Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik - Kai Kristiansen - Side table - Teak

Sewing table in teak with wicker basket, designed by Kai Kristiansen (b. 1929) and manufactured by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Denmark. Circa 1960.

Kai Kristiansen is one of the most celebrated Danish furniture designers of the 20th century. Trained as a carpenter, he studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under Kaare Klint. At just 26, he established his own studio and went on to define what the world would come to know as Danish Modern. His designs for manufacturers such as Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Fritz Hansen, and Schou Andersen are characterised by a deep understanding of materials, mathematical precision in proportions, and an unwavering commitment to functionality.

This sewing table is a quintessential example of Kristiansen's design philosophy. Elegant and compact, it features a sliding drawer with carefully divided compartments — originally intended for sewing supplies — and a removable wicker basket below that provides generous additional storage. The table rests on a sleigh-leg (sled) base, a hallmark of Scandinavian design that provides both visual lightness and structural stability.

Today, these sewing tables are highly sought after not only as collector's items but also as versatile side tables, bedside tables, or small storage solutions in modern interiors.

Key features:
— Solid teak construction with beautiful grain and warm patina
— Sliding drawer with divided teak compartments
— Removable wicker basket in excellent condition
— Exposed finger joint / dovetail joinery on the drawer — a mark of quality craftsmanship
— Sleigh-leg (sled) base in solid teak
— Stamped "VM — Made in Denmark" with Danish Furniture Control quality mark

Specifications:
Designer: Kai Kristiansen (b. 1929)
Manufacturer: Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik (VM)
Country of origin: Denmark
Period: c. 1960
Material: Teak, wicker / rattan
Dimensions: 71.5 × 43 × 46 cm (L×W×H) / 28.1 × 16.9 × 18.1 in.

Condition:
Good vintage condition consistent with age. The teak has developed a warm, attractive patina. The tabletop shows light surface wear and minor marks consistent with gentle use over 60+ years. A small scratch is visible on one of the stretchers (see detail photo). The finger joint/dovetail joinery is tight and intact. The wicker basket is in very good condition with no breaks or damage. The drawer slides smoothly. The feet show minor wear at the contact points. Structurally fully sound. No significant repairs or restorations. Please refer to the detailed photographs for an accurate representation of condition.

Marking:
Stamped "VM — Made in Denmark" with the Danish Furniture Makers' Control mark (Dansk Møbelkontrol) on the underside. See detail photos.

Shipping:
Shipping available within Europe. The piece will be carefully wrapped and protected for transit. Shipping costs depend on destination — please enquire for a quote. Collection also available from Broek op Langedijk, Netherlands.