While Norway comprises something of an unsung chapter in the history of Scandinavian modernism, an export company called Westnofa shouldn’t be overlooked. It represented a collective of the country’s leading manufacturers to promote and export their furniture worldwide. Westnofa was key to the success of Norway’s mid-century designers and furniture brands, and fostered the growth of entities that might otherwise be unknown to today’s design aficionados.
Norway’s furniture factories were largely destroyed during World War II, and while the country’s sophisticated works — designed in teak, pine and other prized woods — had earned a place in Scandinavian modernism, its output was overshadowed by big names such as Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen who’d earned icon status in Finland and Denmark, respectively. Westnofa, a name derived from “West Norway Factories,” took shape in the late 1950s in order to circumvent the limitations that the country’s furniture industry had faced in the areas of marketing and production. Some of the manufacturers connected to Westnofa were P.I. Langlo Møbelfabrikk, Ekornes, Stokke and Vestlandske.
Westnofa took great pains to devise the most cost-effective and efficient method of packing and shipping worldwide. Flat-pack assembly for lightweight shipping was the result. In neighboring Sweden during the late 1940s, DUX president and furniture designer Folke Ohlsson put the same idea into practice. Flat-pack assembly saved space in warehouses and money on transportation. It’s a breakthrough that survives today — namely at popular Swedish brand IKEA.
While it’s unclear if Westnofa also produced furniture in addition to exporting the goods of a group of manufacturers, some of the more well-known designers that are today mentioned alongside the company include Ingmar Relling, Torstein Nilsen and Jens Nielsen. Relling is best known for seating and his most famous piece associated with Westnofa is his high-backed Siesta chair, which features supple leather cushions atop a bentwood frame. Torstein Nilsen designed an elegant glass-topped bentwood dining table that is also commonly linked with Westnofa. Jens Nielsen created minimalist, sculptural lounge chairs in birch and plywood that are connected with the Westnofa name.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Westnofa seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets.
Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Bentwood Teak Siesta Occasional Side Table
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish Minimalist Scandinavian Modern bentwood teak occasional side table By Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Furniture Norway, circa 1960s Measures: 27.5"W x 21.75"...
Teak
Westnofa Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Nightstands, Newly Refinished
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of mid-century Scandinavian Modern nightstands or end tables By Westnofa Furniture Norway, 1960s Stunning book...
Rosewood, Lacquer
$10,000 / set
H 22.45 in W 31.5 in D 12.6 in
Pair of Midcentury Nightstands in Rosewood by Niels Clausen, 1960s
By Niels Clausen, Niels Clausen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of nightstands in rosewood designed and made by Niels Clausen furniture in Denmark. Great condition.
Rosewood
Pierced Carving Folding Round Side Occasional Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine carved teak occasional table stand pedestal, folding base.
Teak
Danish Modern Nightstands by Falster
By Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern end tables with tambour doors that recede behind the cabinet. Simple Danish design with storage for living room or bedroom. Please confirm location.
Teak
Westnofa Rosewood Nightstands A pair
Located in Fulton, CA
A fine pair of Scandinavian Modern rosewood nightstands by Westnofa. Made in Norway circa. 1960's. Exceptional original condition and finish with deep glow to their patina. Each feat...
Rosewood
$7,976 / set
H 20.48 in W 20.48 in D 13.78 in
Modern Handcrafted Black Walnut & Oak Nightstands by SUM Furniture
By SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Our K series drawer nightstands are handcrafted from premium American black walnut. The upper cabinet is defined by beautifully exposed hand-cut dovetail joints, an enduring hallmark...
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Edward Wormley for Dunbar Furniture Occasional Table
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Forney, TX
A beautiful mid-century custom ordered occasional table, model 426A, designed by Edward Wormley (American, 1907-1995) for Dunbar Furniture; Berne, Indiana. The two-tier Modernist...
Brass
Round Bentwood Macassar Ebony Side Table from Costantini, Andino
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
In Stock and available for immediate delivery The Andino Table features a two-part curved wood base whose shape is seemingly unique from every angle. Shown here in Macassar Ebony, it is customizable in any size or shape top and any species. Dimensions: 20" Diameter x 20" H as shown, custom sizing available Finish Options: Veneers Options: Custom sizing, materials, and finishes available. Other materials available are Argentine Rosewood, Oak, Maple, Cherry, Beech, Elm, Okume, Teak...
Macassar, Ebony
Danish Teak Side Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern Danish made side table in teak wood. Doweled legs and magazine shelf. Please confirm location.
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut nightstands with sculpted wood handles. Two drawers with brass trim handles. Please confirm location NY of NJ.
Brass
$1,600 / set
H 22.75 in W 22 in D 16 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands by American of Martinsville, a Pair
By American of Martinsville
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern nightstands manufactured by American of Martinsville. Well-built frame with walnut veneer exterior. A nice addition to any modern interior. Please ...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands by John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish midcentury nightstands sold by John Stuart. Two dovetail jointed drawers on each, with open storage space beneath. Please confirm item location with dealer (NJ or NY).
Walnut
Pair of Modern French Walnut Nightstands
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern French Walnut Nightstands with a transparent, low-luster finish. The drawer fronts feature figured walnut in a traditional book match p...
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Cocktail End Table by Westnofa
By Kai Kristiansen, Westnofa Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple elegant Danish modern small teak cocktail end table, versatile beautiful freshly refinished easy to ship with removable legs.
Teak
Westnofa Rosewood Nightstands
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish Modern rosewood nightstands, made by Westnofa. Minimal, boxy square silhouette, with a drawer and open shelving for additional stor...
Rosewood
Sold
H 15.5 in W 20.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of Mid-Century Norwegian Modern Teak Single Drawer Nightstands by Westnofa
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful pair of mid-century Norwegian modern teak single-drawer nightstands by Westnofa. Great design and great vintage condition - clean inside and out. Drawers slide smooth with ...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Westnofa Rosewood Nightstands, Set of 2
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of two nightstands designed and manufactured by Westnofa Furniture in Norway circa 1960s, recently refinished and in excellent condition. Featuring a Brazilian rosewood frame wit...
Rosewood
Vintage Scandinavian Teak Side Table by Westnofa
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern square end table by Westnofa of Norway in teak. Features solid teak curved edges and linear dowel legs. This piece fits perfectly as a side or occasional table. ...
Teak
Pair of Westnofa Teak and Black Leather Nightstands
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Miami, FL
Gorgeous pair of Mid-Century Danish modern style Scandinavian teak nightstands dating from the 1970s. Manufactured in Norway by Westnofa, the bedside tables feature clean straight li...
Leather, Teak
Westnofa Nightstands
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of teak, one drawer nightstands by Westnofa.
Teak, Laminate