Kai Kristiansen bureau

This side table, model 394, was conceived in Denmark in the 1950s by Kai Kristiansen and executed by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder. Its sober rectangular top and drawer front present a warm golden hue, the oak veneer laid so that the grain runs horizontally across the entire facade. The piece rests on four straight legs that taper gently toward the floor, their seamless integration into the apron demonstrating precise mortise-and-tenon joinery and a commitment to visual continuity.

The front elevation is organized into four equal drawers, each fitted with a circular recessed pull carved directly into the solid oak drawer front. This hardware-free solution maintains the table’s minimalist aesthetic and allows the wood’s natural texture to remain unbroken. When opened, the drawers reveal handcrafted dovetail joinery in a lighter oak species, offering a discreet contrast and underscoring the maker’s attention to craftsmanship. The top surface bears a subtle patina, with minor surface marks and variations in tone that attest to decades of careful use.

Kai Kristiansen (born 1929) trained under Kaare Klint and quickly established a reputation for designs that marry ergonomic precision with elegant restraint. Model 394 exemplifies his approach, balancing functional clarity with refined details. Aksel Kjersgaard’s workshop, celebrated for its collaboration with leading Danish designers, translated Kristiansen’s drawings into furniture of lasting quality. The Danish Furnituremakers’ Control mark and Aksel Kjersgaard production stamp on the underside confirm the piece’s provenance and authenticity.

This example remains in very good vintage condition. The oak veneer and solid-oak elements display a consistent finish, with only light wear—small scuffs and shallow marks—visible under close inspection. All drawers slide smoothly on their wooden runners without sticking or misalignment. Measuring 118 cm in width, 35.5 cm in depth, and 52 cm in height (approximately 46.5 by 14 by 20.5 inches), this bureau/side table combines a compact footprint with generous storage, making it as suitable for contemporary interiors as it was in mid-century Danish homes.