- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Poul Cadovius for Royal System Wall Unit / Book Shelves in Teak, Denmark, 1950s

About the Item
- Creator:Royal System (Manufacturer),Poul Cadovius (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 78.75 in (200 cm)Width: 94.49 in (240 cm)Depth: 18.9 in (48 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 15
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3940321072432
Poul Cadovius
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. He followed it 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.
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Oude Meer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Poul Cadovius for Royal System Wall System Book Shelves in Teak, Denmark, 1950sBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Amsterdam, NLLarge freestanding wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal system. With 4 black metal risers and teak veneer cabinets and shelves. 1x cabinet with sliding doors 42.5 x 37,5 x 160 cm ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMetal
- Poul Cadovius for Royal System teak book shelves , Denmark 1950'sBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Amsterdam, NLLarge wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal system. With 4 wooden risers and teak veneer shelves and cabinets. 2x cabinet 42.5 x 37.5 x 80 cm ( HxDxW...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsMetal
- Teak Wall Shelves by Poul Cadovius for Royal System, Denmark, 1950sBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Amsterdam, NLBlack wooden risers and teak veneer book shelves and cabinet with black metal hooks. The wooden risers are not original, we had them made by a carpe...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsMetal
- Wall Unit in Elmwood by Poul Cadovius for Royal System, Denmark, 1950sBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Amsterdam, NLBlack wooden risers and elmwood veneer book shelves and cabinet with black metal hooks. This wall unit consist of: 2 x shelf 80 x 20 cm 1 x shelf ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsMetal
- Poul Cadovius for CADO Rosewood Wall Unit, Denmark, 1960sBy Poul Cadovius, CadoLocated in Amsterdam, NLBeautiful rosewood veneer wall unit by Poul Cadovius for CADO. The wall unit consist of two cabinets with sliding doors, one cabinet which is open at the back and five book shelves ...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
MaterialsRosewood
- Vintage Nisse Strinning for String Pinewood Shelving System, Sweden, 1960sBy String Design AB, Nils Nisse Strinning, Poul CadoviusLocated in Amsterdam, NLVintage Nisse Strinning for string pinewood shelving system, Sweden, 1960s This shelving system with its minimalistic looks, was designed by Swedis...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
MaterialsMetal
- 1958 Danish Teak Cado Wall Unit by Poul CadoviusBy Poul CadoviusLocated in Los Angeles, CAHighly versatile and functional Cado wall unit in walnut by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. We currently have many different Cado pieces in stock and can customize your order to include the type and number of pieces you need. We have both the Royal System and the Cado systems...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsTeak
$12,500 / set - Poul Cadovius Cado Royal System Wall Unit Shelving Bookcase 1960s 1970s in TeakBy Cado, Poul CadoviusLocated in Markington, GBA wonderful large 5 Bay mid century Danish vintage PS wall unit in teak, this dates from the 1960s. The condition is excellent for its age, little wear to be seen, the teak has a stu...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
MaterialsTeak
$14,163 Sale Price20% Off - 90 Piece Teak Wall Unit by Scandiline, Norway CustomizableBy Scandiline 1Located in Los Angeles, CAWe have over 90 pieces of this is a great Scandinavian Modern wall unit made from beautifully selected teak veneer over solid wood. Current inventory includes over 10 solid teak wall panels...Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsTeak
Price Upon Request - Rosewood Cado System Wall UnitBy Poul CadoviusLocated in Los Angeles, CAHighly versatile and functional Cado System wall unit in Brazilian rosewood by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. Wall unit can be customized with...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsRosewood
Price Upon Request - Scandinavian Modular Wall Unit by Poul CadoviusBy Poul CadoviusLocated in Paris, FRScandinavian shelf by Poul Cadovius (Denmark, 1911-2011). Teak version with three wall panels supporting several shelves and boxes. This wall system is composed of : - 4 shelves - 1 box with sliding doors in wood - 1 glass sliding door cabinet...Category
Vintage 1960s French Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsTeak
- 90 Piece Pega Wall System by Juul Christensen, CustomizableBy Ib Juul ChristensenLocated in Los Angeles, CAWe have over 90 pieces of this is a great Scandinavian Modern wall unit designed by Juul Christensen for Arhtur Soltvedt Møbelfabrik. Made from bea...Category
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsTeak
- George Nelson for Herman Miller Wall Unit Mid-Century ModernBy Herman Miller, George NelsonLocated in Toledo, OHGeorge Nelson for Herman Miller Omni wall unit 98" wide. George Nelson designed, Omni Systems wall unit in great condition. There are nine shelve...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsWalnut
- Gerald McCabe Barzilay Wall UnitBy Gerald McCabeLocated in Los Angeles, CAThis is a four bay Barzilay wall unit by Gerald McCabe of Los Angeles. Oiled walnut with aluminum detail in great condition. We have a variety of...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Ca...
