Børge Mogensen desk

This rare freestanding desk was designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by cabinetmaker P. Lauritsen & Søn in Denmark during the 1950s. Crafted from teak, the desk features solid brass recessed handles, merging warm-toned wood with utilitarian hardware in a refined, understated manner characteristic of Mogensen’s functionalist ethos.

The construction is modular, composed of two drawer pedestals supporting a floating top. Both the structure and joinery are concealed within a rectilinear, enclosed form, emphasizing simplicity and craftsmanship. Each pedestal contains drawers of varying depths, assembled with precision-cut dovetail joints. The flush-mounted brass pulls are recessed into the drawer fronts and have developed a natural patina with subtle oxidation and darkening over time. The teak displays a straight grain with a consistent medium-brown tone and subtle variation, finished with a clear matte lacquer that protects while preserving the wood’s natural character. The desk’s reverse side is also finished, allowing it to be placed freestanding within a room.

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972), a leading figure in Danish modernism and a key advocate of democratic design, trained under Kaare Klint and collaborated extensively with manufacturers like FDB and Fredericia. While many of his pieces were intended for mass production, collaborations with cabinetmakers such as P. Lauritsen & Søn represent the more artisanal, high-end spectrum of his work, marked by superior materials and meticulous detail.

This desk is in excellent vintage condition, showing light wear consistent with careful use. The teak surface is well preserved with only minor marks, and all drawers operate smoothly.

The dimensions are 165 cm wide, 79 cm deep, and 69 cm high, approximately 65 x 31.1 x 27.2 inches.