Kurt Østervig bench

This bench or low side table, designed by Kurt Østervig and produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark during the 1950s, presents a harmonious balance of warm and cool materials within a spare, rectilinear form. The tabletop is surfaced in matte black Formica, its laminated finish bearing fine surface scratches and light abrasions consistent with decades of careful use. Surrounding this dark plane is a narrow solid oak frame, its golden-honey tones and straight grain pattern providing a tactile contrast to the smooth, monochrome top.

Beneath the surface, a slender steel subframe finished in deep black lacquer supports the piece with visual lightness. The linear arrangement of the legs and stretchers describes a simple geometric network, their straight lines reinforcing the bench’s low, horizontal profile. At each leg’s base, a short oak foot detail caps the steel tubing, subtly echoing the tabletop frame and unifying the composition of wood, metal and laminate.

Kurt Østervig (1912–1986) trained originally as a shipbuilder before turning to furniture architecture, a background that informs his precision and structural clarity. His collaboration with Jason Møbler during the post-war period produced discreetly modern forms that married organic materials with industrial processes. This piece exemplifies his approach: the oak and steel are left largely unadorned, showcasing their inherent qualities, while the Formica surface speaks to innovations in durable, hygienic finishes that were emerging at mid-century.

Jason Møbler, active in Denmark’s design heyday, was known for upholding the Danish Furnituremakers Control standards, ensuring that each piece combined technical rigor with refined finish. The bench’s construction features tightly welded joints in the steel frame, smoothly sanded oak surfaces and precisely cut laminate edges, all indicators of the workshop’s exacting craftsmanship.

Measuring 210 cm in width, 40 cm in depth and standing 41.5 cm high, this versatile piece functions as both seating and display. Its low stance and generous length make it ideal for entryways or living areas where understated elegance and practical flexibility are required. The visible signs of wear on the Formica top and the gentle patina on the oak and steel reflect a history of thoughtful use, lending the bench an authentic vintage presence that remains fully intact and structurally sound.