"Triva Dura" Coffee Table by Algot Törneman and David Rosén, Sweden ca 1960s

With warm tones, exceptional versatility, and crafted with a range of appealing materials, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen furniture showcase the Danish duo’s penchant for innovation and durable design. For decades, the pair created sleek coffee tables - like this piece - that are characterised by the practicality and elegance commonly attributed to Scandinavian modernism. In mid-century modern design, the use of wood held a special significance: it was not merely a material choice, but a philosophy that emphasised the natural and organic over the ornate and extravagant. The design of this coffee table is inspired by the mid-century inclination towards elemental shapes, featuring a simple, elegant circle as its tabletop, supported by four straight legs connected by overlapping cross stretchers. This minimalist approach combined with solid wood creates a timeless appearance that resonates with any design style. Furthermore, round tables, such as this model, held a special place in mid-century design. Their open, unobtrusive look fosters social interaction, making them ideal for gathering, discussion, and shared experiences. The absence of sharp corners enhances safety and flow within a space, promoting a harmonious environment. This table has a humble but well-thought-out structure that relies on its material for its aesthetic, with a natural expression dominated by the natural beauty of the wood and its characteristics. The most eye-catching design (and functional) element remains the cross stretchers connecting the legs. Albeit simple, its uncommon overlap - as opposed to bisecting - design catches the eye, and contrasts effectively with the top. The design of this table encapsulates a rich moment in furniture design history. It's a tangible embodiment of the mid-20th century era’s focus on materiality and craftsmanship, while also reflecting the innovative spirit of Danish designers like Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. Dimensions: 36.22 in Ø x 22.05 in H 92 cm Ø x 56 cm H Literature: Fritz Hansen catalogue, 1951 About the Designers: Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen attended what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, with Mølgaard-Nielsen having completed his studies under the Danish furniture design pioneer and architect Kaare Klint. Trained as an architect and cabinetmaker, Hvidt established his own firm in 1940 and taught at his alma mater for a few years. After they won a design competition held in Stockholm, Hvidt partnered with Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1944 to establish their firm in Copenhagen. The collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years. Aside from having created a wardrobe for the Queen of Denmark as well as numerous architectural structures, the pair’s flagship achievements include 1944’s teak Portex chair...

“All edges must be thoroughly broken”, Carl Malmsten often wrote in his drawings. It was nature that was his great source of inspiration and in nature there are hardly any sharp edges or corners. This “Samsas” table is one of the greatest examples of this sentiment. This elegant table was designed as part of the 'Samsas' series of seating models and this rare table. Neither the light, the eye nor the person likes to turn against sharp corners, Malmsten explained once. Therefore, edges should be rounded so that they become friendlier to touch and look at. Carl Malmsten was not only one of Sweden's most famous furniture designers, he was also one of the last century's great cultural personalities with a strong influence on the home environment, public environment and the contemporary public debate. His personality shines through the design of this round coffee table as well. The design is dominated by the round tabletop with a spectacular sunburst pattern. The sunburst design or figure was commonly used in architectural ornaments and design patterns; it consists of rays or "beams" radiating out from a central point in the manner of sunbeams. To support the top are four straight legs with impeccable joinery that is visible under the tabletop. Since this table was made in the heyday of the mid-century, the legs, and the design as a whole lacks heavy ornamentation and instead focuses on the natural beauty of wood and the rounded edges. Carl Malmsten’s design was materialized by Swedish manufacturer, Åfors Möbelfabrik AB...

Designed by Roland Wilhelmsson, this “Kvadrat” table is from the era when Swedish design and culture started attracting design-conscious international buyers on a large scale. The model’s design is dated to 1972, and this particular table was manufactured in Huskvarna, where the manufactory still operates, for more than four generations now. Swedish furniture and interior design culture went through dramatic changes during the 1970s. The effects of the late 1960s’ rebellious view of design, production and consumption had an impact in the form of freer furnishings and resource-efficient furniture in simpler materials. In the mid-1970s, rustic pine furniture often in oversized dimensions - such as this table - suddenly became the highest fashion. Therefore, the local and resource-efficient craft received a renaissance. This “Kvadrat” coffee table...

Swedish designer, Fredrik Schriever-Abeln’s designs have become quite sought after only in the past years. This is in part due to the beloved design of this “Condor” table being misattributed to Illum Wikkelsø until recently. The distinctive “X” shaped teak base defines this coffee table holding a glass top. The solid wood base is sculpted to perfection, the level of woodwork and precise joinery technique greatly shows off the skills of the craftsman. The structure is made with minimal joinery, the glass top is held solely by the carved “arms”, while the stretcher is joined to the legs with mortise and tenon joints. The balance of the size of the glass top and wooden parts praise the designer’s vision. The modern aesthetic shows that this table - like the Condor chairs...

Carl Bjørn and P. Törneman enameled Triva coffee table produced by NK (Nordiska Kopaniet), Stockholm circa 1950’s. The all brass frame has been newly polish...

Wonderful, small, dark stained oak coffee table or side table by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960.

Blue Enamel on copper and teak coffee table by P. Torneman(Algot Törneman). Teak underframe manufactured by Saffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden around 1960 Dimensions 120x65 cm, height 52 ...

Algot P. Törneman 1909-1993 Enamel on copper and oak coffee table by for Nordiska Kompaniet. This table was produced in a limited edition of 24 tables and th...