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.
$6,500
H 29.14 in W 29.53 in D 59.06 in
Midcentury Danish Design Desk in Teak by Svend Aage Madsen, 1950s
By Svend Åge Madsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking desk in teak with cane details on the frame and the handles. Designed by Svend Aage Madsen. Made in Denmark in the 1950s. Nice original condition.
Cane, Teak
$3,104
H 27.96 in W 59.06 in D 28.35 in
Desk Made In Teak By Svend Aager Madsen For Sigurd Hansen From 1960s
By Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Modern 1960s teak wood desk with 3 drawers on each side designed by Svend Aage Madsen and manufactured by Sigurd Hansen from around the 1960s. High quality desk with shelf at the bac...
Teak
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
$2,886
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
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen
By Arne Vodder, H.P. Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional example of Danish Modern design, this stunning teak desk was designed by renowned Danish designer Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen. Celebrated for his ability to combine el...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk Bring refined Scandinavian craftsmanship into your home with this exceptional Danish modern teak writing desk, designed and built in Denmark during t...
Teak
$3,534
H 28.75 in W 68.9 in D 37.41 in
1960s Large Fully Restored Arne Vodder Executive Desk in Teak by Sibast
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s large fully restored executive desk in teak designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler. The well designed spacious desk is evidence of Arne Voders sense of design an proportion...
Teak
$4,229
H 28.35 in W 60.24 in D 29.53 in
1960s VINTAGE DANISH MID-CENTURY TEAK WRITING DESK - ARNE VODDER FOR H.P. HANSEN
By Arne Vodder, H.P. Hansen
Located in Wesseling, DE
Beautiful vintage Danish writing desk from the 1960s designed by Arne Vodder for H.P. Hansen. Elegant Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design with refined proportions, warm teak wood ...
Teak
$4,111
H 28.35 in W 64.97 in D 33.47 in
1960s Vintage Danish Design Teak Executive Writing Desk by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wesseling, DE
Elegant vintage executive desk designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and crafted in teak. The design combines clean Scandinavian lines with refined detailing, including sculpted drawer fronts,...
Teak
Rosewood Desk by Svend Aage Madsen for H.P. Hansen, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
This stunning rosewood desk, designed by Svend Åge Madsen for H.P. Hansen in the 1960s, features exquisite craftsmanship and an extraordinary design. While it shows some patina, it r...
Rosewood
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Secretary Desk, Chest of Drawers, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This midcentury Danish modern teak secretary desk was made in Denmark, circa 1960. The Classic Scandinavian Modern design has clean Minimalist lines and elegant curves. The upper cab...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk /Vanity Table/ Cabinet, 1960's, Denmark
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid-Century Modern period vanity or make up table also useable as a desk made in Denmark, 1960. Teak veneer wood with solid teak handles and feet. Four drawers and mirror when you ...
Mirror, Teak
Danish Design Teak Sideboard by Clausen & Søn, 1960s
By Clausen & Søn
Located in The Hague, NL
Midcentury sideboard designed and manufactured by Danish maker Clausen & Søn in 1960s Denmark. This simple yet sophisticated symmetrical sideboard features a typical Danish moder...
Teak
Danish Teak Low Chest with Four Drawers, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Elegant low chest of drawers from Denmark, designed in the 1960s. Made of dark teak and fitted with four long, spacious drawers. The integrated recessed handles enhance the clean, mi...
Teak
Sideboard by Gunni Oman for Aco Mobler Axel Christensen
By Axel Christiansen Odder, Gunni Omann, Aco Møbler
Located in The Hague, NL
Gunni Omann teak sideboard for Axel Christensen Superb quality and terrifically heavy! This beautiful sought after model was designed by Gunni Omann for Axel Christensen of Odder in...
Teak
Bramin Highboard in Teak, Denmark, 1960s H.W Klein
Located in The Hague, NL
Bramin Highboard in Teak, Denmark, 1960s An elegant Danish Mid-Century Modern highboard produced by Bramin in the 1960s and attributed to the celebrated designer H.W. Klein. Crafted...
Teak
