Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith to traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials.
While peers such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Arne Jacobsen designed some of the most striking and now iconic furnishings of the era, Mogensen focused on making chairs, sofas and other pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable — and in the long run perhaps more useful and better loved.
Mogensen studied under and later worked for Kaare Klint, a master cabinetmaker whose chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Klint was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models. So, too, in his way was Mogensen, as two of his best-known earlier pieces attest.
His 1945 Spokeback sofa, with hinged arms that can be lowered to facilitate lounging, is a reinterpretation of the venerable Knole settee. With the oval silhouette of its plywood backrest and waterdrop-shaped cutouts, Mogensen’s Shell chair, designed in 1949, can be seen as a novel take on early 19th-century Empire side chairs.
Yet Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. His cabinets deploy the same spare geometries and lushly figured woods as those of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his disciple Florence Knoll, the chief difference being that Mies and Knoll used chrome steel for the frames and legs of their pieces. The brawny oak frames and slung leather seats and backrests of Mogensen’s Hunting chair (1950) and Spanish chair (1958) display the same hefty construction and appreciation of natural materials seen in the work of Charlotte Perriand and Sergio Rodrigues.
Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. While his chairs may not be the first pieces in a décor to draw the eye, they are often the first to draw in those looking for a comfortable seat.
Find vintage Børge Mogensen dining tables, bookcases and other Scandinavian modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table by Karl-Erik Ekselius
By J.O. Carlsson, Karl-Erik Ekselius
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table, designed by Karl Erik Ekselius for J.O. Carlsson, Sweden, circa 1960s. It expands from a compact 47.5" round shape to an impressive 94.25" length ova...
Wood, Teak
Danish Teak Vintage Drop Leaf Dining Table by Borge Mogensen
By Børge Mogensen
Located in London, GB
A stunning and rare Danish teak vintage drop leaf dining table by Borge Mogensen. This was made in Denmark by Soborg Mobelfabrik, it dates from the 1960’s. The design is fantastic, ...
Teak
$3,820
H 28.55 in Dm 43.31 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Dining Table by Sighs and Son, Denmark, 1960s
By H. Sigh & Søns Møbelfabrik AS
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 110 / 160 × 72.5 cm (43.3" / 63" × 28.5") Diameter × Height Original extendable dining table by Sighs & Sons, Denmark, circa 1960, crafted in solid teak wood and marked ...
Teak
$4,900
H 28 in W 65 in D 45.25 in
Danish Modern Teak Dining Table by Sven Ellekaer for Heltborg Mobler, c. 1960s
By Sven Ellekaer
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare and exquisite expansion dining table by the renowned Sven Ellekaer for Heltborg Møbler. Designed in the early 1960s, this stunning table is a true representation of mid-century modern design and craftsmanship. Constructed from a mix of solid, veneered and bentwood teak, this table is in good vintage condition with light signs of wear consistent with age. The expertly crafted V-shaped legs, sculpted from bentwood teak, create a sleek and sophisticated look that will complement any dining room or living space. This Heltborg table...
Teak
$4,250
H 29.25 in W 60 in D 38 in
Mid Century Danish Teak Extension Dining Table by Kai Kristiansen (attr.)
By Kai Kristiansen, Korup Stolefabrik
Located in Detroit, MI
This exceptional vintage mid century Danish modern extendable teak dining table was designed by Kai Kristiansen for Korup Stolefabrik (attr.) and made in Denmark circa 1960. This bea...
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century modern scandinavian dining table in teak
By Henry Rosengren Hansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century modern scandinavian dining table in teak by Harry Rosengren Hansen. 2 extra leaves
Teak
Mid-Century modern scandinavian dining table in teak
By Henry Rosengren Hansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century modern scandinavian dining table in teak by Harry Rosengren Hansen. 2 extra leaves
Teak
Dining Table in Teak by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen.
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in Lejre, DK
Dining table with two leaves in well patinated teak designed by Maa. Hans J. Wegner . The table is made by Willy Beck in the 1960s. Great original condition. Length is L. 130 and 240...
Teak
$2,115Sale Price|57% Off
H 29.14 in W 105.12 in D 39.38 in
Midcentury Modern Scandinavian Teak Dining Table created by Niels O. Møller
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Elegant Niels O. Møller teak dining table produced by J.L. Moller. It is extendable on both sides, doubling the top surface. A playful deta...
Wood
$4,750
H 28 in W 45 in D 45 in
Square Expanding Danish Modern Teak Dining Table by Ejner Larsen, Aksel Madsen
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Naestved Mobelfabrik
Located in Kansas City, MO
Teak dining or kitchen table designed by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Madsen. Ingenious design featuring two leaves permanently stored inside the table....
Brass, Steel
