Torbjørn Afdal bar cabinet

This rare bar cabinet, model Bacchus, was designed by Torbjørn Afdal and produced by Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik in Norway during the 1960s. The cabinet is crafted in rosewood, combined with glass and steel elements, reflecting the refined material selection and craftsmanship typical of mid-century Scandinavian design.

The exterior features highly figured rosewood veneer, exhibiting a dramatic and expressive grain pattern with deep brown and black tonal variations. The front is composed of two asymmetrically shaped doors, each with integrated carved wooden handles. Upon opening, the interior reveals a mirrored back panel and glass shelving supported by slender polished steel rods, providing elegant storage and display space. Below the shelves, there is a dedicated bottle storage section with circular openings cut into the rosewood panel, designed for securely holding bottles. Additional drawers beneath provide storage for bar tools or accessories. The piece stands on tapered legs with a stretcher connecting the frame, ensuring stability and complementing the slender, architectural profile.

The condition is very good with minor signs of age and use, including slight surface marks and a soft patina to the wood, which enhances the richness of the rosewood without compromising the cabinet’s overall presentation.

Torbjørn Afdal was a prominent Norwegian furniture designer known for his meticulous approach to proportion, detail, and materiality. Working extensively with rosewood and other fine woods, Afdal’s designs from the mid-century period are characterized by a modern yet timeless aesthetic, balancing sculptural qualities with everyday functionality.

Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik, based in Norway, was recognized for its high-quality production during the mid-20th century, often collaborating with leading designers like Afdal to produce furniture that exemplified the Scandinavian modern ethos of simplicity, craftsmanship, and elegance.

The dimensions are 90 cm in width, 40 cm in depth, and 125 cm in height, which corresponds approximately to 35.4 inches wide, 15.7 inches deep, and 49.2 inches high.