Børge Mogensen desk

This desk, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1953 and produced by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark, exemplifies the designer’s early exploration of material contrasts and structural clarity. The work surface is fashioned from solid teak, its rectangular top measuring 133 cm in width and 80 cm in depth when closed. The teak displays a warm honey tone, its straight grain enlivened by occasional darker streaks. A drop-leaf extension on the right adds 47 cm when deployed, expanding the surface to 180 cm; the hinged bracket supporting this leaf operates with reassuring precision, reflecting thoughtful engineering.

Beneath the tabletop, an uncoated tubular-steel frame provides both support and visual lightness. Four legs, splayed at gentle angles, connect with cross-bracing that increases stiffness without adding bulk. The steel’s natural finish bears a soft patina of age—fine surface oxidation and faint wear at the joints—underscoring the industrial character of the construction. On the left side, a suspended drawer module crafted from matching teak houses two drawers. Each drawer front is fitted with its original chrome-plated steel handle, the bright metal offering a subtle, reflective contrast to the wood’s matte warmth.

Mogensen’s choice to cantilever the drawer unit and leave the leg bays open exemplifies his interest in balancing solid and void. Legroom remains generous, and the desk appears to hover above the floor rather than rest heavily upon it. The drop-leaf mechanism itself is elegantly simple: a steel bracket pivots into place to support the extension, and when folded down, the leaf aligns flush with the main surface, maintaining the desk’s clean-edged silhouette.

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) was a leading figure of Danish modernism whose designs married functionalism with vernacular influences such as Shaker furniture. Although he is often associated with all-wood pieces, this 1953 desk highlights his willingness to integrate industrial materials into everyday objects. Søborg Møbelfabrik, one of Mogensen’s earliest manufacturing collaborators, was notable for its high-quality joinery and the capacity to realize experimental designs with the same exacting standards as traditional cabinetmaking.

This desk remains in good vintage condition. The teak surface bears a mellow patina with light surface marks from regular use, while the steel frame’s patinated finish remains structurally sound without signs of corrosion. The mechanism for the drop leaf is fully operational, and the drawers slide smoothly on their runners. As both a functional workspace and a study in material interplay, this desk stands as a rare testament to Mogensen’s rigorous yet human-centered design philosophy.