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 Wandschrank aus Rosenholz mit Schreibtisch für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Rosenholz mit Schreibtisch für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

    $2 545
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  • Poul Cadovius Regal, 3-teiliges Set, Cado, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Regal, 3-teiliges Set, Cado, 1960er Jahre

    $521
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  • Teakholz-Schrankwand

    Poul Cadovius Teakholz-Wandregal mit Ausstellungsfach für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

    $1 677
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  • Poul Cadovius 2-Fach Regalschrank in Teakholz für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius 2-Fach Regalschrank in Teakholz für Cado, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

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  • Seltener Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Palisanderholz für Cado, 1960er Jahre

    Seltener Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Palisanderholz für Cado, 1960er Jahre

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  • Poul Cadovius Heimbüro Palisander-Hängeschrank für Cado, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Heimbüro Palisander-Hängeschrank für Cado, 1960er Jahre

    $1 134
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  • Poul Cadovius Wohnwand mit verstecktem Schreibtisch für Cado, 1960er Jahre.

    Poul Cadovius Wohnwand mit verstecktem Schreibtisch für Cado, 1960er Jahre.

    $1 562
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  • Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Palisanderholz für Cado, Dänemark 1960er Jahre.

    Poul Cadovius Wandschrank aus Palisanderholz für Cado, Dänemark 1960er Jahre.

    $2 036
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  • Poul Cadovius Palisander-Hängeschrank auf Paneelen für Cado, Dänemark 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Palisander-Hängeschrank auf Paneelen für Cado, Dänemark 1960er Jahre

    $4 373
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  • Poul Cadovius Heimbüro-Wandschrank mit verstecktem Schreibtisch, 1960er JahrePoul Cadovius Heimbüro-Wandschrank mit verstecktem Schreibtisch, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Heimbüro-Wandschrank mit verstecktem Schreibtisch, 1960er Jahre

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  • Poul Cadovius Heimbüro-Wandschrank für Cado, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius Heimbüro-Wandschrank für Cado, 1960er Jahre

    $925
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  • Poul Cadovius home office teak wall unit with a desk and a lamp, Cado, Denmark 1960sPoul Cadovius home office teak wall unit with a desk and a lamp, Cado, Denmark 1960s

    Poul Cadovius home office teak wall unit with a desk and a lamp, Cado, Denmark 1960s

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  • Poul Cadovius four bay teak wall unit for Cado, 1960sPoul Cadovius four bay teak wall unit for Cado, 1960s

    Poul Cadovius four bay teak wall unit for Cado, 1960s

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  • Skandinavische Wandkombination für das Home Office aus Rosenholz im Stil von Poul Cadovius, Preben Sorensen, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

    Skandinavische Wandkombination für das Home Office aus Rosenholz im Stil von Poul Cadovius, Preben Sorensen, Dänemark, 1960er Jahre

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  • Danish mid-century teak wall unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, 3 bay, 1960s

    Danish mid-century teak wall unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, 3 bay, 1960s

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  • Poul Cadovius einreihige Wohnwand in Nussbaum, 1960er Jahre

    Poul Cadovius einreihige Wohnwand in Nussbaum, 1960er Jahre

    $1 041
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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.



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