Arne Hovmand-Olsen dining table
This dining table, conceived in Denmark in the 1950s by architect Arne Hovmand-Olsen and crafted by Skovmand & Andersen, exemplifies the understated refinement of Scandinavian modernism. The tabletop combines a veneered surface of mature teak—its grain displaying the characteristic swirling patterns and deep, reddish-brown hues—with a solid oak structural frame whose pale, golden tones create a subtle but pleasing contrast. The teak veneer lays smoothly across the breadth of the table, its finish revealing a gentle luster that catches light without glare.
Measuring 130 cm in its unextended form and extending seamlessly to 228 cm when both integrated leaves are deployed, the tabletop’s profile is defined by softly rounded corners and gently curving sides. These ergonomic contours speak to Hovmand-Olsen’s architectural focus on human comfort and proportion, guiding both the eye and the elbow away from sharp angles. The leaves slide in and out on precision-machined runners, their alignment maintained by concealed oak rails, a testament to the period’s functional innovation.
The supporting frame and legs are fashioned from solid oak, carefully milled to present crisp, slightly tapered legs that lend the table an airy, elevated stance. Mortise-and-tenon joinery secures the aprons to the legs, ensuring both stability and longevity. The oak’s tight grain and pale, warm color harmonize with the richer teak, while the entire piece carries a hand-rubbed oil finish that has mellowed over decades, imparting a soft patina and a tactile warmth under the hand.
Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1913–1975) brought an architect’s precision to furniture design, emphasizing clean lines and material integrity. His work in the 1950s aligned with Denmark’s modernist movement, which prized craftsmanship as much as form. Skovmand & Andersen, active during this era, built a reputation for collaborating with leading designers and producing furniture to exacting standards. Their workshop combined machine-assisted milling with skilled hand finishing, enabling intricate veneer work and smooth operation of mechanisms such as this table’s extension system.
This example remains in very good vintage condition. The veneers lie flat without lifting or separation, the teak surface showing only minor, shallow marks consistent with gentle domestic use. The oak frame bears a uniform patina, the oil finish still smooth and intact. The extension mechanism operates cleanly, with no sticking or misalignment. Overall dimensions are 130 cm wide by 87 cm deep and 74.5 cm high in its standard configuration—approximately 51.2 by 34.3 by 29.3 inches—and extendable to 228 cm (89.8 inches) in length.
