Torbjørn Afdal bench

Krobo bench / side table designed by Torbjørn Afdal and produced by Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik in Norway in 1960. The piece is executed in rosewood with a rich, warm brown tone and pronounced dark grain patterning that runs lengthwise along the top. The rectangular top has slightly raised, rounded edges on the long sides, giving a shallow tray-like profile that helps define the surface and keeps objects visually contained.

The bench rests on two end frames with integrated stretchers, forming a stable and visually light base. The legs are straight with softened edges, and the joinery is expressed in a clear, structural way typical of Scandinavian modern furniture. The proportions are low and elongated, allowing the piece to function both as a bench and as a side or coffee table. The rosewood veneer and solid elements are carefully matched so that the grain flows continuously, emphasizing the linear character of the design.

Torbjørn Afdal (1917–1999) was one of Norway’s leading postwar furniture designers, known for his precise, architectonic forms and attention to detail. His work for Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik and Bruksbo helped define Norwegian mid-century modernism, with designs that were both functional and visually restrained. The Krobo series is among his most recognized creations, originally conceived as a flexible platform that could serve multiple purposes in domestic interiors.

This example is in good vintage condition with small signs of usage, including minor surface marks and light wear consistent with age and normal use. The finish remains even and the structure is sound, preserving the clarity of the rosewood grain and the original character of the piece.

Dimensions: length 120 cm (47.2 inches), width 37 cm (14.6 inches), height 34 cm (13.4 inches).