Along with Vernor Panton, cabinetmaker and architect Arne Vodder was a leading light of what might be called the “second generation” of forward-thinking 20th-century Danish furniture designers — those who, following in the footsteps of Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and others, first applied the skills, traditions and philosophical tenets of Scandinavian craftsmanship to a modern furniture idiom.
Vodder was a graduate student in architecture trained by Juhl, a pioneer of furniture design credited with igniting the Scandinavian modernist movement that swept like wildfire across the United States in the postwar era. Vodder made his mark in the 1960s, when modern design had gained wide acceptance, particularly in the business world. Accordingly, many of Vodder's chairs, created for manufacturers such as France & Søn, Fritz Hansen and Sibast, are quiet in form — projecting an air of sturdiness and strength, rather than avant-garde styling.
Vodder’s aesthetic flair is very pronounced in his vintage cabinets and storage pieces — sideboards, bookcases, credenzas and buffets. In such pieces, the designer liked to play with asymmetry.
Vodder’s bookcases often have a seemingly random array of variously sized shelves and nooks. A typical Vodder sideboard of the mid-century period — his classic Model 29 case piece is known to collectors — might have four sections, each different in purpose and look: an open stack of vertical shelves, and other cupboards covered with sliding panels in contrasting colored laminates and wood veneers.
As you will see from the works on 1stDibs, Vodder had a sense of what kind of design was appropriate for which space: sobriety in the boardroom; playfulness at home.
Find vintage Arne Vodder furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
1950s Arne Vodder Sofa FD161 France & Daverkosen
By Arne Vodder
Located in Handewitt, DE
Arne Vodder Sofa, model FD161 for France & Daverkosen Denmark, c.1950. 2-seater. On the armrests with beautiful detail. Original cushions and fabric. Made in beech and teak armrests....
Fabric, Beech, Teak
$3,800
H 28.75 in W 55.91 in D 26.38 in
Arne Vodder 2-Seater Sofa, Model Fd 161, Reupholstered in Bouclé, 1950s
By Arne Vodder, France & Daverkosen
Located in Odense, DK
A fine example of a Danish modern 2-seater sofa in solid beech, reupholstered cushions in white bouclé. Designed by Arne Vodder for France & Daverkosen in 1950s, Denmark. A classic...
Bouclé, Beech
$3,200
H 32.75 in W 55.5 in D 29 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkosen FD - 161
By Arne Vodder, France & Daverkosen
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, stylish and rare Mid Century Danish Modern sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkersen, model FD - 161 made in Denmark circa 1950's. This example is in very good, ...
Upholstery, Teak
Arne Vodder Three Seat Sofa in Teak
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Arne Vodder
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Arner Vodder Manufacturer: Glostrup Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, wool Measurements: 73? wide x 30? deep x 30.5? tall Condition: In excellent origina...
Teak, Wool
Arne Vodder two seat sofa, AV59
By Arne Vodder, Nielaus
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Vodder two seat sofa in original black leather. Legs of beech. Made by Nielaus, model AV59
Leather, Beech
$5,213Sale Price|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 82.68 in D 31.5 in
Danish Mid Century model 3330 Arne Vodder 3 seater leather sofa for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Vodder
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Vintage Danish mid century 1960’s model 3330 Arne Vodder 3 seater sofa for Fritz Hansen in recently reupholstered dark chocolate coloured leather. Arne Vodder was one of the grea...
Leather
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
By France & Søn, Arne Vodder
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
1960s Arne Vodder Attributed 2 Seater Lounger Sofa in Green Mohair
By Arne Vodder
Located in Charleston, SC
A stunning sculptural Danish 2 seater sofa in the style of Arne Vodder. Teak frame with subtly scooped and curved arms and a base that makes it appear to be floating. The cushions ar...
Metal
AV 53 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Arne Vodder
By Ivan Schlechter, Arne Vodder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AV 53 - 3-seater sofa in red patinated aniline leather with rosewood legs. Designed by Arne Vodder and made by Ivan Schlecter.
Leather, Rosewood
Arne Vodder Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark, 1950s. Beech, teak and fabric. 2 adjustable positions.
Beech
