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.
H.P. Hansen for Randers Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs
By H.P. Hansen, Randers Møbelfabrik
Located in Oakland, CA
Midcentury Brazilian rosewood dining chairs designed by H.P. Hansen for Randers Møbelfabrik. Handcrafted from solid Brazil...
Rosewood
$4,500 / set
H 38 in W 18 in D 19 in
Set of 8 Danish Modern Eva dining chairs Solid Rosewood by Niels Koefoed
By Niels Koefoed, Koefoeds Hornslet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 8 Eva Danish dining chairs in Rosewood designed by Niels Koefoed for Koefoeds Hornslet. Chairs are stamped on the underside. Very Beautiful Condition - Chairs have been restor...
Upholstery, Foam, Rosewood
Set of Six Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs by Erik Buch
By Erik Buch
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of six Danish dining chairs in rosewood veneer from the late 1970s, by Erik Buck model 49. Padded seat and back. Price "as is" restoration on...
Rosewood
$3,600 / set
H 36 in W 25 in D 23.5 in
Svend A. Madsen for Moreddi Teak Danish Modern Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Svend A. Madsen for Moreddi Teak Mid Century Danish Modern Dining Chairs - Set of 6. The set includes two armchairs and four side chairs all with sleek sculptural form. Circa...
Teak
$4,500 / set
H 37.5 in W 18.5 in D 17 in
Niels Koefoed Eva Mid-Century Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs, Set of 6
By Koefoeds Hornslet, Niels Koefoed
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six "Eva" dining room chairs designed by Niels Koefoed in 1964 and manufactured by Koefoeds Hornslet in the late 1960s. The chairs are of solid rosewood and upholstered in l...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Arne Vodder Teak Dining Chairs Model 422 Denmark 1960
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very elegant set of 6 'model 422' dining chairs designed by Arne Vodder and manufactured by Sibast mobler, Denmark 1960. These dining chairs have a high spin...
Upholstery, Teak
$2,950 / set
H 30.38 in W 18.25 in D 20 in
Vintage Danish Modern Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs / Niels Moller
By Erik Buch
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine set of 4 Danish Modern Dining chairs very much in the manner of Erik Buch. No labels attached at this time. Note the beau...
Teak
$7,680Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 18.5 in D 21 in
Vintage Danish Set of Ten Rosewood Eva Dining Chairs by Niels Koefoed
By Niels Koefoed, Koefoeds Hornslet
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern 'Eva' dining chairs by Niels Koefoed for Koefoeds Hornslet, circa 1960's. Features a sculptural rosewood frame designed with a tall backrest support. This set incl...
Rosewood
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Dining Chairs, circa 1930s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern mahogany dining chairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1930s. They have probably been refinished and reupholstered at some point. Beautiful caramel color leather se...
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
$8,500 / set
H 37.5 in W 18.5 in D 21.25 in
Set of (8) Koefoeds Hornslet Eva Rosewood Dining Chairs by Niels Koefoed
By Koefoeds Hornslet, Niels Koefoed
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Set of (8) Koefoeds Hornslet Eva Rosewood Dining Chairs by Niels Koefoed Captain chairs dimensions: 20.75 D x 20.75 W x 37.5
Upholstery, Rosewood
