Desk

This rare freestanding desk, produced in Denmark during the 1950s by an unknown designer, demonstrates a clear affinity with mid-century Scandinavian design principles through its material choices and structural details. The desk employs a sophisticated combination of rosewood, teak, and lacquered steel, creating a balanced contrast between warmth and architectural clarity.

The rectangular tabletop is crafted from teak, exhibiting a rich patina and linear grain that speaks to the natural aging of the wood. The drawer fronts and trim are made of highly figured rosewood, distinguished by swirling dark brown and black grain patterns that add depth and visual interest. The drawers sit flush beneath the tabletop and feature a handle-less design, reinforcing a minimalist aesthetic. Each of the five drawers is constructed with dovetail joints and lined with secondary woods such as pale birch or beech, highlighting the attention to traditional joinery and craftsmanship.

Supporting the desk are legs formed from round-profile lacquered steel with a darkened, industrial finish. These legs are bent into continuous looped forms, introducing a sculptural, modernist element to the otherwise rectilinear design. This juxtaposition between the organic warmth of the woods and the utilitarian character of the metal legs reflects a hybrid sensibility typical of Scandinavian postwar design.

The desk measures 200 cm in width, 84 cm in depth, and 73 cm in height (approximately 78.7 inches wide, 33.1 inches deep, and 28.7 inches high). The reverse side is fully finished, allowing the piece to be freely positioned within a room, suitable for both residential and office environments.

The desk is in very good vintage condition, showing signs of wear consistent with age, including a developed surface patina and minor restorations. It stands as an example of Scandinavian mid-century design’s emphasis on material integrity, functional detailing, and form-driven construction, while incorporating a modernist interplay of wood and steel characteristic of the late 1940s through early 1960s.