Danish Modern pair of bedside tables in teak by Børge Mogensen

An elegant pair of Danish bedside tables by Børge Mogensen, made in teak and produced by Søborg Møbler, Denmark, circa 1950s.

 

An exceptionally rare find, this original pair showcases Mogensen’s dedication to refined utility and understated elegance. Each table is executed with meticulous attention to detail, featuring softly rounded, integrated legs, a raised gallery edge to prevent items from slipping, a finely dovetailed drawer for essentials, and a lower shelf ideal for books or periodicals. A quintessential example of Mogensen’s timeless design ethos, combining functional clarity with quiet sophistication.

 

Design Period

1950 to 1959

Country of Manufacture

Denmark

Creator

Mogensen, Børge

Maker

Søborg Møbelfabrik

Dimensions:

h55 cm x 48 cm x 31 cm

Condition:

Good vintage condition. We have carefully refurbished and refinished this piece to preserve the heritage. As is characteristic of vintage pieces, there is a natural degree of age-related patina. This includes small areas of veneer loss that have been carefully repaired and is barely noticeable.

 

 

Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) – Master of Functional Danish Design

 

Børge Mogensen was one of Denmark’s most influential mid-century designers, renowned for his dedication to functional, high-quality furniture that emphasised simplicity, craftsmanship, and longevity. A key figure in Danish Modernism, Mogensen believed in creating designs that were accessible to the everyday user, championing a democratic approach to furniture-making.

 

Born in Aalborg, Denmark, in 1914, Mogensen studied at the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts and later worked under influential Danish designer Kaare Klint. Klint’s emphasis on practicality, proportions, and material integrity deeply influenced Mogensen’s design philosophy, shaping his commitment to understated, well-constructed furniture. Mogensen also taught furniture design and participated in exhibitions and competitions, such as the 1948 International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, which he entered together with his friend Hans Wegner.

 

Mogensen was appointed head of the Danish Cooperative Wholesale Society’s furniture design studio in the 1940s, where he developed pieces that prioritised everyday functionality. In 1950, he established his own studio, collaborating with renowned Danish manufacturers such as Fredericia and Søborg Møbelfabrik.

His work is characterised by solid wood construction, restrained aesthetics, and meticulous attention to ergonomics. While his designs often drew from traditional furniture forms—particularly the Shaker movement, ethnic arts, Japanese carvings, and historic works —he refined them with a modern sensibility, resulting in timeless pieces that remain highly sought after.

Mogensen’s approach was pragmatic; he favoured honest materials like oak, teak, and leather, ensuring his furniture aged beautifully over time. Unlike some of his contemporaries who leaned toward experimental or sculptural forms, Mogensen’s work exuded quiet sophistication, making it adaptable to a range of interiors.

 

Some of his most iconic designs include the Spanish Chair, a leather and oak lounge chair inspired by traditional Spanish furniture, and the J39 Shaker Chair, which exemplifies his dedication to simple, durable, and practical design.

 

Over his lifetime Mogensen received many prestigious awards. In 1950, he was awarded the Eckersberg Medal, he won the Danish Furniture Prize in 1971 and in 1972, was awarded the C.F. Hansen Medal, and appointed Honorary Royal Designer for Industry at the Royal Society of Arts in London.

Børge Mogensen's legacy endures as his designs continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and enduring quality. His work has left an enduring legacy on the world of furniture design, contributing to the global appreciation of Danish modernism.

 

Børge Mogensen’s influence on Scandinavian design is enduring. His furniture remains a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship, continuing to be produced by brands like Fredericia. His philosophy—designing furniture that serves people’s needs without excess ornamentation—resonates strongly in contemporary design, securing his place as a master of Danish Modernism.

 

“ My goal is to create items that serve people and give them the leading role, instead of forcing them to adapt to the items. ”

Børge Mogensen

 

- Reference 

 

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.