Grete Jalk dining table

This dining table, designed by Danish architect Grete Jalk in the 1960s and produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, exemplifies a refined marriage of functionality and material elegance. The table’s structure is built around a solid rosewood framework whose deep chestnut grain swirls richly across the tapered legs and the subtly profiled apron. These warm wood elements support a smooth black Formica surface, the matte finish of which contrasts crisply with the rosewood’s natural luster.

In its compact form, the table presents a perfect 136 cm circular top, ideal for intimate meals. When extended with two seamlessly integrated leaves, the top stretches to a generous 245 cm, accommodating larger gatherings without sacrificing stability. Each leaf mirrors the central surface in black Formica and is bordered by a slender inlay of rosewood banding, ensuring visual continuity whether the table is open or closed.

The slender legs, meticulously turned and drawn to a fine taper, lend the table a poised lightness that belies its solid construction. Attention to joinery is evident in the tight mitred corners of the apron and the seamless transition between leg and skirt. The extension mechanism operates with a smooth gliding action, and the leaves fit snugly into the grain-matched seams, underscoring the workshop’s commitment to precision.

Grete Jalk (1920–2006) trained under Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy and became known for her user-oriented approach to furniture design. While she is often celebrated for her pioneering lounge chairs, this dining table reveals her mastery of proportion and her willingness to integrate industrial materials such as Formica within a handcrafted wooden frame. The result is a hybrid object that speaks both to the needs of modern living and to Scandinavia’s tradition of fine woodworking.

P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik collaborated with leading designers of the era to bring high-calibre pieces into production, and this table stands as one of their most versatile offerings. Its combination of rosewood and black Formica reflects the mid-century Scandinavian penchant for natural materiality paired with durable, low-maintenance surfaces. Today, the table remains in very good vintage condition. The Formica bears only faint surface wear from years of use, and the rosewood shows a gentle patina at its most handled edges, affirming both its authenticity and enduring craftsmanship.