Mid-Century Danish Modern

Photo Source: midcenturymodernfurniturethenandnow.com

In my searches for great facebook groups to share my interests with, I've found the following: Mid Century Modern, Mid Century Modern Chicago, Modernists, Midcentury Items Buy Sell or Trade, Mid Century Modern Design, Friends of Atomic Ranch, Mid Mod Muse, Retro Shopping, Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, and West German Pottery just to name a few. What I didn't find, was a group that focused on Mid-Century Danish Modern Design.

I spent some time looking for a group like this due to a post that I have written recently; Functional Art: Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamps. When I didn't find what I was looking for, I decided to start my own group. You got it, Mid-Century Danish Modern. What might you find, or what might you add to this group? Well, any Danish pieces that are Mid-Century Modern or pieces that fit the Mid-Century Modern Danish styling, including ones designed and made today. Lets talk about a few examples.

My recent post on Danish Mid-Century Modern Lamps: Functional Art: Mid-Century Modern Danish Lamps shows some good examples of lamps that are clearly Mid-Century Danish Modern. However, there are many pieces that are made today that follow that same train of thought, and design style. Sofas, beds, end/coffee tables, dressers, and lamps are all being crafted that scream Mid-Century Danish inspiration. Some of these pieces are from actual Danish designers. Some are not. Still, what really matters, is if the design fits. Not the age or origin.

Below, I'm going to show a few pieces that are original Mid-Century Danish modern pieces. Take a good look, and really study these pieces. With each piece, I'm going to add my own personal design observations and what draws me to each piece.

Photo Source: www.antiquehelper.com

Here we have a beautiful example of Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa Design. For me the first thing that catches my eye is the balance between sharp corners and soft rounded curves. I love the sweeping curve on the lower right and left corners, the back, and on the top of the side cushions. If left to themselves, these soft curves could overpower the look of this couch. However, the addition of the very thin lower structural line and the sharp corners create a strong and checked balance. Such a long sweeping curve on the back of the couch and the long radius soft curves on the lower corners with the super flat cushions have the potential of creating a monolithic shape for this sofa. However, in typical Danish design precision, this sofa has a wonderfully light and almost floating appearance due to the well designed, thin legs. By using such simple, but shaped legs, this piece now lives in the room. Floating instead of weighing the room down. Using the teal also helps with the visual weight so as not to create an overbearing appearance.

Photo Source: Revitalized Artistry on Etsy.com

Revitalized Artistry has taken the effort to restore this piece so that we can enjoy it in it's almost brand new glory. How happy, and thankful we are to them for their incredible, and hard work.

This piece always catches my eye because of the great visual balance that it achives. Having a bone white base, with contrasted drawers and legs gives it a nice look that sits solid, but not to heavy. Using the white on the center drawer backing also accentuates the dimension used on the geometrical drawer accents. Allowing us to see the piece in a true 3d form.

Using softly rounded drawer pulls on each side, tie in the center piece and legs nicely, while braking up the sharp edged rectangle that makes up the outside case. Even the slightly sculpted legs are great. Placement and color of the legs lend to a blending in into the shadows and floor, yet still providing enough design to not distract from the overall aesthetic if and when in viewing range.

Photo Source: braxtonandyancey.blogspot.com

This piece is a bit difficult for me to find, or define, what attracts more of my attention. However, if I have to choose, I'd say that the legs are, by far, my favorite aspect of this piece. While I'm sure they hold this piece quite securely. I love how they look so laid back, fragile and jetset. This table just flows so well together. In fine Danish modern style, the tabletop has a beautifully "sharp", but extremely fluid reversed beveled edge. Giving a false perception of it being ultra thin, while providing a very sturdy and rigid table top.  Then there's that floating table top that looks super futuristic. Creating a dimension that exists, but at the same time, almost doesn't. If the the dimensional top wasn't fantastic enough, they had to throw the traditionaly sculptured taper to the glass table supports, creating a sense of confusion. Making one wonder if this table should actually be used or not. Doubting if it's a piece of furniture or just a really nice sculpture in the shape of a table.

As you can see from the above, there is no shortage of pieces that fit into the Mid-Century Danish Modern group description for your choosing. If you have any information on pieces, or sites that give details on designers and technical aspects, share them too. Even though I made no mention of them earlier in this post, sculptures, accents, decor objects, architecture, and art are also all welcomed as well. So, please feel free to join the group,  or just simply stop by and see what's going on.