Icons of Mid-Century Design: Severin Hansen Jr

Celebrating the visionaries who shaped 20th-century interiors

Severin Hansen Jr: The Quiet Architect of Danish Modern

Severin Hansen Jr may not be as instantly recognisable as some of his contemporaries, but his contribution to Danish modernism is no less enduring. Known for his refined approach to form and joinery, Hansen designed furniture that was elegant without being showy, favouring quiet detail and structural clarity over ornamentation.

He came to prominence in the 1950s and 60s, a period that defined mid-century Danish design. His collaboration with Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, a Danish furniture workshop known for its quality materials and craftsmanship, resulted in some of the most distinctive pieces of the era. What set Hansen apart was his architectural eye, an ability to pare forms down to their essence while still creating objects that felt warm, usable, and beautifully balanced.

Hansen’s work sits at the intersection of practicality and poetry. Every line has purpose. Every joint is intentional. In a time where fast design is the norm, his pieces stand as a reminder of what careful design and traditional cabinetmaking can achieve.

The Severin Hansen Writing Desk

Designed in the 1950s, this original rosewood writing desk captures Hansen’s restrained approach at its best. The desk’s mitred joints, a hallmark of his designs, create a seamless flow between leg and tabletop, giving the piece a clean, architectural presence. Crafted for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, it balances form and function with quiet confidence. The minimal drawer fronts maintain the desk’s sculptural lines, while the deep rosewood grain gives it warmth and depth. It’s a desk that doesn’t just sit in a room, it elevates it.

The Rosewood Coffee Table

This 1960s rosewood coffee table is a study in balance. The square top rests on tapered legs, mitred at perfect angles, creating a silhouette that’s simple but striking. The richly figured rosewood brings natural drama to the minimal form, a material choice that adds both depth and character. Ideal for those seeking an original mid-century piece with timeless proportions, this table blends seamlessly into both vintage and contemporary interiors.

Rosewood Nesting Tables

Hansen’s nesting tables for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri are among the most functional pieces he produced, but they’re no less refined for it. Each table fits perfectly within the next, with slim profiles and clean joinery that speak to Hansen’s obsessive attention to structure. Crafted from rosewood, the set offers versatility without compromising on elegance. Perfect for compact spaces or layered styling, these tables are as relevant today as they were seventy years ago.

A Lasting Design Legacy

Severin Hansen Jr.’s designs continue to resonate with collectors and interior designers alike. Their appeal lies not in grand gestures, but in quiet clarity, pieces that feel considered, composed, and timeless. His collaboration with Haslev Møbelsnedkeri produced furniture that celebrates craftsmanship at its most thoughtful. And decades on, his tables and desks remain a fixture in curated interiors around the world.

Discover More from the Icons of Mid-Century Design

Explore our curated range of midcentury furniture and read more on other icons of midcentury design, such as Hans J. Wegner and Kai Kristiansen.

Looking for something specific? Get in touch and let us help you source the perfect piece.