The Timeless Elegance of the Scandinavian Sideboard

Among the iconic furniture of post-war design, the Scandinavian sideboard stands as a classic for vintage design enthusiasts. Today, nearly every contemporary furniture catalog features a Scandinavian-style enfilade, a testament to its enduring appeal.

A Historical Overview

Origins of the Enfilade in France

In France, long before the 20th century, the enfilade was synonymous with the sideboard:

• Directoire Period: Made from walnut or elm burl, showcasing natural beauty.
• 19th Century: Mahogany became the wood of choice.
• Art Deco Era: Exotic woods like rosewood added bold colors and elegance.

Directoire sideboard in cherrywood and elm burr.

The Birth of the Scandinavian Enfilade

The Scandinavian sideboard emerged post-World War II in Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland). It quickly became a staple of Nordic interiors and was later exported across Europe.

Defining Characteristics:

• Typically composed of three or more sections, featuring alternating hinged or sliding doors, drawers, and even bar shelves.
• Floating Appearance: Often elevated on mid-height bases, creating an airy look.
• Generous Length: Many pieces extend over 200 cm.

Large rosewood sideboard designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik, 1960s.

Why Scandinavian Style Endures

A Reflection of Nordic Lifestyle

The Scandinavian enfilade epitomizes the Nordic approach to design:

• Materials: Warm woods like teak and rosewood.
• Design Language: Clean, airy lines with occasional gentle curves.
• Functional Simplicity: Practical storage with sliding doors and optimally sized compartments.

Signature Elements

• Compass Legs: Elevate the structure with elegance.
• Cut-Out Handles: Minimalist and functional.

Rosewood sideboard with sliding doors, exemplifying Scandinavian craftsmanship.

The Danish Legacy

Golden Age of Danish Design

The success of the Scandinavian enfilade coincided with the golden age of Danish design (1935–1965). Denmark’s exceptional designers and industrial efficiency contributed to its global popularity.

Notable Manufacturers:

• Fritz Hansen
• Carl Hansen & Søn
• Fredericia Stolefabrik
• Faarup Møbelfabrik
• Mogens Kold

Teak sideboard designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold, 1960.

Renowned Designers

Alongside legends like Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Finn Juhl, numerous talented contemporaries shaped the era, including:

• Ib Kofod-Larsen
• Johannes Andersen
• Niels Otto Moller
• Arne Vodder

Sideboard Model 20 by Niels Otto Moller for JL Mollers Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960.

Evolving Materials and Trends

From the 1950s to 1970s, the materials shifted from light wood and teak to laminates and melamine. With these changes, sideboards became more decorative, veering away from minimalist Scandinavian principles—a contentious shift for design purists.

Conclusion

The Scandinavian sideboard remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its elegant simplicity, functional design, and rich heritage. Whether crafted in teak or rosewood, it embodies the golden age of Danish design and continues to inspire furniture enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

François Boutard