Danish furniture designer Arne Wahl Iversen created a range of sculptural storage cabinets, secretary desks, armchairs and dressers in teak, rosewood and other durable woods that reflect the pared-back elegance and prioritization of function that are so often attributes of the finest examples of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture.
Born in Nyborg, Iversen learned the craft of furniture making from his father, who operated a modest furniture business near the family home. Iversen apprenticed as a cabinetmaker and later enrolled in the Odense Technical School to study furniture design. In 1949, Iversen attend the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in Copenhagen. It was there he studied under legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the academy and mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher. Iversen was in good hands.
Upon finishing school, Iversen opened his own furniture shop in Nyborg. Soon after, his work immediately impressed Swedish furniture maker and IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad.
At the time, the popularity of modern Danish furniture was gaining steam around the world — it was in the postwar era that American tastemakers sold the citizenry on the appeal of Scandinavian design and its emphasis on the principles of traditional craftsmanship. Copenhagen native Finn Juhl had shown his work in the United States in 1950 and created a Danish modern line for Michigan’s Baker Furniture in 1951 (the company produced his award-winning Chieftain chair for a short time). Kamprad was eager for Iversen to create modern Danish furniture for IKEA, but their collaboration didn't last very long. Iversen decided to work independently on his own designs.
Initially, Iversen's furniture was mainly sold in Denmark, but by the end of the 1960s, he had expanded his sales to the rest of Europe and in America. Though he designed for many manufacturers, he created his most popular works for Komfort and Vinde Møbelfabrik. Iversen continued to design furniture until he retired in the mid-1980s.
Find vintage Arne Wahl Iversen chairs, cabinets, console tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Danish Modern Teak Desk Model #64 by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A beautifully designed mid-century modern teak desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik, Denmark, known as Model #64. Compact yet highly functional, this two-tiered design off...
Teak
1960s Danish Model 65 Desk / Vanity Dresser in Rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An original 1960s "Model 65" writing desk by Danish designer Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Mobelfabrik. This rare model features a lifting surface with interior mirror and receptacles...
Brass
Danish teak desk Model 64 by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Selected items – We change the way you think about forever. Danish desk, Model 64, designed by Arne Wahl Iversen (1927–2016) for Vinde Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted from fin...
Teak
Drop Front Secretary Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish made mid-century modern drop front secretary desk in rich rosewood grain. Two wide drawers for storage, drop front door becomes a writ...
Rosewood
Arne Wahl Iversen Desk 1960s
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brescia, IT
Rosewood desk with frame on slender legs, front drawers and riser with compartments and drawer. Produced by Vinde Møbelfabrik. Denmark, 1960s. Designed by Arne Wahl Iversen in the 1...
Palisander
Arne Wahl Iversen Bureau Desk Danish Mid Century Teak 1960s MCM Scandinavian
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous, rare and super-stylish Mid Century bureau secretaire desk by a top Danish designer in lovely vintage condition. Designed by the much-heralded Arne Wahl Iversen and made in 1960s Denmark by high-end firm Vinde Møbelfabrik, this stunning, versatile and achingly cool Model 70 desk will add quintessential Scandinavian style to any interior. Beautifully crafted from richly toned and exceptionally grained teak wood, this is an exemplary example of Scandinavian design – it marries elegant minimalism with super practicality, all expertly crafted from gorgeous natural materials into a superb space-saving desk...
Teak
Ole Wanscher Desk in Rosewood for A. J. Iversen
By A. J. Iversen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher desk in rosewood. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rosewood
$2,861
H 28.55 in W 58.27 in D 30.12 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s.
By Vald Mortensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak desk by Valdemar Mortensen, 1960s. High-end freestanding executive teak writing table by Danish master carpenter Vald...
Teak
Danish Teak Arne Vodder Drop-Leaf Extendable Sliding Desk
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern drop leaf desk in teak designed by Arne Vodder, circa 1960s. This versatile piece features a sliding adjustable bank that includes three dovetailed drawers with si...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Desk by Gunnar Tibergaard Nielsen
By Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Danish Modern Teak Desk, designed by Gunnar Tibergaard Nielsen, Denmark, circa 1960s. It packs a lot of storage space in a small ...
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Danish Wooden Desk, 1960s Design
Located in Argelato, BO
Refined Mid-Century writing desk in Danish teak wood, very comfortable and versatile thanks to a comfortable top, two spacious front drawers and a bookcase niche positioned at the en...
