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Royal System Wall System, Poul Cadovius, Denmark, 1960s
€ 2.595,00
1 in stock
English
Royal System Wall System, Poul Cadovius, Denmark, 1960s
Designed by Poul Cadovius, this Royal System wall unit combines open shelving with three enclosed storage elements in a light, architectural composition. Three black wall-mounted uprights support the rosewood cabinets and shelves, allowing the entire system to remain visually open and suspended from the floor.
The rosewood shows a rich variation in grain throughout, particularly across the upper cabinet and the broad surfaces of the lower units. The upper cabinet is fitted with four sliding doors with recessed circular finger pulls, while the lower left cabinet uses a simpler pair of sliding doors with an internal shelf. The lower right cabinet forms a particularly distinctive element, with a lockable drop-front door finished in a geometric inlaid pattern. Inside are two pull-out trays and an original black metal bottle rack, indicating its use as a compact bar cabinet.
The open shelves are supported by slender black metal wire brackets that hook into the perforated uprights. This construction is typical of Cadovius’ modular approach, allowing the individual elements to be repositioned as required. The contrast between the dark metal structure and the warm rosewood gives the system a strong but restrained presence.
The complete system has been fully restored, carefully cleaned and fully inspected. The rosewood has been treated with a high-quality furniture oil after restoration, restoring depth to the grain while preserving its natural character. It remains in very good vintage condition with minor signs of age and use.
Designer: Poul Cadovius
Manufacturer: Cado
Origin: Denmark
Period: 1960s
Materials: Rosewood veneer, rosewood, metal, brass
Dimensions
Overall: Height: 198 cm, Width: 164 cm
Cabinets: Height: 42.5 cm, Width: 80 cm, Depth: 37.5 cm
Shelves: Width: 80 cm, Depth: 24 cm
Condition: Fully restored and in very good vintage condition. Carefully cleaned and fully inspected. The rosewood has been treated with a high-quality furniture oil after restoration.
Nederlands
Royal System Wandsysteem, Poul Cadovius, Denemarken, jaren 1960
Dit Royal System wandsysteem van Poul Cadovius combineert open legplanken met drie gesloten kastelementen in een lichte, architectonische compositie. Drie zwarte wandlatten dragen de palissander kasten en planken, waardoor het systeem volledig vrij van de vloer blijft en een open, zwevend karakter behoudt.
Het palissander toont een rijke en gevarieerde houttekening, met name op de bovenkast en de brede oppervlakken van de onderste elementen. De bovenkast is voorzien van vier schuifdeuren met verzonken ronde vingergrepen. De onderste linker kast heeft twee schuifdeuren en een interne legplank. Rechts bevindt zich een opvallende afsluitbare klepkast met een geometrisch ingelegd front. Binnenin bevinden zich twee uittrekbare trays en een origineel zwart metalen flessenrek, passend bij het gebruik als compacte barkast.
De open planken rusten op slanke zwarte metalen draadsteunen die in de geperforeerde wandlatten worden gehaakt. Deze modulaire constructie maakt het mogelijk de afzonderlijke onderdelen naar wens te verplaatsen. Het contrast tussen het donkere metalen frame en het warme palissander geeft het geheel een duidelijke maar ingetogen uitstraling.
Het volledige systeem is volledig gerestaureerd, zorgvuldig gereinigd en volledig geïnspecteerd. Het palissander is na restauratie behandeld met hoogwaardige meubelolie, waardoor de diepte van de houttekening opnieuw naar voren komt zonder het natuurlijke karakter aan te tasten. Het geheel verkeert in zeer goede vintage staat met slechts lichte sporen van ouderdom en gebruik.
Designer: Poul Cadovius
Manufacturer: Cado
Origin: Denemarken
Period: jaren 1960
Materials: Palissanderfineer, palissander, metaal, messing
Dimensions
Totaal: Hoogte: 198 cm, Breedte: 164 cm
Kastjes: Hoogte: 42,5 cm, Breedte: 80 cm, Diepte: 37,5 cm
Planken: Breedte: 80 cm, Diepte: 24 cm
Condition: Volledig gerestaureerd en in zeer goede vintage staat. Zorgvuldig gereinigd en volledig geïnspecteerd. Het palissander is na restauratie behandeld met hoogwaardige meubelolie.
Poul Cadovius
Introduction
Poul Cadovius was one of the most influential figures in post-war Danish furniture design, though he is perhaps best described as both a designer and an innovator. His work transformed the way furniture interacted with architecture, replacing heavy floor-standing cabinets with elegant wall-mounted storage systems that offered unprecedented flexibility.
