Arne Karlsen & Peter Hjorth table

This exceptionally rare dining table, model HK-5, was designed in 1959 by Danish designers Arne Karlsen and Peter Hjorth and produced by Interna in Denmark. The piece combines a finely crafted rosewood top with a black lacquered steel base, resulting in a minimalist yet striking composition. The table top, with its richly grained rosewood surface, displays deep brown tones interspersed with darker figuring, characteristic of the highest-quality rosewood used in Danish modern furniture. The slender steel base is constructed in a geometric V-form, providing both stability and a visual lightness that contrasts elegantly with the expansive top.

The design allows for functional versatility, with a height adjustable in four steps—66, 69, 71, and 72.5 cm—accommodating different seating arrangements and uses. The engineering of the base also enables the table to be completely flattened for transport or storage, an advanced and unusual feature for a large table of this period. With a top measuring 300 x 100 cm, the scale is generous enough for formal dining or conference settings, while the refined proportions prevent it from feeling heavy.

Arne Karlsen and Peter Hjorth, though less widely known than some of their contemporaries, produced designs that embody the precision and elegance of mid-century Danish functionalism. Their work with Interna reflects a focus on architectural clarity, durability, and a willingness to integrate innovative mechanisms without compromising aesthetic simplicity.

The table has been completely restored to excellent condition, preserving the original materials and design intent while ensuring structural integrity and surface refinement. The rosewood retains its rich natural luster, and the steel base’s lacquer finish is uniform and intact, showcasing the clean geometry of the form. This combination of scale, rare adjustability, and impeccable craftsmanship makes the HK-5 a distinctive example of high Danish modern design.