MaterialsAluminum
Price Upon Request - 1958 Danish Rosewood Cado Wall Unit by Poul CadoviusBy Poul CadoviusLocated in Los Angeles, CAHighly versatile and functional wall unit in Brazilian rosewood by Danish designer Poul Cadovius. Wall unit is in excellent condition. Each support rail is 78" long and each cabinet ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
MaterialsRosewood
Price Upon Request - 1950s Teak Modular Danish Royal System Shelving by Poul Cadovius Office Desk BarBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Sherborne, DorsetThis highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This particular piece is quintessentially Mid-century Modern being the first generation with orange-slice brass handles. Simply hung on brass pins and hangers from holes that run the full length of the four uprights, offering a wide variety of storage and display options. This particular modular arrangement comprises of two chests of drawers, each with three drawers, a drop down leather covered desk...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
MaterialsMetal, Brass
- Wall Unit /Book Shelves in Teak, Denmark, 1950s Designed by Poul CadoviusBy Royal System, Poul CadoviusLocated in Antwerp, BEVintage wall system by Poul Cadovius made in the 50s for Royal system with a rare part of desk top. The wall system can be arranged according to your own wishes and practical circumstances in your interior / office. Cadovius started his own company Royal System in 1945 and came up with the idea for his "Royal System Shelving Unit...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
MaterialsMetal
$3,827 Sale Price20% Off - Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950sBy Cado, Poul CadoviusLocated in Asaa, DKVintage Danish teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s. Mid-Century Modern 3 bay shelving system model Royal. This is a original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948 by Danish architect Poul Cadovius. Cadovius had the revolutionary idea to design a floating, modular shelving system that would maximize floor space and signify the end of conformity in shelving. The Royal System shelving unit...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsTeak
- Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado 1950sBy Cado, Poul CadoviusLocated in Asaa, DKVintage Danish teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s. Mid-Century Modern 2 bay shelving system model Royal. This is a original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948 by Danish architect Poul Cadovius. Cadovius had the revolutionary idea to design a floating, modular shelving system that would maximize floor space and signify the end of conformity in shelving. The Royal System shelving unit...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsTeak
- Poul Cadovius 4 "Royal System" Columns in Teak, 1970By Poul CadoviusLocated in Paris, FRRoyal System" wall unit by Poul Cadovius, in teak, with seven shelves and four boxes. The set is supported by a hanging system of wooden brackets. Dimensions of the elements : ...Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
MaterialsTeak
- Rosewood Cado Wall System by Poul Cadovius, 1960sBy Cado, Poul Cadovius, Royal SystemLocated in Miami, FLMidcentury Danish Modern five bay Brazilian rosewood modular wall shelving unit, designed by Poul Cadovius, manufactured by Royal System...Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsRosewood, Maple
- Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960sBy Cado, Poul CadoviusLocated in Asaa, DKVintage Danish teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 5 bay shelving system model Royal. This is a original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948 by Danish architect Poul Cadovius. Cadovius had the revolutionary idea to design a floating, modular shelving system that would maximize floor space and signify the end of conformity in shelving. The Royal System shelving unit went on to win the gold medal at the Finland Furniture Fair in 1950 and silver medal at the XI Triennale di Milano 1957 and remained a hallmark of Scandinavian modern design throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Versatile and flexible floating bookcase that allows for continuous rearranging to suit individual needs. This set has three long and three short uprights, and can be configured for both living room and home office. It can also be hanged as two individual 2 bay units...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsTeak
- Pair of Original Hans Olsen for Frem Røjle Danish Teak Bikini ChairsBy Frem Røjle, Hans OlsenLocated in Chattanooga, TNNot only are these Hans Olsen Bikini chairs in beautiful condition, but they proudly sport their original green fabric. We took these chairs...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Teak
$11,960 Sale Price / set20% Off - Hermes Birkin 25 Jaune Poussin Togo Yellow Gold Hardware Bag Z Stamp, 2021By HermèsLocated in New York, NYHermes Birkin 25 Jaune Poussin Pale Yellow Gold Hardware Bag Z Stamp, 2021 Brand New in Box. Store fresh. Pristine Condition (with plastic on hardware) Just purchased from Hermes sto...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
- Noviembre X Coffee Table in Burned Oak Wood, Coffee Table by Joel EscalonaBy Joel EscalonaLocated in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de MexicoNoviembre X Coffee Table in Burned Oak Wood, Coffee Table by Joel Escalona The Noviembre collection is inspired by the creative values of Constantin Brancusi, a Romanian sculptor co...Category
2010s Mexican Organic Modern Center Tables
MaterialsOak, Wood, Hardwood
- Lady Dormore - A 16th Century Portrait of a key member of Shakespeare's EnglandLocated in London, GBLady Dormer, Mary Browne c. 1592 oil on panel 35 x 29 inches, unframed; 41 x 34.75 inches, inc. frame Inscribed 'Lady Dormore' Mary married Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton who gave birth to Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton - one of the great figures in Shakespears"s circle and founder of the Virginia company, developers of Virginia USA. Henry Wriothesley, born 6 October 1573 at Cowdray House, Sussex, was the only son of Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton, by Mary Browne, the only daughter of Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montague, and his first wife, Jane Radcliffe.[5] He had two sisters, Jane, who died before 1573, and Mary (c. 1567 – 1607), who in June 1585 married Thomas Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour.[6] After his father's death, Southampton's mother married firstly, on 2 May 1595, as his second wife, Sir Thomas Heneage (d. 17 October 1595), Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, and secondly, between 5 November 1598 and 31 January 1599, Sir William Hervey. She died in November 1607.[7] Early life When his father died on 4 October 1581 Southampton inherited the earldom and landed income valued at £1097 6s per annum. His wardship and marriage were sold by the Queen to her kinsman, Charles, Lord Howard of Effingham, for £1000. According to Akrigg, Howard then "entered into some further agreement, of which no documentation can now be found, which transferred to Lord Burghley personally the custody and marriage of the young Earl, but left Howard holding his lands", and late in 1581 or early in 1582 Southampton, then eight years of age, came to live at Cecil House in the Strand.[8] In October 1585, at age twelve, Southampton entered St John's College, Cambridge,[9] graduating M.A. on 6 June 1589.[10] His name was entered at the Gray's Inn legal society before he left the university, and he was admitted on 29 February 1588.[11] On Southampton's 16th birthday, 6 October 1589, Lord Burghley noted Southampton's age in his diary, and by 1590 Burghley was negotiating with Southampton's grandfather, Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montague, and Southampton's mother, Mary, for a marriage between Southampton and Lord Burghley's eldest granddaughter, Elizabeth Vere, daughter of Burghley's daughter, Anne Cecil, and Edward de Vere...Category
16th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
MaterialsOil
- Armchair in Boucle Fabric Molteni&C by Gio Ponti D.154.2 - made in ItalyBy Molteni & C, Gio PontiLocated in New York, NYD.154.2 Lovechair in Bouclé Fabric by Gio Ponti. Expert-crafted in Italy exclusively by Molteni&C. The mid-century D.154.2 lovechair features a shell-like structure inspired by ren...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBouclé
From $8,600 / item
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery