Danish Sideboard by Arne Vodder for Dyrlund, 1960s

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.

Proudly maintaining functionalist ideals and Scandinavian modernist sensibilities for more than six decades, Denmark’s Dyrlund furniture company declares itself a maker of the antiques of tomorrow. Its durable and appealing mid-century pieces are recognizable to collectors owing to the brand’s golden circle logo, embossed with the name Dyrlund, which is synonymous with quiet elegance and superior quality. 

Working with ash, beech, oak and teak, Dyrlund’s furniture makers employ quality oil finishes by hand to protect and bring out the deep richness of the wood. The company outfits its sideboards and cupboards with sturdy, solid-wood oval handles — another signature that is likely familiar to enthusiasts of the manufacturer.

Established in 1960, the company set out to create long-lasting furniture that would remain beautiful and reliable throughout its life. Over the years, the brand's focus has mainly been on the manufacture of office furnishings. Dyrlund credenzas, desks and office cabinets — as well as living room items like sofas and coffee tables — are the most well-known pieces. However, Dyrlund occasionally produces limited runs of bedroom furniture, such as beds and nightstands. 

Dyrlund boasts a clientele that includes celebrities, royalty and heads of state. One client the company is particularly proud of is Mikhail Gorbachev. The late Russian and Soviet politician posed for a photo standing in front of a Dyrlund desk.

The company still operates out of Copenhagen, headed by director Bent Møller Jørgensen, who is just as often seen on the shop floor going over details with cabinetmakers as he is in his office speaking to clients. Dyrlund’s commitment to quality and Danish modern forms hasn't wavered and is sure to continue into the future.

On 1stDibs, find Dyrlund dining tables, seating and bookcases.