Poul Cadovius
1911-2011
King of modular shelving units.
He initially trained as an upholsterer. He also became interested in design and, in 1945, founded his furniture manufacturing company, Royal System.
The main idea behind the innovative concept of modular wall shelving was the extensive use of diverse and adaptable space. In the name of functionality, he moved shelving from floors to walls, freeing up additional space. The discovery of modular wall shelving is considered one of the most important successes of Danish modernism.
In time, Cadovius bought furniture manufacturer France & Sons, whose name he changed to Cado, which is still known today. He continued to produce his shelving system but also designed other furniture. During his career, he earned more than 400 patents.
Poul Cadovius has a rich professional history. As a shipyard owner, he developed building materials, fiberglass components, and the well-known mushroom-shaped bus shelter in Denmark. His Abstracta System shelving system has won numerous awards and has been used by companies worldwide.
Key projects: the iconic ROYAL SYSTEM shelving system of 1948, SYSTEM ULTRA of 1957, and SYSTEM CADO of 1960, the Royal chair, and rosewood chess tables.
Poul Cadovius Furniture
1911–2011
Poul Cadovius was a Danish visionary, often called the king of modular shelving. His innovative approach to design forever changed the perception of functionality and interior aesthetics, making him one of the most influential figures of Scandinavian modernism. At Futureantiques, we offer authentic Poul Cadovius furniture that brings timeless elegance into your interior.
Pioneering Modular Systems – Royal System, System Ultra & System Cado
Originally trained as a saddler and upholsterer, Poul Cadovius founded Royal System in 1945. Just three years later, in 1948, he introduced the groundbreaking Royal System wall unit. This revolutionary concept of moving furniture off the floor and onto the wall maximized space and redefined modular storage – earning him recognition at international design fairs.
His success continued with further award-winning systems: System Ultra (1957) and System Cado (1960).
Key features of Poul Cadovius modular systems, which remain an inspiration for modern design:
- Modularity – shelves, cabinets, and desks can be freely arranged and reconfigured to suit changing needs and layouts.
- Space-saving functionality – transferring storage to the wall frees up valuable floor space, ideal for today’s smaller apartments.
- Versatility – Cadovius wall systems work beautifully in home offices, living rooms, and even bedrooms.
Evolution from Royal System to CADO
Cadovius’s innovative vision extended far beyond his early company. He later acquired France & Søns, a renowned pioneer in teak furniture production, and rebranded it as the famous CADO. Under the CADO name, he continued to produce his iconic modular systems while expanding the collection with new designs.
Collaborating with Danish design legends such as Grete Jalk, Arne Vodder, and Finn Juhl, Cadovius broadened the horizons of modern furniture production and design.
Poul Cadovius Furniture – Quality & Functionality
The aesthetics of Cadovius furniture embody the perfect harmony of form and function, blending industrial minimalism with natural, organic materials. His designs are characterized by:
- Minimalist design – clean lines and simple forms that perfectly reflect Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian style.
- Exceptional craftsmanship – precision joinery, seamlessly working drawers, and carefully shaped solid wood handles.
- Noble materials – warm teak and luxurious rosewood, often enhanced with brass details that highlight durability and beauty.
At Futureantiques, you will find a wide selection of authentic Poul Cadovius designs – from iconic shelving systems to drop-front cabinets that function as bars or desks, as well as rare wall shelves. Each piece is carefully restored to preserve its original charm and functionality.
Poul Cadovius at Futureantiques – An Investment in Timeless Design
Purchasing Poul Cadovius furniture is an investment in the legacy of Danish modernism – a heritage that continues to inspire and fascinate. At Futureantiques, we offer restored original Cadovius furniture – a perfect addition for discerning collectors and vintage design enthusiasts.

