If we’re talking vintage dining tables of the mid 20th century, this mid century modern extending dining table by the prolific Danish maker Bramin is, for sure, one of the most lusted after. Let’s delve into it (or climb all over it) and find out why this is the case!
About Henry Walter Klein
Designer HW Klein was born in Norway in 1919. After serving in the Norwegian Royal Marines, Klein switched career to cabinetmaking. After WWII, in the late 1940s, he moved to Denmark to study interior design at the Tekniske Skile in Frederikberg. Here, he was fortunate enough to train under the prominent Danish designer and architect Finn Juhl. This was the period where he began designing what we now term as vintage dining tables. After graduating in 1952, Klein returned to Norway to establish his own furniture and interiors business. His chairs, dining tables, and sideboards are characteristic of the post-war Danish modern style, involving fine woods and beautifully crafted forms. Later in his career, he became interested in plastic furniture, designing a new plastic manufacturing method, and worked closely with the Danish manufacturer Bramin in order to finance this work. In 1960, Klein and his family moved to Denmark where he began to work full time at Bramin. He remained at the company until it closed in 1980. Some time in the 80s, he and his family moved to San Francisco.
Bramin Mobler
Bramin made some of Denmark’s most coveted mid century dining tables, and other furniture. Bramin (also known as Bramin Mobler) originated in Bramming, a town known for its furniture industry. The company had a close relationship with designer Henry Walter Klein, who moved with his family to Bramming in 1960 to work for them. Bramin continued until the 1980s when the international financial crisis forced the company to close down. Today Bramin’s Danish dining tables are highly coveted. On one hand Bramin are known for creating strikingly original and unusual forms and on the other for exemplifying a characteristic Danish simplicity.
The Klein / Bramin vintage dining table photographed above remains highly sought after today for a variety of reasons.
Additional Leaf
This super vintage dining table is a relatively compact six-seater in its smallest form but extends easily to seat 8 diners when required.
Legs
The legs on this mid century dining table are simple, yet beautiful. Round and tapered towards the floor. As we’ve said … simplicity and beauty combine!
Corners
Just look at those corners. The jointing is delightful. One of a number of design highlights of this super teak dining table.
Shape of the Table Top
Look closely and enjoy the subtle, gentle curves to that run underneath the edges of the top of this vintage dining table. These understated, stunning design details exemplify why Danish Modern dining tables remain so highly prized today.
Conclusion
This truly awesome Danish vintage dining table has so much going for it. If you’re looking out for one of these fantastic mid century dining tables, you’d be very lucky indeed to find one on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. If you succeed, it’s likely to take you some time and condition will probably be poor. So, probably best to buy from a reputable, established vintage furniture dealer who will have had their vintage teak dining tables refinished. Start off by checking our own Retrovintage website. Good luck!