Kurt Ejvind Østervig was born in 1912 in Odense, Denmark. He was originally trained and worked as a shipbuilding engineer. However, by the 1930s Østervig shifted to furniture design because of his passion for woodworking.
Østervig's career as a furniture designer began at E. Knudsen’s architectural design studio in Odense. In 1947, Østervig opened his first own studio as a freelance furniture designer, with a focus on modern design. In the following decades, he worked with many of the leading Scandinavian furniture producers of the period.
Østervig was exceptionally versatile, designing furniture for hotels, cinemas, and won numerous design competitions during his career. He won awards at the Milan Triennale in 1953 and 1960. In the 1960s, one of Østervig’s designs was selected for an exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
Østervig had a flair for the dramatic, infusing his furnishings with unique elements that stood out. From elegant, organic to coarse and purely functional furniture, his versatility earned him recognition.
Find vintage Kurt Østervig seating, tables, storage cabinets and other furniture on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by H. Gallery)
$3,800
H 82.5 in W 110.5 in D 19 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Freestanding Shelf Unit in Teak c. 1950's
By Poul Cadovius, William Watting
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern freestanding shelf unit attributed to William Watting for Fristo, made in Denmark circa 1950's. The shelf unit features 14 rectangular shelves w...
Teak
$1,766
H 70.87 in W 31.5 in D 15.75 in
Teak Veneer Bookcase, Shelving System by Skaraborgs Möbelindustri, 1950s
By Bertil Fridhagen, Skaraborgs Möbelindustri Tibro
Located in Bochum, NRW
A refined example of Swedish mid‑century functionalism, this “Reform” shelving system by Skaraborgs Möbelindustri (Tibro) brings together clean architectural lines, warm materials, a...
Wood
Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Teak
Danish Freestanding Teak Shelf System 1950s with Cabinets
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish freestanding and conical shaped teak shelf system with cabinets, bar, shelfes and double chest of drawers. With nice teak color and in origina...
Teak
$925
H 44.5 in W 35.4 in D 11.1 in
Teak Bookcase Open Storage Shelving Unit Danish Mid-Century Modern 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring clean lines and open shelving, this piece offers functional storage with minimalist charm. Simple tapered legs elevate the frame for an airy profile. It showcases classic D...
Teak
$3,867
H 78.75 in W 71.86 in D 15.75 in
1960s 1970s Teak Wall Unit by Olof Pira Sweden Mid-Century Modern
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
1960s/70s Teak Wall Unit by Olof Pira, Sweden, Mid-Century Modern Item: Wall Unit Manufacturer: Olof Pira, Sweden Condition: Vintage - Good Age: Circa 1960-1970 Dimensions: Wid...
Metal
Vintage Danish Teak Bookcase Scandinavian Modern Open Shelf Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful vintage Danish bookcase crafted in warm teak with elegant Scandinavian Modern proportions and clean minimalist lines. This compact shelving unit features three spacious ope...
Teak
$2,355Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 25.99 in D 7.88 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare handmade solitary teak wall unit with two shelves designed by acclaimed Danish designer Poul Cadovius in the 1960s. Solid smoothly rounded wooden brackets on which two shelves a...
Wood, Teak
$1,270
H 76 in W 24 in D 12 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Mobler. Circa 1970s
By Domino Møbler
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Bookcase by Domino Mobler. Circa 1970s Features a modern Scandinavian minimalist design with a beautiful teak wood grain. Offers plenty of stor...
Teak
Danish Mid Century Poul Cadovius Cado Wall Unit Bookcase Freestanding
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Poul Cadovius Single Wall Unit or Bookcase. Cabinets and Shelves can be re-arranged. 33wide 17deep 78tall
Brass
Unique Folding Bookcase in Rosewood
By Odense Møbelfabrik, J. Ingvard Jensen Odense
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Scandinavian Danish Modern at its finest. Likely unique piece as we have found no other example. Rosewood with brass hinges and circular inserts pulls on either side. Box shape 20'' cubed looks beautiful with striking rosewood grain. Each of there 4 shelves are just shy of 9'' tall. Brilliant design when folded upright reveals an angled bookcase...
Brass
Midcentury Walnut Cado Display Shelf
By Poul Cadovius
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful Walnut Cado System display shelf thats meant to hold books or flat artwork. The shelf has a beautiful catch at the bottom preventing a book from...
Rosewood
Midcentury Florence Knoll Cabinet Rare Ash Wood
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful and practical credenza for living or office space. Sliding door with leather pulls reveal two file cabinets, 4 drawers and adjustable shelves. Perfect for your storage need...
Chrome
Superb Modern Craft Exposed Dovetail Nightstands Bookcase Cabinets (Pair)
By George Nakashima
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This striking pair of solid wood bookcases features two smoothly gliding drawers on each unit, showcasing quality dovetail construction. Crafted entirely from lacewood—also known as ...
Wood
L&JG Stickley Open Bookcase with Chamfered Board Back (2 Available)
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
L&JG Stickley open bookcase with chamfered board back and tenon & key construction c1906-1912. Stickley is a furniture brand that offers both Arts and Crafts and Mission-style furni...
Oak
Gorgeous Wall HangingDisplay Shelf by Phillip Lloyd Powell
By Phillip Lloyd Powell
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Amazing wall mounted shelf hand crafted in black walnut by Phillip Powell. Signature dovetailed edges and choice walnut stand in contrast with the grass cloth backing. Sculptural she...
Walnut
