Danish Midcentury Rosewood Sideboard by Arne Vodder for Dyrlund

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.

As a graduate student in architecture trained by pioneering furniture designer Finn Juhl, 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 are quiet in form — projecting an air of sturdiness and strength, rather than avant-garde styling.

Vodder’s aesthetic flair was very pronounced in his vintage cabinets and storage pieces — sideboards, bookcases, credenzas and buffets. In such pieces, Vodder liked to play with asymmetry. His bookcases often have a seemingly random array of variously sized shelves and nooks. A typical Vodder sideboard 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, Arne Vodder had a sense of what kind of design was appropriate for which space: sobriety in the boardroom; playfulness at home.

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.