Introduced in the late 1940s, the Royal System became one of the earliest modular wall systems ever produced and remains a landmark in Scandinavian design history. More than seventy years later, Cadovius' ideas continue to shape contemporary interiors, where adaptable, space-efficient furniture is more relevant than ever.
Early Life
Poul Cadovius was born in Copenhagen in 1911. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not begin his career as a cabinetmaker or architect. Instead, he trained as an upholsterer before gradually moving into furniture design and manufacturing.
His practical understanding of furniture production gave him a different perspective from many designers of the period. Rather than focusing solely on the appearance of furniture, Cadovius became fascinated by how it occupied space within the home.
Following the Second World War, when living spaces became smaller and more functional, he recognised the need for furniture that could adapt to changing lifestyles. This insight would lead to his most significant innovation.
The Royal System
In 1948, Poul Cadovius introduced the Royal System, a modular shelving system that fundamentally changed the relationship between furniture and interior architecture.
Cadovius famously remarked that "most of us live on the bottom of a cube." While rooms offered four walls and a ceiling, traditional furniture occupied only the floor. By moving storage onto the wall, valuable floor space could remain open, making interiors feel lighter and more spacious.
The Royal System consists of slender wooden wall rails onto which shelves, cabinets, desks and display units can be freely arranged. Because every component is interchangeable, the system can evolve over time as needs change.
This combination of flexibility, craftsmanship and architectural simplicity was revolutionary for its time and remains one of the defining achievements of twentieth-century furniture design.
Design Philosophy
Cadovius believed furniture should adapt to the home rather than forcing the home to adapt to the furniture.
His designs are characterised by:
- Modular construction
- Architectural simplicity
- Efficient use of space
- Exceptional craftsmanship
- Timeless proportions
- Flexibility for changing needs
Unlike many large cabinets of the period, his wall systems create a sense of openness. The visual weight is reduced while functionality is increased, allowing interiors to feel organised without becoming crowded.
Although highly practical, Cadovius never compromised on aesthetics. His furniture combines precise Danish cabinetmaking with elegant proportions, warm natural materials and subtle detailing.
Cado and International Success
To produce and further develop his ideas, Cadovius established his own company, Cado, which would become one of Denmark's leading furniture manufacturers during the 1950s and 1960s.
Under the Cado name, he produced not only his own designs but also collaborated with many of Denmark's most respected designers, including:
- Arne Vodder
- Grete Jalk
- Ib Kofod-Larsen
- Niels Otto Møller
These collaborations helped establish Cado as one of the most important names in Danish modern furniture, combining innovative design with exceptional production quality.
The Royal System itself became an international success and was exported throughout Europe, North America and Japan.
Notable Designs
Although Poul Cadovius designed a wide variety of furniture throughout his career, several pieces have become true icons of Danish modern design.
Among his best-known works are:
- Royal System Wall System (1948)
- Cado Modular Wall Systems
- Cado Floating Cabinets
- Wall-mounted Desks
- Display Cabinets
- Shelving Systems with Sliding Door Cabinets
- Modular Home Office Systems
Many vintage examples retain their original versatility, allowing components to be rearranged decades after they were first produced.
Lasting Influence
Poul Cadovius fundamentally changed the way furniture occupies space within the home. His vision of modular, wall-mounted storage anticipated many principles of contemporary interior design long before they became mainstream.
Today his systems remain highly sought after by collectors, architects and design enthusiasts. Their clean lines, exceptional craftsmanship and remarkable flexibility make them equally suited to historic interiors and modern homes.
Original Royal System and Cado pieces continue to command strong interest on the international vintage market, while licensed reissues ensure that Cadovius' ideas remain accessible to new generations.
More than simply creating furniture, Poul Cadovius introduced a new way of thinking about living space. His designs demonstrate that practicality and elegance need never be separate, and his influence continues to be felt wherever thoughtful, adaptable interiors are created.
Delivery
Larger pieces of furniture require a different approach than standard parcel shipping. Items such as sideboards, dining tables, chairs and cabinets are transported by experienced furniture couriers who specialise in handling vintage pieces with care.
Within the Netherlands, delivery is arranged through a selection of trusted partners, including Brenger, as well as local couriers when appropriate. For international deliveries, I work with Magic Movers, a specialist in transporting vintage and design furniture across Europe.
For these items, you'll see "Local Pickup or Courier" as the available delivery option during checkout. Courier costs are not calculated automatically, as they depend on the destination and the size of the item. Once your order has been placed, I'll get in touch with you to discuss the available transport options and provide a quotation before anything is arranged.
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