Kai Kristiansen attrib. dining table

This dining table, attributed to Kai Kristiansen and crafted in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the marriage of functional flexibility and refined material expression found in Scandinavian modern design. The tabletop is executed in richly grained rosewood veneer laid over a stable core, its natural pattern running horizontally to emphasize the length of the leaves. A subtly darker edge band of solid rosewood frames the surface, reinforcing the tabletop’s form and preventing veneer lift, while lending a restrained contrast that highlights the wood’s warmth.

The table measuring 120 cm in diameter—an ideal footprint for intimate dining—yet its two integrated extension leaves pivot outward to transform the top into an oval nearly twice its original length. When fully extended to 229 cm, the table accommodates larger gatherings without sacrificing its graceful proportions. The extension mechanism operates on concealed runners and brass-tipped pins, allowing smooth, reliable deployment of the leaves and precise alignment that preserves the surface’s continuous grain.

Supporting the top are four slightly tapered legs in solid rosewood, positioned flush with the perimeter to maintain a clean silhouette. Their gentle taper lends an airy lightness, while the flush-mount detail ensures stability under load. The legs’ finish has been refreshed to a soft satin sheen, echoing the tabletop’s hand-rubbed luster, and shows only minimal surface wear—fine hairlines and the occasional faint mark—consistent with careful use and professional restoration.

Kai Kristiansen (born 1929), a protégé of Kaare Klint, is celebrated for designs that balance technical ingenuity with elegant simplicity. Though unsigned, the table’s proportions, joinery techniques, and attention to veneer matching align closely with his known work of the period. Kristiansen’s tables often feature clever extension systems and a harmonious relationship between tabletop and base, traits clearly expressed in this model.

Today, this example stands in very good vintage condition. Its rosewood veneer exhibits a deep, lustrous patina that brings forth the wood’s tonal variations—ranging from reddish honey in the figure to richer mahogany in the shadows. The edge band remains tight with no signs of separation. The extension leaves seat solidly, and the legs remain rock-steady. At a consistent height of 72 cm (approximately 28.3 inches), the table offers a timeless combination of warmth, adaptability, and structural clarity.