Why mid-20th century teak furniture stands the test of time

Natural lustre and Scandi design are a winning combination for the ages

WE all know fashion trends move in cycles and the rise in popularity of mid-20^th century teak furniture is a quintessential example.

Designers and manufacturers of the 1950s and 1960s embraced teak due to its durability and lustre.

As well as being resistant to decay, teak ticked all the boxes for aesthetics so far as designers were concerned, with its rich grain and golden-brown warmth being a perfect match with minimalist mid-century modernism.

That’s where the fertile minds of designers in the 50s and 60s really came into play.

The pieces they created were also highly functional, with extendable dining tables, chairs with tapered legs and functional storage solutions in sideboards and cabinets with their classic clean lines.

Teak beds and dressers with simple, uncluttered designs were also common, as were teak table lamps and other accessories which carried that mid-century modern style throughout the home.

Of course, Scandinavian design focussing on natural materials and simplicity, was also a huge influence.

Manufacturers and designers such as G-Plan, Ercol, A Younger, John and Sylvia Reid, ib Kafod Larsen, Greaves and Thomas, Robin Day for hille and Hans Olsen became well-known names.

Of course, fashions come and go and mid-century became the epitome of passé with G-Plan teak considered worthy fodder for the skip.

But you can’t keep a good thing down and there’s something about mid-century modern design – combined with the reliable quality of durable teak – which has seen it rocket back into popularity in the past decade.

Relative bargains can still be had, a boon for students and those setting up their first home on a budget.

And then there are the collectors and design connoisseurs, whose passion has seen prices for some pieces skyrocket.

However, with mid-century being outdated for such a long time, many people still don’t realise its potential value now.

For example, we reached a recent client just in time to consign their teak furniture to auction instead of the skip.

They thought it was little better than firewood and were stunned to hear an estimate running into the high hundreds.

Quality examples sold at auction at Fradley include a set of six Model 71 teak chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold fetching £2,700 and a Roundette dining table and chairs by Hans Olsen for Frem Røjle Möbelfabrik, selling at £1,300.

Those of us born outside of the time when this style was the trend first-time round can see why it was so popular then – and is again now.

Combined with teak’s natural lustre, the curves, edges and exquisite design are a winning combination which ably stands the test of time.

For a free valuation of teak or any other mid-20^th century design furniture, email tom@richardwinterton.co.uk or telephone 01543 251081.