This exceptional sideboard was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and crafted by Faarup Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. Known as the Model 66 (FA-66) , this piece represents the pinnacle of Scandinavian Modern storage design—a harmonious balance of architectural clarity, meticulous craftsmanship, and the natural beauty of one of the world’s most coveted woods .

Executed in Brazilian rosewood (Jacaranda) , the sideboard has been finished with a superior hand French polish, a traditional technique that enhances the wood’s deep, rich coloration and distinctive grain patterns with a luminous, glass-like luster. Brazilian rosewood is prized for its dramatic tonal range—from chocolate brown to deep burgundy with striking black figuring—and this example showcases the material at its finest.

With its generous proportions—230 cm in width—the Model 66 offers extraordinary storage capacity while maintaining the clean, elevated silhouette that defines Kofod-Larsen’s most celebrated work .

Design Details

Architectural Form
The Model 66 exemplifies Kofod-Larsen’s mastery of proportion. The long, horizontal case is elevated on tapered, raised legs, lending visual lightness to the substantial form. The design is clean and balanced, drawing attention to the natural richness of the rosewood . The surface is uninterrupted by visible hardware, allowing the bookmatched grain patterns across the four doors to take center stage.

Four Drawers
Above the door line, four graduated drawers run the full width of the piece. Constructed with traditional dovetail joinery, they offer organized storage for flatware, linens, or personal effects. The drawer fronts continue the bookmatched grain pattern across the facade—a hallmark of Kofod-Larsen’s attention to material continuity.

Four Sliding Doors
Behind the four sliding doors lies a thoughtfully configured interior. One of the cupboards conceals a set of five small pull-out drawers—ideal for cutlery, stationery, or treasured keepsakes—while the remaining space offers adjustable shelving that can be customized to accommodate items of varying heights .

French Polish Finish
The hand-applied French polish finish is a time-intensive technique requiring exceptional skill. Applied in multiple thin layers, it produces a deep, glass-like surface that allows the rosewood’s three-dimensional grain to shift and shimmer with changes in light. This finish not only enhances the wood’s natural beauty but also provides a level of clarity and depth unattainable with modern lacquers.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Specifications

Why This Piece Matters

Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921–2003) was one of the most significant Danish designers of the mid-20th century. Trained as a cabinetmaker before studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, he understood the importance of detail, quality materials, and functional design. He was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the United States during the 1950s, with iconic designs including the Penguin Chair (1953), the Elizabeth Chair (1956), and the Seal Chair (1956) .

The Model 66 sideboard, created for Faarup Møbelfabrik, is widely considered among his finest storage designs. Collectors prize it for:

• Architectural purity—clean lines and restrained ornamentation that define Danish Modern at its finest

• Material excellence—Kofod-Larsen had a “talent for honoring the innate qualities of his chosen materials,” and Brazilian rosewood represents the pinnacle of that sensibility

• Functional versatility—the four-door, four-drawer configuration offers exceptional storage flexibility, with dedicated compartments for small items

• Provenance—examples bearing the Danish Furnituremakers Control mark represent the highest standard of Danish cabinetmaking

Faarup Møbelfabrik (also spelled Fårup) was a family-owned Danish furniture manufacturer that collaborated with leading designers including Kofod-Larsen, Svend Åge Larsen, and Jørgen Linde. Their rosewood and teak sideboards from the 1950s and 1960s are particularly sought-after today, with the Model FA-66 representing the pinnacle of their production .

The hand French polish finish elevates this example to museum-quality presentation. French polishing is rarely applied to production furniture due to its labor-intensive nature, indicating that this piece received exceptional attention befitting its status as a design icon.

Authenticity & Condition

This sideboard bears the Danish Furnituremakers Control mark—a stamp that confirms its origin and adherence to the highest standards of Danish cabinetmaking .

The piece is presented in excellent condition, having received a superior hand French polish finish that enhances and preserves the natural beauty of the Brazilian rosewood. The sliding doors operate smoothly, the drawers glide with precision, and the interior shelving and pull-out trays are fully functional.