Teak Modular ‘Royal’ Cabinet System with Metal Dowels by Poul Cadovius for Cado

Teak and glass wall cabinet designed by Poul Cadovius for his Royal System, manufactured by Cado in Denmark during the 1960s.

The cabinet features a teak frame with two sliding glass doors, allowing the contents to be displayed while keeping them enclosed. It is designed to be suspended from wooden wall uprights, leaving the floor space beneath completely clear.

The cabinet is being sold separately from the larger modular system and includes two original wooden uprights and the metal dowels required to hang it. The dowels slot into predrilled holes in the uprights, allowing the cabinet to be positioned at different heights.

Poul Cadovius (1911 to 2011) was a Danish furniture designer, inventor and manufacturer, born in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. He initially trained as an upholsterer and saddler under his father, who ran an upholstery business in Brønshøj. Although he began his working life in the family trade, his interests increasingly turned towards engineering, construction and industrial design.

In 1945, Cadovius established his own furniture manufacturing company, Royal System. Three years later, he introduced his wall mounted shelving system, which allowed cabinets, shelves and desks to be suspended from wooden uprights and rearranged as required.

Cadovius was an extraordinarily prolific inventor, registering more than 400 patents during his lifetime. His interests extended well beyond furniture. He owned a boatyard producing sailing yachts, developed prefabricated buildings and designed distinctive fibreglass bus shelters that became a familiar sight across Denmark.

In 1966, he acquired the Danish furniture manufacturer France & Søn, expanding his business and working with designers including Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk and Arne Vodder. By 1970, his company had become Denmark’s largest furniture manufacturer, exporting to 40 countries.

Designer: Poul Cadovius

Manufacturer: Cado

Country: Denmark

Period: 1960s

Condition

Good vintage condition with signs of age and use consistent with its age.

Includes two original wooden wall uprights and metal dowels.