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Royal System Furniture

Danish

Poul Cadovius founded the furniture manufacturer Royal System in 1945. While the Danish designer is most famous for his novel modular floating shelving systems, his career in design didn’t actually start with wall units.

Born just outside of Copenhagen in 1911, Cadovius began manufacturing window treatments in the 1940s with his partner, Hother Brønner. He soon turned his focus from venetian blinds to furniture, finding success designing svelte pieces in teak, a richly colored hardwood favored by the Danish mid-century modernists.

Royal System was a home for producing Cadovius’s designs, which included the 1948 Royal System shelving unit, a space-saving solution that underscored Cadovius’s penchant for problem-solving in a multifunctional way. Rather than balance shelves on wooden or metal legs, it held them to the wall with brackets.

Cadovius followed the Royal System shelving unit with the System Ultra in 1957, the System Cado in 1960 and the System Abstracta, which was installed throughout the exhibition halls of the 1962 Cologne Furniture Fair. All expanded on his idea of wall-mounted shelving that saved space while offering functionality, allowing for limitless combinations of storage, shelves, work surfaces and other units. The Royal System proved to be especially popular and is still produced by Danish furniture brand dk3 today, with early models continuing to be in demand by vintage mid-century modern furniture collectors and design enthusiasts alike.

Along with the shelving systems, Cadovius designed everything from lounge chairs to mushroom-shaped bus shelters, and he held over 400 patents. In addition to being a designer, he was also an entrepreneur with an eye for opportunity, such as purchasing Danish manufacturer France & Søn in the mid-1960s and folded it into Cado, a company he founded years earlier. He used this as an occasion to experiment with his designs, conceiving such unusual pieces as an aluminum-based dining table topped with rosewood and hand-painted by artist Susan Fjedldoe Mygge.

Cadovius’s innovations in shelving continued throughout his career, with examples like the sculptural Butterfly shelf and vertical pieces mixing shelving and storage. In 2018, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Royal System, dk3 reissued the celebrated shelving system as well as a more compact version reimagined for 21st-century homes.

Find vintage Royal System shelving units, bookcases and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Royal System
Poul Cadovius for Royal System Wall System Book Shelves in Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Large freestanding wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal system. With 4 black metal risers and teak veneer cabinets and shelves. 1x cabinet with sliding doors 42.5 x 37,5 x 160 cm ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Poul Cadovius Modular Teak 3-Bay Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This useful three-bay teak shelving system offers a wide variety of storage and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius System Cabinet for Royal System, Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An eye-catching wall mounted system cabinet designed by Poul Cadovius, manufactured by Royal System in Denmark around 1960. A beautiful piece made of wood in a warm brown colour. It...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Poul Cadovius Modular Teak 3-Bay Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This three-bay teak shelving system offers a wide variety of storage and display...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Royal System Wall Mounted Cabinet by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Poul Cadovius designed, wall mounted locking cabinet for the acclaimed Royal Systems. Dark stained teak cabinet with single shelf inside and a white lacquered drop down ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Formica, Teak

Poul Cadovius For Royal System Cado Danish Rosewood Four Bay Wall Unit
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Peabody, MA
Royal System “Cado” four bay wall unit in rosewood, designed by Poul Cadovius circa 1960s, Denmark. Purchased by prior owner in 1973. It features floor to ceiling wall panels, floor ...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Cado 2 Bay Shelf by Poul Cadovius Royal System Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Poul Cadovius Royal Shelf System. Possibilities are endless as to how you might set this unit up! Unit contains 1 Cabinet with sliding wood doors and inter...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Glass, Teak

Wall Unit in Elmwood by Poul Cadovius for Royal System, Denmark, 1950s
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Black wooden risers and elmwood veneer book shelves and cabinet with black metal hooks. This wall unit consist of: 2 x shelf 80 x 20 cm 1 x shelf 80 ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rare Poul Cadovius Royal System Teak Double Sided Room Divider, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Poul Cadovius Royal system teak, double sided room divider, made in Denmark. Custom ordered, unusual double sided wall unit, room divider, desi...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak, Walnut

