Modernist Dining: Scandinavian Icons in Perfect Harmony
Create a Nordic Mood
Frame the ensemble with a brass chandelier, add muted linen drapery and hand‑thrown stoneware: you’ll evoke the cosy modernism of Copenhagen restaurants while maintaining the clean lines beloved on Madison Avenue. Every dinner becomes a design statement.
Undeniable assets
- Space efficiency – one central base maximises legroom; the Shell Chair tucks neatly under.
- Honest materials – certified hardwoods, natural stone, full‑grain leather, low‑VOC finishes.
- Museum‑worthy pedigree – both pieces feature in MoMA and Vitra Design Museum collections.
- Versatility – ideal for a Manhattan dining nook, a creative conference room or a stylish hotel suite.
Saarinen’s Oval Tulip Table – Pedestal Purity for Six
Designed in 1957, Eero Saarinen’s pedestal table eradicates the “ugly, confusing world” of legs with a single cast‑aluminium stem finished in gloss white or matte black. The mid‑height oval top (200 × 120 cm) comfortably seats six and is available in Arabescato marble, warm walnut veneer or black Nero Marquina granite. Fluid lines and architectural poise make it the quintessential Madison Avenue dining statement.
Hans Wegner’s CH07 Shell Chair – Danish Grace in Three Legs
The CH07 Shell Chair (1963) by Hans J. Wegner rests on a laminated plywood tripod that seems to float. Choose beech, oak, smoked oak or walnut, finished in clear lacquer, white oil or sleek black. The seat and back are upholstered in premium leather or Kvadrat fabric, delivering lounge‑level comfort with feather‑light visual impact. Pairing its sculptural curve with Saarinen’s pedestal geometry creates a dialogue of mid‑century forms.
A Timeless Investment for Design Collectors
Saarinen and Wegner pieces consistently hold their value at auction and in the collector market. Buying them today means securing a slice of design history that will age with grace—just like a well‑crafted Scandinavian cabinet.
Photo credit: Sophie Dries Architect; Stephan Julliard Photo.
