Danish architect and industrial designer Steen Østergaard was decades ahead of his time with his futuristic Space Age designs. Through his innovative chairs, tables and other furniture, Østergaard elevated Scandinavian modern design during the mid-20th century.
Born in 1935, Østergaard studied furniture design and architecture at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen in 1957, graduating with honors in 1960. That same year, he won first prize in furniture design at the Danish Upholstery Guild’s annual awards, presented at Copenhagen’s Designmuseum Danmark.
From 1962 to 1965, Østergaard worked in the studio of revered furniture designer and architect Finn Juhl before establishing his own firm. Østergaard’s watershed moment came in 1968 when he created the iconic Cado 290 chair. Later produced in 1970 by Danish designer Poul Cadovius’s Cado company, the chair — a brilliant one-piece work of polyamide nylon reinforced with fiberglass by way of injection-molding — features an elegant form inspired by the stackable seats created by Danish designer Verner Panton, who started experimenting with the concept of single-piece plastic chairs in the late 1950s. However, unlike the revolutionary Panton chair, Østergaard’s design includes optional cushions that can be affixed directly onto the chair’s frame.
Another of Østergaard’s exemplary seating pieces is the President Meteor lounge chair designed in 1968 as part of Cado’s A-Line collection. The indoor and outdoor chair was originally produced in six colors — beige, brown, green, white, red and blue — and incorporates a molded plastic frame with a deep, upholstered seat. The lounge chair appeared in the original Star Trek television series and film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and was used at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Østergaard is also known for furnishings such as his molded plastic dining room chairs, patio and garden furniture and ergonomic club chairs. In 1981, he designed and constructed the first Action Recliner chair, which included a built-in footrest, a piece now replicated around the world.
Østergaard’s furniture has been featured in exhibitions throughout Europe and the United States, including at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Deutsches Museum in Munich and Designmuseum Danmark.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Steen Østergaard chairs and other furniture.
Steen Østergaard Lounge Chair in Oak and Moss Green Upholstery
By Stol-Ex, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Steen Østergaard for Stol-Ex, lounge chair, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1962 Made in 1962, this armchair bears the mark of Danish architect and industrial designer, Steen Østergaard, craf...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 4 stackable Dining Chairs by Steen Østergaard for Cado, 1960s
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of 4. Steen Ostergaard Cado period molded plastic all original stack chairs with original cushion in all original condition, rare and unusual...
Plastic
Space Age Vintage Red Plastic Dining Chairs Four Steen Ostergaard Denmark
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age four ( 4 ) red plastic vintage dining chairs designed by Steen Ostergaard 1966 for Cado Norway 1971. A set of wonderful red 4 ( four ) dining chairs from plastic with black...
Fabric, Plastic
Pair of Easy Chairs in Chromed Steel and Leather by Steen Østergaard, 1960's
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Chromed Steel and Original Leather by Steen Østergaard, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Chromed steel and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandi...
Steel
$1,707Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Steen Østergaard Dining Chairs A-Line 290, CADO, Denmark, 1960s.
By Cado, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Praha, CZ
- rare type - stackable - marked - space age era
Faux Leather, Plastic
Steen Ostergaard Model 290 Pair of Red Chair for Cado, 1970
By Steen Ostergaard, Cado
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Steen Ostergaard model 290 red plastic stacking chairs manufactured by Cado, 1970. Set of 2. With some scratches and marks.
Plastic
Set of Four Steen Østergaard Model 291 Chairs
By Steen Ostergaard, Paul Cadobius
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Steen Østergaard Manufacturer: Paul Cadovious Era: 1966 Materials: Plastic, wool Measurements: 33? wide x 37? deep x 36? tall Condition: Original plastic frame in good condition Restoration Includes: • Polish plastic frame • New custom upholstery...
Wool, Plastic
Space Age Vintage Brown Orange Plastic Lounge Chair Steen Ostergaard 1960s
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage lounge chair or club chair Meteor or President Chair from plastic and textile upholstery in the colors brown and orange. A bold authentic freestanding lounge chair perfect to relax and read a book as fireside chair or could work wonderfully in your library. Stamp embossed underneath: CADO Design Steen Ostergaard...
Upholstery, Plastic
Set of Three Steen Østergaard Model 291 Chairs
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Steen Østergaard Manufacturer: Paul Cadovious Era: 1966 Materials: Plastic, wool Measurements: 33? wide x 37? deep x 36...
Wool, Plastic
Steen Østergaard Dining / Outdoor Chairs A-Line 290 Produced by CADO in Denmark
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 8 dining / outdoor chairs model A-Line 290 designed by Steen Østergaard. Produced by CADO in Denmark.
Plastic
$995Sale Price|20% Off
1980s, Danish design by Steen Ostergård for Bramin Møbler. "Action Recliner".
By Bramin Mobler, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Tarm, 82
1980s, Danish design by Steen Ostergård for Bramin Møbler. "Action Recliner" relax chair in beige leather, beige furniture velour. Original good condition: no smells and no stains.
