Børge Mogensen dining table

This Shaker-inspired dining table, model 586, was introduced in 1958 by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark. Constructed entirely from solid European oak, the tabletop spans 195 cm in length and 97.5 cm in width, its surface finished in a warm honey tone that accentuates the wood’s straight, pronounced grain. The edges of the top are gently rounded, softening its rectilinear form and protecting against everyday knocks.

Supporting the top are two robust slab legs positioned near the ends, each rising vertically to bear the tabletop’s full breadth. A substantial horizontal stretcher links these legs, forming a T-shaped trestle beneath the table. The stretcher is seated into the legs with exposed mortise-and-tenon joinery, underscoring the table’s structural clarity and paying homage to the Shaker tradition of honest construction. The legs terminate in thick horizontal feet, which extend slightly beyond the leg faces to enhance stability and distribute weight evenly.

The design reflects Mogensen’s deep engagement with functionalism and his respect for vernacular furniture types. Drawing inspiration from early American Shaker tables, he distilled their essential qualities—simplicity, durability and unadorned craftsmanship—into a modern Scandinavian idiom. The result is a piece that feels equally at home in a farmhouse or a contemporary loft, offering both a generous work surface and an archetype of democratic design.

Fredericia Stolefabrik, established in 1911, became Mogensen’s principal manufacturing partner in the late 1950s. Under his guidance, the firm embraced solid wood construction and traditional joinery techniques at a time when many producers were turning to veneers and metal. The Shaker table exemplifies this collaboration: its thick oak members, carefully dimensioned proportions and visible joinery testify to the high standards of Fredericia’s woodworking and Mogensen’s disciplined design ethos.

In its present state, the table remains in very good vintage condition. The oak surface displays only minor hairline scratches and gentle wear marks consistent with regular use. The joinery remains tight, with no separation at the stretcher or leg junctions, and the finish has developed a subtle patina that enhances the wood’s natural warmth. As both a functional dining surface and a study in timeless form, this Mogensen Shaker table stands as a distinguished example of mid-century Danish craftsmanship and design.