by renowned Swedish furniture designer Carl Malmsten (1888 - 1972). Versatile size - can be used as end table or coffee table.
Please contact us wi...
Walnut
Bruksbo Rosewood Coffee Table by Haug Snekkeri
By Bruksbo, Haug Snekkeri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Norwegian rosewood coffee table by Bruksbo offers a rich natural rosewood finish, with wonderfully banded lightened side supports. Quality midcentury construction makes this vin...
Rosewood
$1,145
H 20 in W 28 in D 21 in
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or End Table with Bottom Shelf
Located in Miami, FL
Lane Acclaim Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table or Wooden End Table A very stylish Scandinavian style coffee table or end table made of solid walnut. Clean lines and natural groves of...
Wood, Walnut
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.75 in W 28 in D 30 in
Coffee Cocktail or End Table by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen
By Erik Jørgensen
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Cocktail or End Table designed by Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen is a stunning piece that seamlessly blends form and function. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this table embodies the essence of Scandinavian design. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic create a sense of understated elegance that effortlessly complements any interior space. The table features a sleek tabletop, expertly constructed with high-quality painted aluminum, exuding a sense of sophistication and refinement. The choice of material allows for versatility, enabling the table to seamlessly integrate into various design styles, from contemporary to classic. The table's base is a work of art in itself, showcasing a harmonious balance between strength and delicacy. Also aluminum, the legs provide stability and durability, while their graceful curves or geometric angles add visual interest and sculptural appeal. Whether used as a cocktail table for entertaining guests or as an end table for displaying treasured items, this piece offers both practicality and style. Its thoughtfully designed proportions ensure functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile and timeless addition to any living room, lounge, or office space. The Ernst & Jensen for Erik Jorgensen Cocktail or End Table is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, where Danish design sensibilities meet functional elegance, resulting in a furniture piece that elevates the ambiance of any room it graces. Constructed of all aluminum with black finish. Photographed with Herman Miller Eames chair, Macbook Pro...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Teak Coffee or Cocktail Table
Located in Nantucket, MA
A Mid-Century Modern teak coffee or cocktail table. An unusual base design with reeded edges along the top. Dates to the 1970's and has been refinished.
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Table by Centrum Mobler
By C.S. Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage-modern Danish coffee table with beautiful rosewood grain throughout, designed by Centrum Mobler. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Rosewood
$1,048
H 16.93 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Coffee Table Made In Teak By Poul Cadovius & Made By France & Son From 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table, a hallmark of Danish design from the 1960s, reflects the innovative vision of Poul Cadovius and the renowned craftsmanship of France & Son. Crafted from rich teak ...
Teak
$1,060
H 22 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in
Vintage Floating Danish Teak and Brass Square Coffee Table by Grete Jalk
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern square coffee table designed by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen in teak. This timeless piece features brass accents and functions as a coffee table, occasio...
Brass
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee or End Table
Located in Atlanta, GA
Round teak coffee table or end table with tapered inset legs.
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Coffee Table by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Table by Poul Cadovius – Timeless Design Introducing a timeless piece of Scandinavian Modern design, this exquisite table is a creation of renowned desi...
Rosewood