Erik Riisager Hansen desk

This rare freestanding desk was designed by Erik Riisager Hansen and produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark during the 1950s. Constructed from solid and veneered rosewood, the desk presents a deep reddish-brown hue with darker streaks and complex grain patterns typical of high-quality rosewood. The surface is finished with a low-gloss lacquer that enhances the natural luster and color depth, maintaining the material’s tactile and visual richness.

The desk features a rectangular top framed by gently raised edges that create a subtle gallery around the work surface. This detail serves both a functional purpose—preventing items from rolling off—and an aesthetic one, adding a refined architectural element to the design. The legs are slender, tapering, and round in profile, flowing seamlessly into the frame with softly rounded transitions, contributing to the desk’s overall lightness and elegance. On one side, a suspended drawer cabinet contains two drawers equipped with carved integrated handles, minimizing visual interruption and emphasizing clean lines. The reverse side is fully finished, allowing the desk to be placed freely within a room without concern for exposed backsides.

The desk measures 160 cm in width, 75 cm in depth, and 71 cm in height, approximately 63 inches wide, 29.5 inches deep, and 28 inches high. Its proportions and leg articulation exemplify the precision and lightness characteristic of Danish modern cabinetry from this era.

Erik Riisager Hansen was a Danish architect and designer active in the mid-20th century, recognized for his refined functionalist style and collaborations with respected cabinetmakers. Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, founded in 1951, earned a reputation for expert joinery and the use of fine hardwoods, working closely with leading Danish designers throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

The desk remains in very good vintage condition, showing minimal signs of wear and retaining a well-preserved finish.