Poul Cadovius 'Abstracta' Metal, Teak, Glass Modular Display Unit, Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Minimal Danish design modular display shelving by Paul Cadovius Around 1960 Poul Cadovius made a huge impact on the shelving area of the Danish furniture industry – he designed a freestanding modular based shelving system in metal with endless combinations and able be assembled without using tools...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius Wall Mounted "Royal" Shelving Unit with Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Poul Cadovius designed, wall mounted shelving unit from the famed and ground breaking line of "Royal" furniture. Beautifully designed unit in dark stained teak with thre...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Formica, Teak

Poul Cadovius wide Royal Wall Unit 1960s Denmark
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice iconic Wall system ,by Poul Cadovius for Royal system . 1960s . In a Wide line up . Good condition . Please don't hesitate to reach out for alternative shipping quotes
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius for Royal system teak wooden wall unit, Denmark 1950's
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wooden risers and teak veneer book shelves and cabinet with black metal hooks. This wall unit consist of: 5 x shelf: 80 x 20 cm 1 x cabinet: 80 x 30 x 34...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Related Items
Small Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) ca. 82,5 x 40 / 50 x 203 cm Elevate your living space with this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true master...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Glass, Teak

Danish Modern Poul Cadovius Cado Teak Modular Wall Unit Shelves
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Large three bay teak Cado wall system designed by Poul Cadovius and made in Denmark. This unit has beautiful color and a nice active grain pattern, and includes three wall panels for...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Vintage Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Modern Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) ca. 240 x 40 / 50 x 203 cm Elevate your living space with this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true masterpiece of Scandinavian design. Crafted by the iconic Danish designer Poul Cadovius in the 1950s, the Royal System is celebrated for its versatility, functionality, and timeless aesthetic. Crafted in solid teak wood and veneer this wall unit seamlessly blends into various interior styles. The unit features a combination of open shelves that come in different depths, of one them working as desk, a closed cabinet box and a display case with two glasses shelfs that are not shown in the images, providing ample storage space while maintaining a sleek and uncluttered appearance. The modular design allows for customization, making it adaptable to different room configurations and needs. This Vintage Poul Cadovius Royal System...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak, Glass

1 Rosewood Poul Hundevad Wall Unit for Jensen & Herning
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage mid century rosewood bookcase / wall unit by Poul Hundevad for Aerthoj Jensen and Molholm Herning Top unit has four green felt-lined covered b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Royal System Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Royal Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Funky and elegant Mid-Century Modern Royal modular wall unit. Design by Poul Cadovius for Cado. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. This large teak Mid-Century Modern Royal modula...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius 4 "Royal System" Columns in Teak, 1970
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, FR
Royal System" wall unit by Poul Cadovius, in teak, with seven shelves and four boxes. The set is supported by a hanging system of wooden brackets. Dimensions of the elements : - 2 modules with sliding doors: D.40 x H.43 x W.80 cm - 1 module with flaps and drawers : D.40 x H.43 x W.80 cm - 1 storage module for vinyl : D.40 x H.43 x W.80 cm - 6 shelves : D.22 x W.80 cm - 1 shelf : D.30 x W.80 cm The "Royal System" : the modular Scandinavian design These design shelves are fully modular. The elements are attached to the wall moldings...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 4 bay shelving system model Royal. This is a original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Cado Royal System Wall Unit Shelving Bookcase 1960s 1970s in Teak
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Markington, GB
A wonderful large 5 Bay mid century Danish vintage PS wall unit in teak, this dates from the 1960s. The condition is excellent for its age, little wear to be seen, the teak has a stu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Style Wall Mount Teak Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Cadovius style wall mount teak cabinet with double doors and new french cleats installed. Teak body and doors with white laminate backing inside. In original condition with norm...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Style Wall Mount Teak Cabinet
Poul Cadovius Style Wall Mount Teak Cabinet
H 11.5 in W 31.625 in D 11.75 in
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s.
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern 2-Bay Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1950s. Mid-Century Modern 2 bay shelving system model Royal. This is an original vintage floating bookcase desi...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Danish Poul Cadovius Wall Unit, Mid-Century Modern Shelf Royal System, Denmark
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions (Width x Depth x Height) ca. 240 x 40 / 50 x 203 cm Elevate your living space with this vintage mid-midcentury modern Poul Cadovius Royal System Wall Unit, a true master...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Glass, Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelves Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modular wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius and produced in the 1960's. It features all teak construction with two cabinets and three shelves. In great ready to use condition.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Poul Cadovius Wall Mounted "Royal" Shelving Unit with Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Poul Cadovius designed, wall mounted shelving unit from the famed and ground breaking line of "Royal" furniture. Beautifully designed unit in dark stained teak with thre...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Formica, Teak

