Ib Kofod-Larsen sideboard

The sideboard model ‘Trol’ was designed in 1958 by Danish architect and designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden. This piece exemplifies Kofod-Larsen’s refined approach to proportion, materiality, and structural lightness, representing one of the rare instances of a Swedish-produced design by a Danish modernist during the peak of the Scandinavian design movement.

Constructed from rosewood, the cabinet features a bookmatched veneer pattern spanning the four front doors, creating a continuous and symmetrical grain with rich, swirling patterns in deep reddish-brown tones. The design omits external hardware, instead utilizing discreet recessed hand grips along the top edges of the doors, which enhances the minimalist and monolithic façade.

The interior is divided into four compartments. The leftmost and two central compartments are equipped with adjustable shelves, while the rightmost section houses a bank of four drawers finished in white lacquer. This contrast between the white lacquered drawers and the darker rosewood surfaces adds visual interest. The drawer interiors feature visible dovetail joinery, underscoring the piece’s high-quality craftsmanship.

A distinctive characteristic of the ‘Trol’ sideboard is its sculptural base. It stands on four V-shaped solid rosewood legs, each formed from two slanted members joined at the base and recessed into the cabinet’s lower frame. This design element creates a dynamic visual rhythm and gives the sideboard a floating effect, balancing the weight of the elongated cabinet.

The sideboard is in excellent condition with only minor signs of wear consistent with age and use. The rosewood surfaces retain their natural sheen and well-preserved patina. The interior remains clean and fully functional, and the structural integrity is intact throughout.

Ib Kofod-Larsen was a leading figure in Danish modern design, known for elegant and ergonomic furniture primarily in teak and rosewood. While based in Denmark, he collaborated with manufacturers across Scandinavia and internationally. Seffle Möbelfabrik, located in Värmland, Sweden, was a respected mid-century manufacturer renowned for producing fine modernist cabinetry in partnership with Scandinavian designers.

The sideboard measures 244 centimeters in width, 47 centimeters in depth, and 72 centimeters in height (approximately 96.1 by 18.5 by 28.3 inches).