Svend Madsen for Falster Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk

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.

Falster Møbelfabrik furniture is effortlessly pleasing to the eye. The mid-20th-century Danish furniture manufacturer is distinguished by its gorgeous hardwood pieces boasting impeccable build quality. Durable teak and rich rosewood were among the company's favorite wood options for its chic credenzas, upscale dressers and elegant highboys. Falster Møbelfabrik pieces are characterized by clean lines, generous proportions, tapered legs and gentle curves — all of the attributes that are typically associated with the best of mid-century Scandinavian design.

While little is known about the beginnings of Falster Møbelfabrik, it was producing furniture by the 1950s. Throughout the second half of the decade, Arne Wahl Iversen worked with the manufacturer on a series of alluring Scandinavian modern pieces. A budding designer at the time, the Nyborg-born Iversen studied under legendary Danish modernist Kaare Klint at Copenhagen’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts and went on to have an illustrious career. His designs for Falster Møbelfabrik included teak tables and chairs, upholstered armchairs and multiple storage cabinets.

In the 1960s, Falster Møbelfabrik enjoyed another fruitful collaboration with talented Danish designer Svend Åge Madsen. The resulting mid-century modern furniture became some of the manufacturer's most well-known creations. Madsen's credenzas, dressers and nightstands were sensible and stylish. They came with rich wood finishes and features like spacious compartments and adjustable shelves. Thoughtful touches like felt-lined drawers and finished backs make them a sophisticated addition to any room.

Operating in the heyday of Danish furniture manufacturing, Falster Møbelfabrik left its own commanding stamp on the industry. Many of the company's vintage pieces were built with durability in mind and remain in good condition today.

On 1stDibs, find Falster Møbelfabrik storage pieces, bedroom furniture, tables and more.