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The 'Ideal Table' by Otto Wretling, Functionalist Folding Table
$10,134.42
£7,508.09
€8,500
CA$13,883.65
A$15,405.09
CHF 8,069.52
MX$188,907.70
NOK 102,641.45
SEK 96,889.15
DKK 64,657.63
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About the Item
Otto Wretling – “The Ideal Table,” Umeå, Sweden, 1936
A rare and intelligent piece of Swedish functionalist design, Otto Wretling’s “Ideal Table”, designed and produced in Umeå in 1936, exemplifies the elegant union of form and purpose that defined Nordic modernism of the interwar period.
Crafted with a richly veneered top in a geometric composition of contrasting woods, the tabletop folds out effortlessly—expanding from 111 cm to a full 224 cm in length—transforming the piece from a compact occasional table into a generous surface suitable for dining, working, or entertaining. Equally innovative is its adjustable pedestal base in blackened wood, which allows the table to raise or lower smoothly between 61 and 71 cm, offering true flexibility for a variety of uses and environments.
Labeled by the maker and imbued with architectural clarity, this piece reflects the design ethos of the Swedish "Funkis" movement: minimal in ornament but rich in utility, proportion, and craft. Both rare and refined, it is ideal for collectors of Scandinavian modernism, lovers of intelligent transformable furniture, or anyone seeking a statement piece that bridges 1930s design and modern-day functionality.
The table is in good vintage condition, consistent with its age and use.
The veneer surface shows minor wear, including small scratches and a few subtle areas of veneer loss or lifting, typical of furniture from the 1930s.
The fold-out mechanism functions smoothly, and the height adjustment is stable and operational.
The pedestal base has light surface wear but retains its sculptural integrity and original blackened finish.
Overall, the piece remains structurally sound and visually compelling, with a rich patina that enhances its historical character.
- Creator:Otto Wretling (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 24.02 in (61 cm)Width: 26.97 in (68.5 cm)Depth: 88.19 in (224 cm)
- Style:Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1936
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brussels, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU10527245825592
Otto Wretling
Otto Leonard Wretling, born June 26, 1876, in the city of Umeå, was a Swedish visual artist, designer, painter and furniture manufacturer. Otto Wretling is best known for the Ideal Table, patented in 1936. Together with his brother Wilhelm (1871–1951), Otto Wretling took over his father's painting company in 1897. The business was expanded in 1905 with furniture carpentry. The brother later withdrew, but Otto Wretling continued - first on his own and then with the help of the children - to run the company Otto Wretling for modern room art, which had a studio and workshops in central Umeå. The company was active until 1969. In addition to being a manufacturer, Otto Wretling was the company's first designer. The company designed its furniture but also placed orders.
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