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 Siesta Mid Century Glass Top Side Table
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Siesta Mid Century Glass Top Side Table This side table measures: 27.5 wide x 21.5 deep x 16.5 inches high We take our photos in a controlled lighting s...
Glass, Wood
"Siesta" Side Table in Beech by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, Norway, c. 1970s
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Deland, FL
This elegant Scandinavian Modern Siesta occasional table / side table by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa extends the iconic Siesta series into versatile accent furniture. Designed with t...
Beech
Ingmar Relling for Westnofa Bentwood Teak Siesta Occasional Side Table
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
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
Pierced Carving Folding Round Side Occasional Table
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Fine carved teak occasional table stand pedestal, folding base.
Teak
Mid-Century Brass Side Table with Smoked Glass Top, Maison Jansen
By Maison Jansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A square, vintage Mid-Century modern French polished brass side, end table with a smoked glass top in the manner of Maison Jansen, in good condition. The sofa table is standing on four round legs, stabilized by two cross beams. Minor fading, scratches due to age. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1960, Paris, France. The Maison Jansen was a French interior design firm...
Metal, Brass
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
$5,750
H 17.33 in W 21.26 in D 18.12 in
Carrara Marble Side Table by Angelo Mangiarotti for Skipper, Italy, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Antwerp, BE
Carrara marble side Table by Angelo Mangiarotti, a masterful creation from the Eros series crafted for Skipper in Italy in the 1970s. Made entirely of solid white Carrara marble, its...
Carrara Marble
$1,008Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Table with Blue Glass Top
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Table with Blue Glass Top, Italy 1950's Classic Italian Wood Mid-Century Table with Glass Top. No detail has been spared ...
Mirror, Wood
$1,174
H 23.23 in W 27.17 in D 24.41 in
Postmodern Side Table in Beech Plywood by Ekornes Stressless, Norway 1980s
By Ekornes Stressless
Located in Beograd, RS
In this losting you will find a sleek, playful triangle side table by Ekornes and their Stressless line. Crafted out of beechwood in a lovely warm light wood color. Excellent quality...
Plywood
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
Mid Century Teak Coffee Table by Westnofa Made in Norway, C 1960/1970s
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in New York, NY
Classic Scandinavian mid century coffee / cocktail table made in Norway by Westnofa, circa 1960's. The table is in good original condition, it shows some cosmetic wear, and signs of ...
Teak
French Art Deco Burl Walnut Occasional or Side Table
Located in New York City, NY
French Modernist stepped two tier cubist end table in bookmatched walnut. The top surface raised on bull nose plinths, while the bottom tier is supported by alternating curved and sq...
Walnut
French Mid-Century Modern Side Table, Glass Top, Chrome Base, 1975
Located in Austin, TX
French side table with glass top, ebonized and French polished base and a rich decor of chromes. We love this handsome piece with the high quality contrasting chrome elements. Definitely a great addition in your vintage modernist living room.
Chrome
$1,644Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.54 in Dm 23.23 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sewing Table by Rastad & Relling for Rasmus Solberg
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad, Rasmus Solberg
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern sewing table or side table. Design by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling for Rasmus Solberg. Striking Norwegian design from the 1960s. Solid teak b...
Leather, Teak
Mid Century Side End Occasional Table after McCobb
By Paul McCobb
Located in New York, NY
Nice diminutive Mid Century table having a circular wood top, on wrought iron legs. The top is newly repainted to semi gloss white, the legs to semi gloss black, creating a striking...
Wrought Iron
Mid Century Modern Westnofa Nightstands, a Pair
By Westnofa Furniture
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Westnofa Nightstands – Scandinavian Simplicity & Timeless Style Elevate your space with this stunning pair of vintage n...
Wood
Mid century modern scandinavian side table in rosewood
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid century modern scandinavian side table in rosewood. In style of Ingmar Relling
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