Understated, streamlined, sleek and versatile, mid-century coffee tables blend seamlessly with almost any decor. Usually very sturdy and un-fussy, Danish Modern coffee tables were often made with teak, a particularly durable and pest-resistant wood, though rosewood and European oak were also used. In these tables, form and function intersect in a way likely to prove timeless—not just trendy.
When we think of Danish Modern, many iconic designers spring to mind, including Hans Olsen, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, and Hans Wegner. A genuine Danish Modern piece by one of these designers is just a pipe dream for many of us.
Still, there are many affordable Danish teak coffee tables to be found in consignment stores and estate sales; through Craigslist and Ebay; and through many online and brick-and-mortar vintage furniture retailers. It is relatively easy to find well-priced and well-maintained Danish Modern coffee tables in part because the original materials and craftsmanship were so solid and reliable but also because the Danish Modern style, as it evolved, was designed mainly for the middle classes.
In an interview in Collectors Weekly, Andrew Hollingsworth, the author of Danish Modern, explains that Danish Modern reached its peak popularity in the post World War II era, a time of "suburban expansion and the growth of families. The furniture was very solid, well made, and family-friendly. ...It was always designed to live among people, to fit in with everything that was going on in a household."
Our post How To: Take Care of Your Danish Modern Score, gives a nice summary of how best to care for Danish Modern teak furniture, which should be oiled regularly with teak oil (not Murphy's Oil Soap and certainly not furniture polish like Pledge). To avoid rings and marks, avoid getting teak wet and always use coasters!
Images:
FIRST ROW
• 1 Anne, Alex and Augie’s Appealing Abode.
• 2 Christopher’s “El Corazon” Mission Flat.
• 3 Julie’s Jubilant Loft.
• 4 Greg and Laura’s Space Maximizing Bungalow.
• 5 Molly & Raul’s Green Muse.
SECOND ROW
• 6 Carrie’s Cool Calm and Collected House Tour.
• 7 Liz’s Durham Digs.
• 8 Cate’s California Cottage.
• 9 Meg and Brad’s Student Sanctuary.
• 10 Examples of Danish Modern coffee tables on sale online. Clockwise from top. One from Danish Modern LA for $695. Another from Etsy member Fabulous mess, $450. And a third from 1st Dibs for $550.
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I picked my danish table off the street. I love living among housewives who love to throw things away.
Not a fan. It seems like everyone picks up on these design trends, then beats it to death.
Chimpo add to the list danish table, animal heads, animal prints, poufs, shag carpet your turn
What are the slatted tables/benches then? I thought those were the same era, but clearly I don't know. Please someone tell me.
I recently found a very unique version on Craigslist ... from a link on AT Scavenger! It's actually Swedish, has a woven bottom shelf, and a travertine top (don't need coasters!) I LOVE it, and got loads of positive comments from family and friends who saw it over the holidays.
@ Elizabeth II I believe you're thinking of a George Nelson bench. I have one and I use it as my coffee table. I love it.
Oh geez, my roommate and I had one of these in college. It was her mom's old coffee table and we painted it white or something awful like that! It was a really nice table looking back. I'd love to have one now, like the streamlined design of it!
I have a Danish coffee table that belonged to my grandmother and I love it. Looks just like the first pic. :)
I'm tired of the word "trendy".
But they're so expensive! Anyone have cheaper suggestions?
Horseman Antiques has an excellent selection of Danish Modern coffee tables. We bought one for our living room a few months ago, and the warm wood and clean lines look terrific with our mix of traditional and MCM furniture. You can find Horseman Antiques on eBay, but it's def. worth a trip to the showrooms if you're near NYC or New Jersey.
@susanrohwer Table #7 is actually from Ikea. Maybe I live in a depressed area, but I've also seen some in vintage shops for similar prices, which is quite reasonable for solid wood furniture.
WANT.
I see a ton of matchy - matchy on this site. If you look closely, you will see the same exact print (artwork) in two of the homes. That really freaks me out. Why does everyone think artwork that is mass produced is kool? Example: very tired use of Keep Calm poster, is it just me because I am sick of seeing it in every single home! Otherwise the homes are great and I like the ones that are not perfect because you know some one actually loves their stuff.
L loved that , espcialy the colour and style, very nice
@ topherburk
Thanks. I did mean the George Nelson bench, indeed, which I thought of as MCM Danish too, so was curious why it wasn't listed/shown here. I also use a hand-me-down one as my coffee table.
I love the $5 craigslisted one I have in my living room--same style as the 1st photo--even though it's not in the best of shape (at least I don't have to be militant about coasters?). I like its proportion with the long sofa I have...
http://monochromaticdynamic.blogspot.com/2010/12/birds-eye-view.html.
It could probably stand to be redone for optimal impact, but then basically all my craigslist furniture could!
I absolutely love our teak coffee table--inherited from my grandparents. Something that still looks beautiful and is still solidly functional after almost 50 years isn't a trend, it's a classic.