Teak
Rosewood Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast Furniture 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Lejre, DK
Rosewood desk designed by Arne Vodder and manufactured by Sibast Furniture in the 1960s. The desk features a large work surface and a classic Danish design from the period. — Origin...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Danish desk in teak
By Arne Vodder
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Danish desk from the 60s in the taste of Arne Vodder's work. Structure in solid wood and veneer. This Scandinavian desk features two columns of drawers suspended from the front and b...
Wood
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 47.25 in D 23.75 in
Mid Century Danish Drop Leaf Expanding Desk Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Baltimore, MD
A desk with incredible form and presence. This rare most attractive original Danish Modern drop leaf desk by Arne Vodder (1926-2009) designed for Sibast Mobler in Denmark, features a...
Teak
$1,800
H 38 in W 38 in D 19.5 in
Antique French Carved Oak Secretary Desk Bureau Drop Front Louis XV Style
Located in Choudrant, LA
Antique French carved oak secretary desk Bureau drop front Louis XV style. Direct from France, a lovely antique French carved “drop front” secretary/desk with quintessential French ...
Oak
1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 35.5″ wide x 19″ deep x 46″ tall
Teak
$5,785
H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 35.44 in
Finn Juhl Rosewood 'Diplomat' Desk, by France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Finn Juhl 'Diplomat' executive desk in rosewood, fitted two drawers to each side with aluminium pulls below a pullout lined with felt/glass. Designed circa 1957 and likely manufactur...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Atomic Teak + Oak Desk
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, Oak Measurements: 43.5? wide x 20.5? deep x 36.25? tall Condition: In good original condit...
Teak, Oak
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik Writing Desk in Teak
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, desk, model 65, teak, brass, Denmark, 1961. The refined model 65 desk by esteemed Danish designer Arne Wahl Iversen. This elegant writing ta...
Brass
Arne Wahl Iversen Small Desk in Teak
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, desk model 65, teak, Denmark, circa 1961. Refined desk table by Danish designer Arne Wahl Iversen. This small writing table has a beautifu...
Teak
Arne Wahl Iversen Desk for Vinde Møbelfabrik
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, Desk model 65, rosewood, Denmark, circa 1961. Refined and excellent writing table by Danish designer Arne...
Rosewood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 56.5 in D 2.75 in
Arne Wahl Iversen Executive Rosewood Writing Desk by Vinde Denmark
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An exceptionally elegant Mid Century Brazilian rosewood executive writing desk with two drawers to each side and a middle pencil drawer with brass keyhole including the original key....
Rosewood
Sold
H 33.08 in W 39.38 in D 27.56 in
Danish teak desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik 1960
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Arne Wahl Iversen Danish teak desk with four drawers by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik. Denmark, circa 1960 W. 100 cm, D. 70 cm, H. 84 cm
Wood, Teak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 56.5 in D 28.75 in
1960s Danish Modern Rosewood Executive Desk by Arne Wahl (Refinished)
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Rosewood Executive Desk by Arne Wahl This stunning Danish modern executive desk was designed by Arne Wahl and crafted by Vinde Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the mid-ce...
Rosewood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 43.71 in D 28.35 in
Teak Desk Model “Lord” by Arne Wahl Iversen for IKEA, Sweden, 1960s
By IKEA, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and well-proportioned teak writing desk, model “Lord”, designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for IKEA in the 1960s. The desk is a fine example of Scandinavian mid-century modern desi...
Teak
Vintage Danish Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely well made vintage Danish desk by Arne Wahl Iversen. It was made in Denmark by Vinde Mobelfabrik, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, this ...
Wood
Vintage Danish Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning vintage Danish desk by Arne Wahl Iversen. It was made in Denmark by Vinde Mobelfabrik, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, this has beautifu...
Wood
Danish desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brescia, IT
Compact desk by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, with integrated riser and drawers. Original Danish design from the 1960s. Danish teak desk designed by Arne Wahl Iversen for...
Teak
Vintage Danish Desk by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning vintage Danish desk by Arne Wahl Iversen. It was made in Denmark by Vinde Mobelfabrik, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, this has beautifu...
Wood
Danish Modern Teak Desk/Vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen
By Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A stunning piece of Danish modern design: the teak desk designed by renowned architect and furniture designer Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik in Denmark, also known as model #64. This exceptional two-tiered desk...
Brass