Danish Modern Teak Chest of Drawers
Sven Ellekær for Albert Hansen, Denmark, c.1950s
Danish Modern Chest of Drawers by Sven Ellekær for Albert Hansen
A refined Danish modern chest of drawers designed by Sven Ellekær and produced by Albert Hansen in Denmark during the 1950s — a piece that reflects the understated elegance and functional clarity that defined Scandinavian cabinetmaking at its best. Four generously sized drawers sit within a clean rectilinear frame, their subtly recessed teak handles introducing just enough sculptural detail without drawing attention to themselves. The composition is calm and deliberate, letting the natural warmth of the grain do the work. The tapered legs lift the piece off the floor with a lightness that belies its generous storage capacity. The drawers run smoothly on wood-on-wood slides — the kind of considered construction that doesn't announce itself but reveals itself every time you use the piece. The Danish Furniture Makers' Control stamp is present inside the drawer, confirming both Danish origin and adherence to the strict quality standards required for certification.The piece has been professionally restored and refinished, bringing out the depth and warmth of the teak while preserving its original character.
A functional storage piece with a distinctly sculptural presence.
A timeless and versatile example of Danish modern furniture design, ideal for use as a bedroom chest, sideboard alternative, or sculptural storage piece within a contemporary interior.
Designer: Sven Ellekaer
Manufacturer: Albert Hansens Møbelfabrik
Country: Denmark
Period: c1950s
Materials: Teak
Measurements: W:100cm D:40cm H:72cm
Condition: Presented in very good vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age and use, it has been gently refinished.
Designer Profile — Sven Ellekær (1926–1984)
Sven Ellekær was a Danish furniture designer active during the mid-20th century, working throughout the 1950s and 1960s during the height of the Scandinavian modern movement.
He collaborated with a number of established Danish manufacturers, including Komfort, Chr. Linnebergs Møbelfabrik, Jensen & Mølholm, Heltborg Møbler, Rolschau Møbler and Jason Møbler. Ellekær’s work also extended beyond Denmark, most notably through his designs for Vatne Møbler in Norway and Coja in the Netherlands.
His designs are characterised by refined proportions, sculptural restraint, and a clear emphasis on functionality — qualities consistent with the broader principles of Danish modern design. Across his body of work, Ellekær demonstrated a strong sensitivity to form and material, often working in teak and other fine timbers to create pieces that are both practical and visually enduring.
Among his most recognisable designs is the distinctive three-legged lounge chair series produced in the early 1960s for Chr. Linnebergs Møbelfabrik, which highlights his ability to combine structural innovation with expressive form.
While relatively little biographical information about Ellekær is widely documented, his work remains well regarded for its craftsmanship, clarity of design, and contribution to the legacy of mid-century Scandinavian furniture.
Photographed in natural light in our studio.
As with many quality Mid-Century pieces, this design thoughtfully pairs solid wood construction with a premium wood veneer—an approach widely used at the time to highlight beautiful grain patterns while ensuring lasting stability.
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.
Prices do not include delivery.
Contact us to arrange to view, discuss collection or if you have any queries.
We deliver locally within Cape Town for a small fee and can accommodate collection by courier or in person. Collections must be made within two weeks of purchase as we cannot hold furniture for extended periods.
Delivery is outsourced and priced as accurately as possible based on current courier rates, distance, and fuel costs. Final quotes may vary slightly depending on item size and location.
Working with vintage pieces means celebrating the character and history each item holds. While we maintain high standards, our pieces are not new — gentle wear and age-related patina are part of their story.
Although we carefully clean and lightly restored each item to honour its original state, most of our furniture dates from the pre-1980s era, and subtle signs of age may still be visible. We make every effort to highlight any notable details or concerns.
We provide detailed photographs, including overall views and close-ups of notable details, which form part of the condition report. We encourage you to review these images carefully, and if you have any questions or would like further clarity, we’re always happy to assist, viewings are welcome by appointment.
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 marksUnfortunately 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 R250 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.
For peace of mind, we recommend arranging cover for your shipment with your own insurance provider during transit.
Please refer to our Shipping Policy
Restoration Process:
In our studio workshop, every item undergoes an 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