Leather, Velvet
Three-Seater Sofa Model "Senior" in Rio Rosewood and Original Black Leather
By Jason Møbler, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Three seater sofa designed by Steen Østergaard for Jason Møbler in the 1960s. Crafted with frame in Rio rosewood and original black leather upholstery. The model features clean lines...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,690 / set
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Set of Four Mid Century Glossy Mint Green Cado Chairs, Steen Østergaard, 1974
By Ostergaard Steen
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Polish production chairs from Plastics Factory 'Krywald' in Knurow have embossed signatures. They come from the 1970s. The author of this project is the Danish architect Steen Østerg...
Plastic
$5,737 / item
H 29.93 in W 27.17 in D 31.11 in
ARCH Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design
Located in Geneve, CH
ARCH Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin Upholstery by Mazo Design Dimensions: W 69 x D 79 x H 76 cm Materials: Oak, Sheepskin. With the new ARCH collection, mazo forges new paths wit...
Other
$4,267 / set
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 17.72 in
Set of Four Mid Century Sea Blue Cado Chairs, Steen Østergaard, Europe, 1960s
By Ostergaard Steen
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Polish production chairs from Plastics Factory 'Krywald' in Knurow have embossed signatures. They come from the 70s. The author of this project is the Danish architect Steen Østergaa...
Plastic
$1,185 / item
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Glossy Orange Cado Chair, Steen Østergaard, 1974
By Ostergaard Steen
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Polish production chairs from Plastics Factory 'Krywald' in Knurow have embossed signatures. They come from the 1970s. The author of this project is the Danish architect Steen Østerg...
Plastic
Set of Four Red Cado Chairs, Steen Østergaard, 1974
By Ostergaard Steen
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Polish production chairs from Plastics Factory 'Krywald' in Knurow have embossed signatures. They come from the 1970s. The author of this project is the Danish architect Steen Østerg...
Plastic
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
$5,450 / set
H 30.52 in W 22.25 in D 33.67 in
Pair of Cantilever Chairs in Cognac Leather and Chrome-plated Steel
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of cantilever dining chairs, leather, chrome-plated steel, The Netherlands, 1960s Streamlined pair of cantilever chairs, a design that ...
Steel, Chrome
Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Green Olive Velvet Upholstery
Located in Antwerp, BE
The soft and sensuous green olive velvet upholstery is in absolutely outstanding original condition. Rippled waterfall style pleated tailoring is punct...
Upholstery, Wood
Set of 6 Unusual French 1960s Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of Six French Mid-Century Dining Chairs with tapered mahogany legs, a cut-out back and brass details. (end caps protection of back legs are removable)
Brass
$6,600 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.89 in D 21.07 in
Set of Six Ole Wanscher Dining Chairs for CADO, Denmark 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Utrecht, NL
Ole Wanscher was a leading figure in Danish and Scandinavian design, as was his mentor, the legendary Kaare Klint, renowned to be the “father” of modern Danish furniture design. Toge...
Fabric, Wood
$4,267 / set
H 31.5 in W 16.15 in D 17.72 in
Set of 6 Dining Chairs by R. Hofman for TON, Model 514, 1960s, Reupholstered
By Radomír Hofman
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of six vintage dining chairs was designed by Czech designer Radomir Hofman in the 1960s. Produced by TON. The chairs are very light in form and comfortable in use. This set ...
Beech
$3,480 / set
H 31.5 in W 18.25 in D 17 in
Set of Four Henning Kjærnulf Teak Dining Chairs Danish Modern 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Korup Stolefabrik
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Henning Kjaernulf Manufacturer: Korup Stølefabrik Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, Wool Measurements: 18.25″ wide x 17″ deep x 31.5″ tall, Seat: 18"
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Navy Blue Space Age Modo 290 Chairs by Steen Østergaard for Nielaus, Set of 4
By Steen Ostergaard, Nielaus
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four iconic Modo 290 cantilever chairs was designed by architect and designer Steen Østergaard in 1966. Modo 290 is a one-piece shell chair with a design that still exude...
Fabric, Plastic
Yellow Space Age Modo 290 Chair by Steen Østergaard for Nielaus
By Steen Ostergaard, Nielaus
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This iconic Modo 290 cantilever chair was designed by architect and designer Steen Østergaard in 1966. It is a one-piece shell-shaped chair, with a form that still exudes futurism an...
