Carl-Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs bookcase

This rare bookcase model ‘Välipala’ was designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs and produced by HMN Huonekalu Mikko Nupponen in Finland during the 1950s. Constructed from mahogany, the piece exhibits a rich medium reddish-brown tone with a vertical grain pattern. It rests upon a geometric black-lacquered base made of solid wood or metal rods arranged in a triangular bracing system, creating a striking contrast between the warm wood and the dark structural elements—a hallmark of mid-century Scandinavian design.

The bookcase features a symmetrical, modular form composed of a wide horizontal base supporting three tiers of open shelving. These shelves are divided into four vertical compartments by three evenly spaced uprights. Designed as a freestanding unit, it offers flexibility in arrangement and adaptability, reflecting Ornäs’ architectural approach to furniture that integrates with space and function. Despite its size, the open back and rhythmic spacing of the vertical supports lend the piece a light and airy presence.

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs (1911–1996) was a Finnish designer and architect celebrated for his focus on functional modularity and organic forms. His work often blurred the boundaries between architecture and furniture design, creating pieces that harmonize with their environment and user needs. The ‘Välipala’ bookcase exemplifies this philosophy, serving as both a room divider and a practical display system.

The bookcase measures 205 cm in width, 48.5 cm in depth, and 142 cm in height (approximately 80.7 x 19.1 x 55.9 inches). It is in very good condition with minor surface wear consistent with age and use, retaining its original finish and structural integrity as a well-preserved example of mid-century Finnish design.