This Danish Modern masterpiece was designed in the 1960s by Hans Olsen for Frem Rojle. Four 3-legged chairs fit snugly with the skirt of the table, making it a perfect compact dining solution for small spaces. Its design is so economical yet almost whimsical, like a 3-dimensional puzzle or game of Tetris.
Some models include a butterfly leaf that wings open to accommodate six seats. Other variations feature slightly sturdier 4-legged chairs. Today you can snag one on eBay for just under $3,000 (which isn't that bad considering you're getting five pieces of furniture in one), though some lucky folks have scored the dining set for much less on eBay or at thrift stores, estate sales and the like.
FIRST ROW
1. My love affair with this dining set was rekindled when I spotted it in Ken's Mixed Media Dream Home.
2. Another shot from Ken's Mixed Media Dream Home.
3. This set made a splash back in the 2007 Smallest Coolest Apartment Contest in a photo of London Urchin's Jewelry Box
4. Scandinavian Mod.
5. This yellow version was found on Mid Century Modernist.
SECOND ROW
6. This 4-legged version on eBay for a steep $5,600 (yikes).
7. Some consider this to be IKEA's very own version of the Hans Olsen original. Fusion, $299.
Images: As linked above.
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Looks trim, and the triangular seats look comfortable, but the backs look uncomfortable. OTOH, appearances can be deceiving, especially in seating. It's worth trying out seating repeatedly before buying it.
I've loved this design since the first moment I saw it!
I am very happy with my 6 seater set. Not the most comfortable chairs, but they function perfectly in a small space!
I wanted one of these in the worst way and didn't rest until I'd purchased one. They are strictly for style, not comfort. The table is fine for a quick meal or snack, but forget any idea of a lingering meal with friends. Those chairs are very, very impractical for fine dining.
It was a case of be careful what you wish for, you may regret your dream.
Such a gorgeous design -- but not the Ikea. That one looks like a cheap toy set.
It's visually pleasing but always reminds me of the dread before parent teacher conference.
My parents have had the set in #6 for over thirty years. The chair seats come off easily for changing up the covering. Love it.
All of those look great. I think the Ikea dining set featured here is one of their better looking products, too.
A former boyfriend's parents had the 4-legged chair version. It was elegant then, and is elegant now.
Very elegant. Very stilish. Beautiful.
I can't imagine parking myself on that triangle seat for long enough to eat...I love the sixth one, though! And I just adore the practicality of these sets.
Yes, it's empirically beautiful. But if it isn't comfortable, is it really good design? I don't think so.
Wish I had the money for this! Any other suggestions for great "compact" seating options? I have seen the bar tables with stools that sit underneath, etc.
@mollymc181, I got a 42" diameter round pedestal dining table that my poker chairs tuck under well. It's very comfortable and compact, but probably not stylish.
@overture: who says it isn't comfortable?
I finally scored the leafed table on ebay for a song. No chairs, but I'm waiting to find the full seats. That ikea version...you want it to be amazing but it is so teeny tiny and chintzy that it just makes you long for the real deal.
The comfort of the same seating varies from person to person. I don't take any one's word for what's comfortable except to that person. Some of my home's seating is very comfortable for my husband, some for me, and some for our dogs!
I just found a table last week in the very north of Holland and chairs (the three legged ones) in Antwerp (Belgium) in the same week - they're now combined at my home and I payed no more than € 670. They look as if the were never separated :)
@overture: who says it isn't comfortable?
posted by fulinlin on September 29th 2011 at 4:03pm
answer to funlin; someone who spent $2300 to own the set and regrets it. I agree that "comfort" may be somewhat subjective, but these chairs are not comfortable in anyone's world IMO. I'm a petite woman, and they are not comfy. I can't imagine how they would feel to anyone weighing over 120#.
I love the style (my home is exclusively vintage Danish MCM) but I would be remiss in not speaking out to fellow AT who covet this set and think they are somehow missing out if they can't locate, or afford one.
As I wrote on our post about the Olsen set at the Mid-Century Modernist, the IKEA version should only be mentioned in that it is a lame copy. The chairs are so uncomfortable it's hard to imagine anyone actually sat in them before it went into production. IKEA had a chance to do something useful (as they actually have done with other "inspired" designs) and failed miserably.