Svend Åge Madsen’s sleek and simple hardwood furniture captures the essence of Scandinavian modern style. Although an influential mid-century modern Danish designer, not much is known about Madsen today. However, his desks, armchairs and credenzas speak to his mastery of material and form.
Madsen began designing in the late 1950s and was most prolific in the 1960s. Many well-known Danish cabinetmakers and manufacturers produced his furniture, including K. Knudsen & Son, H.P. Hansen, Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik, Karl Lindegaard and Moreddi.
Madsen used woods with qualities of warmth and richness such as walnut, teak and rosewood. His distinctive designs are characterized by curving and sloping forms, giving each piece a natural and organic appeal. While he rarely used decorative embellishments, the bowed surfaces, arching drawers and legs shaped like boomerangs added a visual flair.
Madsen was best known for his sculptural writing desks. Many of his desk designs have an eye-catching curved surface that gives the desktop a concave appearance. They often feature tapered legs — a hallmark of mid-century modern style — and generous drawers for stationary and other objects. Deep wood finishes and visible wood grain add to the charm of these sturdy pieces.
Madsen’s beautiful 1960s dining chairs are still highly sought-after by collectors today. The teak chairs have high and angled backrests which lend some sculptural elegance and provide ergonomic support. A low-profile upholstered cushion and clean lines give the chairs an understated style and fantastic versatility.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Svend Åge Madsen tables, cabinets, seating and more.
Rare Ceiling Lamp in Opaline Glass and Walnut, 1950's
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Ceiling Lamp in Opaline Glass and Walnut, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Opaline glass and walnut Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions (W x...
Opaline Glass, Walnut
Murano Glass Ceiling Lamp by Barovier & Toso, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in taranto, IT
Splendid, museum original chandelier from the 1950s, production and design by ercole barovier, made of rostrato murano glass with a single central glass and brass inserts Original...
Murano Glass
Victorian Opaline Glass French Chandelier, 1950s
Located in Bastogne, BE
This vintage French Victorian Style chandelier 20th century. The chandelier is made of brass, opaline glass and clear glass shades and fa...
Bronze
$1,580
H 25.6 in Dm 7.09 in
Swedish Modern Brass and Glass Ceiling Lamp with Floral Motifs, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Swedish Modern ceiling lamp crafted in brass with a beautifully shaped glass shade. The design reflects the clean lines and balanced proportions characteristic of Scandin...
Brass
Mid-Century Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1950s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Deco lampshade. ...
Opaline Glass
$347
H 20.08 in Dm 10.24 in
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp hand Painted, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Originel Fitting E27 messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Nouveau lampshade...
Opaline Glass
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass
$658
H 24.02 in Dm 13.39 in
French Vintage White Opaline Blue Glass and Brass Ceiling Light, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Ceiling lamp mid-century. White opaline with a blue glass border and brass, typical vintage model. Good original condition. Soft and pleasant light. This can be used with USA or Euro...
Brass
$1,600
H 49.22 in W 14.57 in D 11.82 in
Pendant Lamp, Italian Designer, Brass, Steel, Opaline Glass, Italy, 1950s
Located in Rome, IT
Pendant lamp, Italian designer, brass, black Laquer, steel, Opaline glass, Italy, 1950s 1950s Italian modernist chandelier in brass, enamelled black iron and opaline glass Origina...
Brass, Iron
$3,360
H 7.88 in Dm 13.78 in
Vintage Midcentury Ceiling Lamp, Brass and Opaline Glass, Brazilian Design, 1960
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition.
Brass
$418
H 27.56 in Dm 14.18 in
Art Deco Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium collord Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Belgian Art Deco lampshade. ...
Opaline Glass
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Massive Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass
$251 / item
H 20.08 in Dm 9.45 in
Art Nouveau Opaline Ceiling Lamp, Scailmont Belgium Glass Shade, 1930s
By Scailmont
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Nouveau ceiling lamp. Photography fails to capture the simple elegant illumination provided by this lamp. Fitting messing pendant ceiling light with fixing to hold a stylish Bel...
Opaline Glass