Poul Cadovius Teakholz-Wandregal mit Ausstellungsfach für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre
Kurt Ostervig Couchtisch, attr to, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre
Ox Art extragroßer Couchtisch aus Teakholz und Keramikfliesen, Dänemark, 1970er Jahre
Kai Kristiansen rosewood nesting tables for Vildbjerg Möbelfabrik, Denmark 1960s
Italian mid century corner wall unit, 1970s
Topo Schreibtischleuchte von Joe Colombo für Stilnovo, Italien 1970er
Poul Cadovius Regal in Nussbaum, Satz mit 2 Regalen, 1960er Jahre
Panthella Acryl-Tischleuchte von Verner Panton für Louis Poulsen, Dänemark, 1970er Jahre
Italienischer Esstisch aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts aus Teakholz, 1960er Jahre
Ico Parisi Sideboard aus Rosenholz für MIM, Rom, Italien, 1960er Jahre
Dänische Wandvitrine aus Teakholz mit zwei Fächern aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts, 1960er Jahre
Poul Cadovius Heimbüro Palisander-Hängeschrank für Cado, 1960er Jahre
Hansen&Guldborg 3-Fach-Teakholz-Hängeschrank mit Barschrank für HG Furniture, Dänemark 1960er Jahre
Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Palisanderholz für Cado, Dänemark 1960er Jahre.
Scandinavian wall unit in teak, model Ergo, Norway 1960s
Skandinavische Loungesessel aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts aus Teakholz und Wolle, 2er-Set, 1960er Jahre
Dänischer Teakholz-Schreibtisch aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts, Modell 75 von Omann, Juni 1950er Jahre
Italian mid-century chandelier in Stilnovo style, 1960s
Dänische Kommode aus Teakholz aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts, 1960er Jahre
Dänisches Sideboard aus Teakholz aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts mit Barschrank, 1950er Jahre
Poul Cadovius Wohnwand mit verstecktem Schreibtisch für Cado, 1960er Jahre.
Dänischer Spiegel aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts mit Keramikfliesen von T.W. Spejlet, 1970er Jahre
Italienischer Kronleuchter von Angelo Brotto für Esperia, Italien 1960er Jahre.
Venini extra große Kronleuchter attr. zu Toni Zuccheri, Italien, 1970er Jahre. Satz von 2.
Italienische Muranoglas-Kugel-Hängeleuchte im Stil von Venini, 1970er Jahre
Satz von 3 Teakholzregalen, Kai Kristiansen für FM Mobler, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre
Franco Albini Wandleuchten für Sirrah, Italien 1970er Jahre
Paar italienische Space-Age-Mazzega-Muranoglas-Tischlampen von Carlo Nason, Italien, 1970er Jahre
Dänische Palisander-Esszimmerstühle Eva von Niels Koefoed für Koefoeds Hornslet, 1960er Jahre
Dänisches Regal aus Teakholz aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts mit Schreibtisch, 1970er Jahre
Italienische Muranoglas-Pendelleuchte aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts 1970er Jahre
Italian Space Age Brass ‘Quebec’ Sconces by Gilla Giani for Tronconi, Set of 2, 1980s.
Italienische Pendelleuchte mit "lattimo" Muranoglasschirmen, Mitte des Jahrhunderts, 1970er Jahre
Teaktisch aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts mit versteckten Erweiterungen, Dänemark 1960er Jahre
Hochlehniger Vintage-Sessel im Stil von Flemming Lassen, Dänemark 1960er Jahre
Kai Kristiansen Vierfach-Teakholz-Hängeschrank mit Kommode, FM Mobler, Dänemark 1960er Jahre
Danish mid century teak wall unit with a desk shelf, 1960s
Dänische Teakholz-Hängeschränke aus der Mitte des Jahrhunderts im Stil von Poul Cadovius, 1960er Jahre
Teakholz Couchtisch von Illum WIkkelsø für CF Christensen, Dänemark 1960er Jahre
Ico Parisi und Louisa Parisi, 6+1 Stühle aus Palisanderholz für MIM, 1950er Jahre 























