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.
Svend Madsen Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Desk
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Svend Madsen Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Desk This desk measures: 60 wide x 29 deep x 28 high, with a chair clearance of 24.5 inches Good Vintage Condition - Minor Stain Wear an...
Teak
Svend Madsen Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Desk
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Svend Madsen Mid Century Danish Teak Curved Desk This desk measures: 59 wide x 28.5 deep x 29.5 high, with a chair clearance of 24.75 inches Great Vintage Condition - Minor Stain W...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Danish teak executive desk designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik in Denmark, circa 1960s. This desk has a versatile and functional design where the fine attentio...
Teak
$4,123
H 28.35 in W 64.97 in D 33.47 in
1960s Vintage Danish Design Teak Executive Writing Desk by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wesseling, DE
Elegant vintage executive desk designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and crafted in teak. The design combines clean Scandinavian lines with refined detailing, including sculpted drawer fronts,...
Teak
$3,113
H 27.96 in W 59.06 in D 28.35 in
Desk Made In Teak By Svend Aager Madsen For Sigurd Hansen From 1960s
By Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Modern 1960s teak wood desk with 3 drawers on each side designed by Svend Aage Madsen and manufactured by Sigurd Hansen from around the 1960s. High quality desk with shelf at the bac...
Teak
$6,500
H 28.5 in W 68.75 in D 37.5 in
Danish Modern Executive Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen
By H.P. Hansen, Arne Vodder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The stunning Danish modern executive teak desk was designed by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen in Denmark, circa the 1960s. This rectangular desk shows wonderful details that are very well executed. Features a pull-out dovetailed drawer and a file drawer, all integrated with original solid steel handles. On the opposite side of the desk, there's a modesty panel, showcasing teak...
Steel
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen
By Arne Vodder, H.P. Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional example of Danish Modern design, this stunning teak desk was designed by renowned Danish designer Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen. Celebrated for his ability to combine el...
Teak
$6,895
H 28.5 in W 74.5 in D 27.25 in
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Executive Teak Desk for H.P. Hansen
By H.P. Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
___________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. W...
Steel
$6,500
H 28.75 in W 68.75 in D 37.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Executive Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, H.P. Hansen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by the celebrated designer Arne Vodder and crafted by H.P. Hansen, this Danish Modern executive desk is a masterclass in Scandinavian craftsmanship and functional design. Pr...
Steel
Peter Løvig Nielsen Mid Century Danish Teak Boomerang Desk
By Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Løvig Nielsen Mid Century Danish Teak Boomerang Desk This desk measures: 59 wide x 35 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance of 27.75 inches Good Vintage Condition - Areas ...
Teak
Mid 20th Century Danish Teak Drop-Leaf Dining Table by Ansager Møbler
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed Danish dining table, labelled Ansager Møbler A/S, Made in Denmark. This elegant mid-century piece features a warm teak-toned finish, clean Scandinavian lines, ...
Teak
Mid Century Teak Sideboard Coloured Drawers by Maple & Co., England, Circa 1960s
By Maple & Co.
Located in London, GB
A beautifully proportioned mid century modern Teak sideboard dating to circa, 1960's by Maple & Co, made in England, This rare piece features a classic sleek architectural form ...
Laminate, Teak
Robin Day Dining Table / Desk for Hille, Blue Top, Elm Base, 1950s, England
By Robin Day, Hille
Located in London, GB
A rare and highly desirable table designed by Robin Day for Hille Of London in the 1950s, featuring an original blue laminated top—an uncommon example of its kind and visually striki...
Laminate, Beech
Rosewood Drinks Cabinet / Cocktail Bar 1960s–1970s Vintage Mid-Century
Located in London, GB
Beautiful vintage mid 20th century drinks cabinet in a stunning rosewood veneer with striking natural grain and deep colouring. This stylish and striking piece stands on elegant ta...
Mirror, Rosewood
Victorian Walnut Davenport Desk England, 1860s Antique 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb mid-19th century English Victorian burr walnut Davenport desk of elegant proportions, raised on carved scroll supports in original bun feet at the front and set on castors o...
Brass
Set of 6 1970's Vintage Swivel Office/ Lounge Chairs
Located in London, GB
Set of 6 striking 1970's chairs showcasing a sleek, sculptural profile with a low set seat. Recently upholstered in premium black vinyl, the chairs features a gently curved back and...
Chrome
