Extendable coffee table, model 5362, designed by Børge Mogensen, Fredericia, Denmark, 1960s

Description

An icon of Danish modernism in an exceptionally functional form. This extendable coffee table was designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik in the 1960s, a period when the designer was consistently developing his vision of furniture that was simple, durable and shaped by everyday use. The table is catalogued under model number 5362.

Its distinctive, understated form conceals a well-considered mechanism: two drop-leaf side sections allow the table to be extended from a compact 80 × 80 cm to a width of 160 cm. It is an excellent example of Scandinavian functionalism, in which technical ingenuity remains almost invisible while the piece retains an elegant, composed silhouette.

The table is made of teak, whose warm honey-brown tone and natural grain beautifully emphasise the timeless character of the design. Its fine patina further highlights the craftsmanship of this piece, which remains in its original vintage condition.

Model 5362 perfectly illustrates Mogensen’s philosophy: to design things that do not need to be showy in order to remain relevant. Proportion, material and function come together here to create a coherent whole. The piece feels equally at home in a minimalist interior or surrounded by classics of Danish design.

A partial label has been preserved. It is located beneath the tabletop.

Børge Mogensen lived from 1914 to 1972. He was one of the pioneers who laid the foundations of Danish design as a culture of furniture design. His life’s ambition was to create durable and useful furniture that would enrich everyday life. Mogensen’s ideal was to create furniture with a restrained aesthetic. He believed that furniture should create a sense of calm and have a modest appearance that encouraged people to live without pretension. In 1950, Mogensen opened a private design studio, and shortly afterwards, in 1952, began working with the young interior architect and entrepreneur Andreas Graversen, who later became the owner of Fredericia Furniture. Mogensen received the Eckersberg Medal in 1950 and the C.F. Hansen Medal in 1972. In 1971, he and Andreas Graversen received the Danish Furniture Prize for their contribution to the Danish furniture industry; in 1972, Mogensen was appointed Royal Honorary Designer. Examples of Mogensen’s designs can be seen in leading design museums around the world.

The Fredericia company was founded in 1911 as Fredericia Stolefabrik by entrepreneur NP Ravnsø, who successfully ran the enterprise until his death in 1936. From the outset, Ravnsø wanted his company to be known for exceptionally high quality, and during his tenure he employed only the most highly skilled craftsmen. This made Fredericia Stolefabrik renowned for high-quality furniture in a range of styles. Fredericia’s first luxury collection was based on methodologies fashionable in Denmark in the 1920s, namely antique furniture in Central European and English styles. Fredericia was granted exclusive rights to produce and distribute collections of chairs under the German Thonet brand in Scandinavia. Under the leadership of Børge Mogensen, Danish cooperative FDB initiated a furniture programme aimed at renewing Danish furniture culture and creating modern, functional and useful furniture.

Literature: Per H. Hansen, Klaus Petersen: Den store danske møbelguide, Lindhardt og Ringhof, 2015, p. 250.

The table has been preserved in its original vintage condition. It has minor scratches associated with age and use.

The colours of the products shown in the photographs may differ slightly from the actual colours. This is due to individual monitor settings and the type of lighting—the photographs were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of the shades. We nevertheless strive to ensure that the photographs reflect the actual appearance of the product as accurately as possible. The listing may include photographs of the item in an interior setting. These are for illustrative purposes only.