Iconic Danish Teak ‘Smile’ Table by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1950s

This exceptional coffee table, designed by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, Denmark in 1958,  is in a league of its own. 
If you were to compile a list of the top 10 Danish modern designs, the iconic "Smile" table would undoubtedly be included. Due to its rarity, it also comes with a premium price tag.

 

Johannes Andersen's most collectible and rare design, the "Smile" coffee table, succeeds as being functional as well as playful and elegant. 

 

The coffee table has a beautifully constructed sleek teak body with a centre pocket magazine shelf ’below deck’, a "smile" shape access slot moulded into the table giving the table its name, supported by elegantly splayed legs. 

 

This coffee table is a true work of art, capturing the essence of Danish Mid-Century Modern design. Johannes Andersen was a master of this style, and his iconic Smile Coffee Table is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

This is an iconic design and will definitely be a conversation piece. The distinctive design is visually striking and practical, offering ample storage space while adding a touch of elegance to any room.

And with its rarity, owning a smile coffee table is a testament to the appreciation of fine design and unique craftsmanship, a true treasure of Danish furniture heritage and a coveted piece of design history.

 

If you are a lover of Danish Modern design, the Smile coffee table is a must-have statement piece that will enhance any space it graces.
 

Designer: Johannes Andersen
Manufacturer: CFC Silkeborg
Period: 1960s
Origin: Denmark
Material(s): Teak
Dimensions: H. 50 x W. 135 x L. 52 cm

Condition:  This table is remarkably well-preserved considering its age, exhibiting only subtle signs of wear — please refer to the photos for a closer look.  It has been restored with repairs, preserving its exquisite appearance, wear and patina due to age use.

 

 

Johannes Andersen
Johannes Andersen is one of Denmark's iconic designers who significantly shaped mid-century modern design. A virtually unmatched number of furniture items have been produced based on his designs by a number of furniture makers. Embracing the consumption boom of the fifties and sixties, Andersen focused primarily on seating, such as chairs and sofas, and on tables, often crafted from teak and rosewood. His designs for CF Christensen (CFC Silkeborg), like the Smile table and the faceted coffee table, are particularly emblematic of his style.
Andersen’s work is highly sought after by collectors who appreciate the rich quality and visually pleasing design elements he incorporated. His designs are valued for their distinctive shaping, elegant lines, and cool aesthetics, hallmarks of the Scandinavian style.
 
From: 1903 - 1991, Aarhus
Background: Trained as a cabinet maker from 1920 - 1922
Design Studio: Opened his own design studio in the mid-1930s and designed for numerous Scandinavian furniture makers
Signature:
Andersen’s work is characterized by unique Scandinavian design principles, but he infused them with his own distinct style. His use of animalesque curves and space-age shapes is particularly notable, best exemplified by his Smile coffee table.
Manufacturer:
Johannes Andersen worked with several prestigious manufacturers, not limiting to but including:
* CFC Silkeborg
* Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
* Trensum
* Hovedstadens Møbel & Madrasfabrik
* Bramin
* Brdr Andersens Møbelfabrik
* Uldum Møbelfabrik
Masterpieces:
* Sculptural Smile Table (COMING SOON)
* Capri Sofa: Gained international fame for its sophisticated and timeless design
 
Johannes Andersen's designs continue to be celebrated for their elegance and innovation, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of mid-century modern furniture.

 

 

 

We try to capture the condition of our items in our photographs as best as possible. Prior to dispatch all items are carefully cleaned and re-coated with danish oil to ensure your item is looking its best when delivered.

 

Restoration Process:

In our studio workshop, every item undergoes a meticulous inspection and careful restoration process. We prioritize maintaining the original charm and patina of the piece, while also making it a beautiful addition to modern interiors.

 

Our Approach Includes:

• Examining and reinforcing the joints
• Cleaning the wood and removing any stains
• Conducting veneer repairs as necessary
• Polishing or refinishing surfaces to enhance their appearance

 

 

Prices do not include delivery.

 

Cape Town delivery is calculated at check-out.

 

For delivery outside Cape Town please contact us. Delivery to these areas is quoted based on the item's dimensions. We can unfortunately not reserve any items until transport has been finalized.

 

We can arrange shipping in Cape Town and arrange or recommend courier for the rest of the country. 

For larger items, we work with an external service that can handle your delivery. Delivery is made by appointment and we make every effort to give you a 2-hour time window on the date of delivery.

​Please note that most shippers deliver alone so you may be expected to help on one end in bringing your piece inside. Please be aware that additional charges may apply in cases of access challenges, such as stairs, etc.

Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.

 

We deliver locally within Cape Town for a fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person.  Collections must be made within 7 days of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods. 

 

For local Cape Town deliveries: We provide a complimentary layer of bubble wrap in our packaging. However, for a more thorough and secure wrapping approach to guarantee the safe arrival of your item, we suggest opting for our comprehensive packaging solution. This solution encompasses multiple layers of bubble wrap, cardboard and foam as needed, and pallet wrap. There is an additional charge of R150-350, depending on the size of the item, to cover the cost of this enhanced service and materials. To arrange for this option, kindly get in touch with us via email: vintageclubhq@gmail.com

 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

 

As to be expected with vintage items, this item may have minor amounts of wear. All of our items are available to view prior to purchase.

Although all effort is made to lightly refurbish and clean our furniture to best represent their original state, it must be noted that the majority of the items we source date from before 1980’s. For this reason signs of their vintage condition & age might still be visible. We try to point out any visible concerns. 

Please note that all items are described to the best of our ability, we strongly encourage our clients to closely inspect item photos, descriptions, and details before purchasing anything. Please review all images as they are considered part of the item description. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

 

VINTAGE CONDITIONS:

excellent - Like new, exhibiting minimal to no indications of wear, with scarcely any visible signs of age or use.
very good - Light use marks and signs of age, such as minor scratches and minimal wear on areas like feet or inconspicuous spots on veneer or leather.
good - Displays light to moderate scratches, with some more noticeable blemishes. May have small damages and stains, and the possibility of ring marks. Leather may exhibit small rips. 
fair - Exhibits more pronounced scratches, including lighter ones in many prominent areas (e.g., the top of a sideboard). Leather may show tears and stress marks

Unfortunately we currently only deliver in Cape Town area, but you are welcome to arrange courier on your side, we can also arrange on your behalf. 

Shipment outside of Cape Town is NOT calculated at check-out and is quoted based on the item's dimensions and or weight.

Unfortunately we can not reserve any items until shipping has been finalized (the item should be purchased and checked out, with payment confirmation received if paid via EFT).

After purchase, we can assist you with costs from our preferred supplier. 

Please note that all items shipped outside of Cape Town are wrapped extensively, we charge a small packaging fee depending on the item, starting cost of R150 per individual item. The cost of wrapping depends on the size of the item. For ALL our items, especially fragile items, i.e. glass and mirrors we recommend professional crating.

 

For fragile items or items that have glass elements we don't recommend shipment and transport outside of Cape Town. 

 

Please refer to our Shipping Policy

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