60s Poul Cadovius Modular Teak 2-Bay Danish Royal System Shelving Record Cabinet
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This useful two-bay teak shelving system has a very clean look and offers a wide variety of storage and display options. The set includes a chest of three drawers, a record / LP cabinet...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

1960s Poul Cadovius Modular Teak 3-Bay Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This particular piece is quintessentially Mid-century Modern being the first generation identified by the demi-lune brass handles. This three-bay teak shelving system offers a wide variety of storage and display options. The set includes a three-drawer chest of drawers, a lockable drop front bureau with pigeon holes and key, a cupboard with wooden sliding doors (currently fitted with three removable wire dividers), and a display cabinet with sliding glass doors along with seven shelves. The cabinets are simply hung from pins, whilst the shelves are hung from brass hangers that attach through the holes that run the full length of the four uprights. This modular arrangement comprises of 15 pieces (including the uprights) and will need an 8ft wall to display as seen in the images. Complete with Danish Royal system badge fitted to the inside of the top drawer. It is worth noting, the BS 1960...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Poul Cadovius Butterfly Shelf Teak Plywood Cado Royal System Denmark 50s
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Basel, BS
Rare pair of Poul Cadovius Butterfly Shelves, designed in 1958 and manufactured by Royal System in Denmark. Made of delicate moulded teak plyw...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Metal

Poul Cadovius System Cabinet for Royal System, Denmark 1960
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An eye-catching wall mounted system cabinet designed by Poul Cadovius, manufactured by Royal System in Denmark around 1960. A beautiful piece made of teak wood in a warm brown colou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Wood, Teak

Scandinavian modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System. This teak setup has two storage cabinets, one display cabinet, one small drawers ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Wall Unit with Brass Hooks by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System. This teak setup has six bookshelves and this setup has the brass support hooks. Al...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Wall Unit in Teak by Poul Cadovius for Royal System, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System. This teak setup has five storage cabinets, one display cabinet, one reading shelf ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian modular wall unit in walnut by Poul Cadovius for Royal System
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish modular wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Royal System. This setup has two storage cabinets, two display cabinets and four bookshelves. Al...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Poul Cadovius Royal Wal system Denmark
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful Poul Cadovius Wal system in Teak . 4 shelves and One cabinet and very special One Magazine shelve and brackets . ,comes with Three uprights ,and all the original hardware...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Royal System Furniture

Materials

Teak

Poul Cadovius Royal Wal system  Denmark
Poul Cadovius Royal Wal system  Denmark
H 68.9 in W 64.57 in D 11.82 in
1960 Poul Cadovius Teak 3-Bay Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving Desk Bureau
By Poul Cadovius, Royal System
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This three-bay teak shelving system offers a wide variety of storage and display options. The set includes two three-drawer chests of drawers, a lockable drop front bureau with pigeon holes, a display cabinet with sliding glass doors along with nine shelves. The cabinets are simply hung from pins, whilst the shelves are hung from brass hangers that attach through the holes that run the full length of the four uprights. This modular arrangement comprises of 17 pieces (including the uprights) and will need an 8ft wall to display as seen in the images. The drawers are nice a clean inside, showing little wear. Overall the setup is in good period condition. Chests of drawers and desk...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Brass

1960 Poul Cadovius Modular 3-Bay Teak Danish Royal System Wall Unit Shelving Bar
By Royal System, Poul Cadovius
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
This highly versatile and functional “Royal System” was originally designed by Poul Cadovius in 1948. This three-bay teak shelving system offers a wide variety of storage and display...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Royal System Furniture

Materials

Steel

Royal System furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Royal System furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Royal System furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Royal System were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen, Vamo Møbelfabrik, and Martin Nyrop. Prices for Royal System furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,557 and can go as high as $8,341, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,200.

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