Arne Jacobsen school desk

This rare Munkegaard school desk was designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen in 1955 for the Munkegaard School in Vangede, Denmark. The desk exemplifies Jacobsen’s modernist philosophy, seamlessly integrating functionality, form, and minimalism into a cohesive design.

The desk features a green laminated rectangular tabletop with softly rounded edges, supported by a molded teak veneer base that curves downward to create a continuous shelf underneath. This integrated shelf demonstrates Jacobsen’s attention to organic forms and practical utility. The structure is held by a tubular steel frame with a raw, slightly brushed finish and angled legs, providing a stable foundation with a light visual footprint. A functional metal hook beneath the desk allows for hanging schoolbags, emphasizing its purpose-built nature for educational settings.

The color palette is composed of muted tones—light green laminate, warm medium-brown teak, and matte metallic grey steel—reflecting mid-century Scandinavian design tendencies that blend natural wood with industrial elements in a refined yet utilitarian manner.

Produced by Fritz Hansen, a distinguished Danish manufacturer known for collaborations with iconic designers including Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm, this desk exemplifies the mid-century shift toward democratic, modular, and architectural furniture solutions, especially for public institutions.

The desk shows wear consistent with its age and use in a school environment. The laminate surface bears minor marks, while the teak veneer exhibits natural patination and some fading, especially on the curved underside. The steel frame remains structurally sound, displaying typical surface oxidation and discoloration around joints and hardware.

This desk is part of Jacobsen’s influential body of work from the 1950s, a period marked by prolific architectural and interior commissions. Its design bridges architectural detail with industrial production methods, reflecting the Bauhaus influences present throughout Jacobsen’s furniture oeuvre.

The desk measures 61 cm in width, 52 cm in depth, and 61 cm in height, which converts to approximately 24 inches wide, 20.5 inches deep, and 24 inches high.