Norwegian furniture manufacturer Vatne Møbler has a rich legacy underscored by visionary collaborations with iconic Norwegian furniture designers. The company’s mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern lounge chairs and armchairs are known for their quality leather upholstery that acquires a beautiful patina over time.
Vatne Møbler was established in 1946 by Knut Sæter in the village of Vatne, Norway. Sæter was an interior architect who studied at the Bergen School of Arts and Crafts. He designed and manufactured the company’s first pieces. In 1955, interior architect Gerhard Berg started working for Vatne Møbler. His designs — particularly for sofas — soon became popular.
Later in the 1950s, furniture designer Fredrik A. Kayser began creating pieces for Vatne Møbler. His furniture earned the company international acclaim. In 1960, Kayser’s 711 chair for Vatne Møbler won first place at an Industry Council chair competition.
After Kayser died in 1968, the company was overseen by interior designer Sigurd Resell. Resell’s most enduring contribution to Vatne Møbler was the 1970 Falcon armchair. The comfortable, leather-upholstered, X-framed chair came in second place at an Industry Council chair competition. In the 1970s, Resell designed a series of striking glass-topped Falcon coffee tables.
Vatne Møbler’s success lasted through the 1980s, a decade which included a collaboration with furniture designer Olav Eldøy. In 1989, the company encountered financial problems and was sold to Norwegian manufacturer Stokke AS.
In 2002, Knut Sæter’s son, Per Arne Sæter, reopened the family business by relaunching Kayser’s classic designs along with a new collection. Production shut down in 2008 due to the financial crisis, but started again in 2010.
In 2015, the grandson of Knut Sæter, Amund Sæter, published Møbeleventyret Vatne: Boken om Vatne Møbler 1946-1989, a book about the early history of Vatne Møbler. The company continues to operate the Vatne Møbler As store in Norway.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Vatne Møbler seating and tables.
Fredrik A. Kayser Teak Vatne Lenestolfrabikk Side Tray Table, Norway, 1950s
By Fredrik A. Kayser, Vatne Møbler
Located in Rome, IT
Solid teak side table with removable tray, Norway, 1950s circa. Made and marked by VATNE Lenestolfabrikk Norway, by the designer Fredrik A. Kays...
Wood, Teak
Teak Tray Side Table, Danish Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful teak tray side table, top is removable and legs fold together. Ready for a new home.
Teak
$1,525
H 22 in Dm 18 in
Walnut & Teak Sputnik Tripod Tray, Side Table by Severin Hansen, Denmark, 1950s
By Severin Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Very rare side or tray table designed by the Danish Architect Severin Hansen in 1956. It features a walnut construction with the characteristic brass rings and is loosely fitted with...
Brass
French Rattan Elephant Tray Table or Drinks Table, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching woven rattan end table or drinks table with removable tray top. France, 1940s-1950s. This elephant shaped end table stand was beautifully constructed in hand braided rat...
Wicker, Cane, Rattan, Wood
$1,285
H 30 in Dm 19.13 in
Art Deco Style Tray Table on Lucite + Chrome Frame, 1950s Metal Painted Tray
By Dorothy Thorpe
Located in Round Top, TX
A tubular Lucite frame of three parts secured by chromed steel triangular hardware that supports a 1950s extra large round steel tray in its original painted finish. The tray is heav...
Chrome, Steel
$750
H 20 in W 26.5 in D 16 in
Maison Jansen, Hollywood Regency, Faux Bamboo, Brass, Tray Top Table, 1950s
Located in Stamford, CT
Maison Jansen, Hollywood Regency, Faux Bamboo, Brass, Tray Top Table A chic bronze faux bamboo table, the tray top with handles raised on a folded base. Stamped Jansen Industria, Ar...
Bronze
$4,187
H 16.93 in W 34.65 in D 24.02 in
"Butlers tray" rosewood table by Svend Langkilde, Denmark, 1950s
By Langkilde Møbler, Svend Langkilde
Located in Hägersten, SE
Side table so called "Butlers Tray" designed by Svend Langkilde. Produced in Denmark by Langkilde Møbler during the 1950s. Made from solid and veneered rosewood with custom brass det...
Brass
$1,250Sale Price|24% Off
H 16.75 in W 24 in D 24 in
Danish Mid-Century "Model 4508" Teak Folding Tray Table by Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen, Willumsen & Engholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Fritz Hansen "Model 4508" early edition teak tray table with beautiful removable, round tray and folding base for easy storage and tapered legs. Elegant design. In good ...
Teak
Danecastle Teak "Scooter" Adjustable Tray Table
By Danecastle
Located in Highland, IN
We consider this terrific Läsbord adjustable tray table by Danecastle a "scooter" table or reading table because it's ingenious design allows it to scoot up under an easy chair, sofa...
Steel
Swedish Modern Teak Tray Side Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous teak tray side table designed and manufactured in Sweden c. 1960's, This side table features a sculpted four-legged teak frame that supports a removable round teak tray that...
Teak
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions: (W x D x H): 68 x 32...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Tray Table, Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens Quistgaard (1919–2008) had a distinguished career in Denmark and the United States, and was especially active during the 1950s and '60s. ...
Teak
Teak Side Table Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s. Teak. Exquisite woodwork and a beautifully shaped, removable tray surface that can function as a bowl characterise th...
Teak
Fredrik A. Kayser Teak Vatne Side Tray Table Norway
By Vatne Møbler, Fredrik A. Kayser
Located in Munich, DE
Fredrik A. Kayser (Norway) Solid teak side table with removable tray. Made and marked by VATNE Lenestolfabrikk Norway. Very nice conditions.
Wood