Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm coffee table

This rare coffee table, designed by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm and produced by Bo-Ex in Denmark, is a sophisticated example of late Danish modern design. Known for their rigorous attention to form, proportion, and material contrast, Fabricius and Kastholm created furniture that embodies the minimalist ideals of the 1960s while integrating luxurious and tactile materials. This table exemplifies their design ethos with a composition that is both sculptural and functionally grounded.

The tabletop consists of richly toned mahogany wood panels arranged in a clean, geometric layout. The grain of the wood is well-articulated, offering a natural warmth and visual rhythm that contrasts beautifully with the cool, slate stone centerpiece. The square slate inlay provides both textural variation and a subdued, matte surface that functions as a practical and decorative focal point. This pairing of materials—organic wood and raw stone—demonstrates the designers’ commitment to material honesty and balance.

Framing the composition is a precision-engineered steel base with slim, square-profiled legs. The steel is finished with a satin or brushed texture, underscoring the table’s industrial clarity while visually lightening its mass. The contrast between the natural materials of the top and the engineered frame creates a dynamic tension that is characteristic of Fabricius and Kastholm’s work.

Structurally, the table is defined by its low profile and square proportions, measuring 110 x 110 cm (43.3 x 43.3 inches) with a height of 39.5 cm (15.6 inches). This scale makes it ideal for use as a central coffee table in a seating arrangement, where its composition can be fully appreciated from all sides.

The inlays and joinery between the slate and mahogany are executed with exacting precision, reflecting the high standards of Danish cabinetmaking during this period. Each component is integrated seamlessly, with crisp edges and minimal visual distraction.

The condition is excellent vintage. The mahogany has been well preserved, retaining its rich tone and finish with only minimal surface wear. The slate inlay is intact and smooth, and the steel frame remains structurally solid and clean, with only faint signs of age-appropriate use.

Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm were a celebrated design duo whose work with Bo-Ex and later Kill International helped define a distinct branch of Danish modernism—marked by restraint, architectural clarity, and refined materials. This coffee table stands as a rare and well-preserved example of their design legacy, offering both visual interest and functional elegance in equal measure.