Textile, Plastic
Sold
H 33.75 in W 34 in D 35.5 in
'President' Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, 1968, Signed
By Steen Ostergaard, Cado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of rare 'President' Lounge chairs, Model #265 by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, Denmark (each chair signed with Cado embossed logo on frame), was designed in 1968 and produced at Krauss Maffei, Munich, Germany for a short time in limited quantities. For collectors of 1960s and 1970s Space Age, this is a sought-after and coveted design to have. Produced in fiberglass reinforced poly-amide nylon and is anti-static, full depth colored, and can not delaminate, and were cast in the largest injection mold in the world at the time. The head / neck rest is adjustable via the two dials on the back and can be raised or lowered to your desired setting. The President Lounge, which was part of the A-Line series, was prominently featured in many books, magazines and movies such as 'Star Trek' where it appears in Captain Kirk's 23rd century San Francisco apartment. ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Educated Cabinetmaker and Imagery Carver – Bronze Medal 1957. Graduated from the SCHOOL of ARTS & CRAFTS, Copenhagen, Denmark 1960, with certificate – Highest Marks. Officer in the Royal Danish Army 1960-1962. ACTIVITIES: Own Design offices in Denmark, respectively England, Germany and France. Main activities – Furniture design – Industrial Design – Professional product development. Designer and inventor of worlds first chair injection moulded in one piece. Developer and designer of the first Action Recliner furniture...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Sold
H 29.93 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Set of 8 Dining Chairs, Reupholstered in White Bouclé, Steen Østergaard, 1960s
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Odense, DK
This set of 8 dining chairs, originally designed by Steen Østergaard in 1966 is a stunning example of mid-century Danish design. The chairs feature a sleek, minimalist design, with c...
Bouclé, Plastic
Yellow Space Age Modo 290 Chair by Steen Østergaard for Nielaus
By Steen Ostergaard, Nielaus
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This iconic Modo 290 cantilever chair was designed by architect and designer Steen Østergaard in 1966. It is a one-piece shell-shaped chair, with a form that still exudes futurism an...
Textile, Plastic
Sold
H 25.99 in W 27.56 in D 19.69 in
Pair of Midcentury Lounge Chairs in Oak by Steen Østergaard, 1960s
By Stol-Ex, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of easy chairs in solid oak and new fabric. Designed by Steen Østergaard, made by Stol-ex Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 20.48 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Cantilever Chair by Steen Østergaard, Denmark
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Roma, Lazio
Chair "Cantilever 290": solid cast plastic structure. May sometimes have a yellow or orange color cushion on the seat. Published by "Cado" in 1970. Published on: La cote du Design 1950. 1960. 1970. Activities: Own Design offices in Denmark, respectively England, Germany and France. Main activities – Furniture design – Industrial Design – Professional product development. Designer and inventor of worlds first chair injection moulded in one piece. Developer and designer of the first Action Recliner...
Velvet, Plastic
Sold
H 33.75 in W 34 in D 35.5 in
'President' Fiberglass Lounge Chairs by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, 1968, Signed
By Steen Ostergaard, Cado
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful pair of rare 'President' Lounge chairs, Model #265 by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, Denmark (each chair signed with Cado embossed logo on frame), was designed in 1968 and produced at Krauss Maffei, Munich, Germany for a short time in limited quantities. For collectors of 1960s and 1970s Space Age, this is a sought-after and coveted design to have. Produced in fiberglass reinforced poly-amide nylon and is anti-static, full depth colored, and can not delaminate, and were cast in the largest injection mold in the world at the time. The head / neck rest is adjustable via the two dials on the back and can be raised or lowered to your desired setting. The President Lounge, which was part of the A-Line series, was prominently featured in many books, magazines and movies such as 'Star Trek' where it appears in Captain Kirk's 23rd century San Francisco apartment. ABOUT THE DESIGNER: Educated Cabinetmaker and Imagery Carver – Bronze Medal 1957. Graduated from the SCHOOL of ARTS & CRAFTS, Copenhagen, Denmark 1960, with certificate – Highest Marks. Officer in the Royal Danish Army 1960-1962. ACTIVITIES: Own Design offices in Denmark, respectively England, Germany and France. Main activities – Furniture design – Industrial Design – Professional product development. Designer and inventor of worlds first chair injection moulded in one piece. Developer and designer of the first Action Recliner furniture...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Space Age “Cantilever 290” Chairs by Steen Ostergaard, 1971
By Cado, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Hilversum, NL
Chair “Cantilever 290”: solid cast plastic structure. Published by “Cado” in 1970. The five chairs have a white plastic seat frame and a seat made of checked textile fabric. Also ...
Plastic, Fabric
Cado Dining Chairs by Steen Ostergaard, Denmark
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of four ABS molded plastic sculptural Cado dining chairs with purple seat cushions, stack able and great for any interior. Designed by Steen Ostergaard...
Plastic
Sold
H 28.35 in W 26.77 in D 28.35 in
Steen Ostergaard Mid-century Danish Steel and Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Steen Ostergaard
Located in Oakland, CA
Steen Ostergaard steel frame lounge chair with original patinated leather cushions filled with down and rare foot stool.
Steel
Sold
H 32.5 in W 34 in L 32.5 in
Iconic Space Age "Meteor" Lounge Chair by Steen Ostergaard for Cado, Denmark
By Cado, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Space Age "meteor" lounge chair by Steen Ostergaard for Cado. Denmark. Classic 60 pop modernist design, molded plastic and pink upholstery. Adjustable back rest. Hand delivery...
Fabric, Plastic