Mid-Century Danish Modern, Why So Popular...

Photo by: stiefelkombinat-berlin / TRUE VINTAGE NUSSBAUM SIDEBOARD 60er danish modern 70er

In complete honesty, I'm still learning about the Danish Modern Movement that took an unexpected leap in the early fifties. Yes, I know that Danish modern did exist as early as the 30's (from what I can find), but it really took the design world by storm in the 50's. 

Seemingly, the design professionals had taken note as early as the mid 40's, but with all the war stuff still having it's effect, it wasn't until the late 40's that people really could take it to heart, as to just how different it really was.

As you probably know, Mid-Century Danish Modern furniture is one of the most popular styles of furniture for people to look for and try and get their hands on. In the past 10-15 years, it, along with most other forms of mcm furniture have become highly valued once again. Why so?

Photo by: panda2008amanda /

Danish Modern Solid Teak Dinner Plate - Mid Century - Signed Wiggers - 1960's

High Quality Materials
One reason is materials used at that time are of very high quality. As is the case of most vintage/antique furniture, even the "knock-offs" (copies of the original manufactures) designs were made of better quality materials than most furniture today. Therefore, even with the pieces being quite old now, in terms of furniture age, you can generally get a good and sturdy piece for a decent price and a little repair work. 

Teak is possibly one of the most famous materials that were used in MCMDanish Modern furniture. It's traditionalism of being Danish, not to mention its strength, warmth, and beautiful tone made it a perfect material for ModernDanish furniture. Much of the materials used in American Mid-Century Modern Furniture were also used in MCM Danish Modern design as well. Woods such as Oak, Rosewood, and Walnut are also common to find. Even though many consider teak to be the more authentic or traditional material of Retro Danish Modern design. 

Other materials were commonly used as well. As is the case, Mid-Century Modern furniture borrowed heavily from the design concepts of it's predecessor, Bauhaus. Even though much of what was designed and developed during the Bauhaus movement was a bit weightier in form (not all, but most), Mid-Century DanishModern definitely borrowed from it in various ways. One such way was the designer’s use of metals, acrylics, leathers, and plastics. Still, almost every one of the materials used were of a better quality than those produced today for the mass market. 

Workmanship/Quality of Craftsmanship
Another reason that many people like the Mid-Century Danish Modern furniture is the quality of craftsmanship. Once again, the originals are of the best quality, but even the knock-offs of the time are generally worth their price. Quality of work in the late 40's- early 60's really meant something at that time. Therefore, it can be fairly easy to find a decently sturdy piece of furniture that can be used upon purchase or with the minimal of investment and work. 

Reparation
As mentioned above, typically the workmanship and material quality of Mid-century Modern Danish furniture was of a high quality, especially in comparison with that of today. Therefore, reparations of Danish Modern furniture is considerably more feasible and allows one to not only use, but maintain, and even restore these pieces to an almost brand new appearance. This allows for the owner to have a unique piece that lasts for a long period of time, and typically is more affordable in the long run. 

Photo by: lebensweyse / TRI O VINTAGE 

MID CENTURY MODERN CEILING LAMP ~ DANISH 

PLAFONNIERE POST ART DECO

Styling
While all of what is mentioned above is true, you may be thinking... Those are not the reasons that I want to buy, or that I got into Mid-Century Danish Modern Furniture. I know that too. However, I think that the aforementioned factors are equally as important to mention as the styling, so people should can be educated. 

Facts are... MCM Danish Modern Furniture is cool. It's sculpted, it's airy, and it's art that is truly functional. Due to its form and stance, DanishModern furniture tends to exude a more futuristic styling in the space that it's placed, but without it being harsh or creating a cold air in the ambient space. There are few notable design aspects to a "typically" Mid-Century Modern Danish piece, and we will investigate these in more detail in the following post.

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