Kurt Østervig nesting tables

This rare set of nesting tables, designed by Kurt Østervig and produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark, exemplifies the functional elegance and material richness characteristic of Danish mid-century design. Known for his refined sensibility and commitment to craftsmanship, Østervig approached even utilitarian furniture forms—like nesting tables—with sculptural attention and practical intelligence.

Crafted from rosewood, the table tops feature striking natural grain patterns in warm reddish-brown hues. The wood’s high oil content and dense structure give it both visual depth and durability. The grain flows across each surface with a sense of continuity, offering a rich, tactile presence that distinguishes these tables from more conventional nesting sets.

The rectangular tops are finished with gently rounded edges, a detail that softens the overall geometry and reflects Østervig’s signature balance between crisp form and organic touch. Beneath the surfaces, the black-painted cylindrical legs provide a strong contrast to the rosewood, emphasizing the modernist silhouette while also contributing to the tables’ structural clarity. The legs are tapered subtly, a nod to the lightness and visual elevation so often sought in Scandinavian furniture.

The set is designed for compact storage and flexible use: the smaller tables slide effortlessly under the larger one, thanks to well-proportioned clearances and precise joinery. This nesting function allows for dynamic arrangements in living spaces, offering versatility for use as occasional tables, side tables, or low consoles.

Measuring 149.5 cm in width, 30 cm in depth, and 46 cm in height (approximately 58.9 × 11.8 × 18.1 inches), the overall footprint is slim and horizontal, making the set ideal for placement along a wall or behind a sofa. The long, narrow form is both space-efficient and architecturally expressive.

In terms of condition, the rosewood surfaces exhibit light wear consistent with age, including minor surface scuffs and subtle darkening, which enhance the vintage character without detracting from the integrity or finish of the wood. The black-painted legs are in similarly good condition, showing small marks that are typical of well-preserved mid-century pieces.

Kurt Østervig (1912–1986) was a leading figure in Danish furniture design, known for his architectural training and dedication to material honesty. His work often merged refined joinery with clean forms, and he collaborated with several respected Danish manufacturers throughout the 1950s and 60s. Jason Møbler, the producer of this set, was known for executing designer commissions with precision, often in richly grained hardwoods such as rosewood and teak.