Kurt Olsen bookcase

This rare freestanding sideboard with shelving was designed by Kurt Olsen and produced by A. Andersen & Bohm in Denmark during the 1950s. Crafted primarily from walnut, the piece features white lacquered wood shelves, resulting in an architectural storage and display system that balances function and decoration.

The design consists of two main sections: a lower cabinet and an integrated upper shelving unit. The cabinet is fitted with tambour doors made of finely ribbed vertical walnut slats, which open to reveal an interior finished in contrasting light wood. Inside are open storage compartments and shallow birch drawers with recessed pulls, adding warmth and textural contrast to the otherwise darker walnut structure.

Rising above the cabinet are four open horizontal shelves supported by vertical walnut posts framing a figured walnut veneer back panel. The shelves, executed in white lacquered wood, have gently rounded front edges and taper slightly toward the back, creating a visual lightness and a floating effect. The rich grain of the walnut veneer backdrop enhances depth and provides an elegant setting for displayed objects.

Kurt Olsen, an important figure in Danish modernism, was known for his clean lines and refined proportions in postwar furniture design. This piece exemplifies his attention to detail and material contrast, reflecting the Danish modern tradition that values craftsmanship and functional beauty. The interplay between the vertical rhythm of the tambour doors and the horizontal shelving creates dynamic visual interest.

The sideboard is in excellent vintage condition with minor signs of age. The walnut has developed a deep, even patina, while the lacquered shelves exhibit only light surface wear. All interior compartments are intact and fully functional, and the overall structure remains stable. The dimensions are 160 cm wide, 48 cm deep, and 179 cm high, approximately 63 inches by 18.9 inches by 70.5 inches.