Compact Dinette Set by Hans Olsen for Frem Rojle Moblefabrik

Our family takes an annual summer trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. The Coles clan has expanded to such a size that we require several separate accommodations. One of this year’s was a condo that, to our delight, was furnished with several mid-century Danish pieces instead of the usual country/western-styled castoffs that are so prevalent in timeshares and rented homes. The compact dining set was especially drool-worthy. Four three-legged chairs with curved backs tucked neatly under a round top. The table expanded via an unusual hidden folding mechanism to seat five or six. I had seen the design before, but had forgotten who came up with the original ingenious concept.

This week, Design Addict has posted an excellent specimen of the set on Ebay and refreshed my memory:

Hans Olsen designed this dining set in 1953 for Frem Røjle Møblefabrik, and it serves as the quintessential model for the holistic integration of form and function. The design is certainly as progressive and relevant today as it was 60 years ago.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. This set doesn’t expand like the one I used, and there is larger version with four-legged chairs, but I would watch this auction closely. DA’s set looks like it’s in great shape.

Predictably, IKEA has issued their own version of the design (Fusion), but like so many of their knockoffs, it falls far short of the original. It’s too small to really be the practical set that makes Olsen’s design so appealing. And the chairs — with their vertical backs and tiny seats — are so uncomfortable they are nearly torturous. Chalk up another Ikea disappointment. They could really make this idea work and still be original — just as they’ve done with other designs inspired by the classics.

Here’s the first Olsen set I saw and forgot, a sunny version that sold for $510 after 16 bids.

Treadway/Toomey Galleries lists a Hans Olsen expandable set with 3-legged chairs. This is exactly like the one I experienced in Sun Valley. It looks very much like DP’s non-expanding set, but you can just make out the seam where the sides separate for expansion. Treadway’s estimated value at very good condition is $1200-1500.

The chairs stack nicely, as shown by this less than perfect set available from the charmingly named Orange and Brown. Their price is £999.

Update: There is an expanding version of the table with six chairs on Ebay. It’s inexplicably credited to McCobb and isn’t in as fine a condition as Design Addict’s, but the way the other auction is going, this one may just be the cheaper set at $2,495.

» More Hans Olsen on Ebay

Comments

[babyphat523]

I had a dream about this exact set recently. It is tidy little package, isn't it? What a rare find in Idaho, how fortunate of you to have been able to enjoy it! :)

[frederic moquin]

I have the same set from ferm rojle mobelfabrik in teak in superb condition for sale with 4 chairs and without leaf. Price requested is 2200$ plus shipping.

[Teri Presley]

I have the hans olsen frem rojle suite with the hidden leaf and 5 chairs (chairs have three legs) all in excellant condition. I would like to sell them to any interested party.

[Bombay Beauty]

Quick question if anyone is still reading this post.

What's the difference between this and the Wegner Heart Chair?

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/hans-wegner-heart-chairs-fh4104-1952-4

I have a set of 4 that more resemble the Wegner with a slightly tapered back support. I'm just curious.

BB

[patricia riley]

hi; i have the expandable table and six chairs for sale the vinyl on one chair is tore as a curtain rod fell on it an the table top could use refinishing i am asking 2500 firm i live in Ontario i can be contacted via e mail thanks

[Bjon]

I really missed out on this set.. I saw it on eBay, I'd say, about 3 months ago and they sold for a fraction of what I think I would have paid. The auction ended early and I missed out.. Bummer.

[Amber]

I have this set but i do not recall the branding i will have to look when i get home. its my grandmothers and it was purchased prior to my birth in the late 60's its in decent condition no major issues with the table or chairs other than its a little wobbelly a couple chairs have small tears in the vinyl. i have 6 chairs and the leaf ,which the color is not matching anymore due to it not being used as much as the rest of the table. Should i try to sell it?

[Susan]

I have the set, but only with four of the six chairs, and mine is made by Winchendon. Like Amber, mine belonged to my grandmother, as well. I'm currently trying to get the lay of the land because I need to sell this in the next few weeks. Will the fact that it's American made decrease the value?

[Patrick]

I own the table and chair set with five chairs (there were six, however one chair was broken when shipped). It is an original that was made in Denmark and branded. It was purchased in Germany by my grandparents in the 60's. It has a cup mark on the top and one of the legs was slightly damaged when it was transported back to the states. We are looking for buyers. Please contact me via email @ patrickwwalker@verizon.net.

[Veronica]

Hi, I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get a set like this. I have a small apartment and something like these sets would be great. Any ideas?

[Ross Worthington]

Hi there guys,
I've been having a clear out at home and in the process am lokking to get rid of a 4 chair set and extendable table that you've been chatting about. I am based in the UK and wondered if you know of anyone who would be interested. I've grown up with this table and my parents had it from new as a wedding gift.
drop me a line.
info@raw-adventure.co.uk

[allen]

hello - i'm curious how many of these sets were made, does anyone know? i'm also interested in how to determine if a set is authentic danish or american made. advice on that would most appreciated.
- allen

[Carol Felker]

I have this set for sale. Made in Denmark; round table with stored leaf to expand to seat 6; 4 chairs. All in good condition.

I can be reached by email at: felkercarol@yahoo.ca

Make me an offer!

I also have a 67" long buffet; teak; 4 drawers in the middle; a sliding door at each end. This would make a great stand for the new large tv's.

[A Bailey]

Just wondering if anyone has more info re: Frem Mobelfabrik - Orte ? Looking to price a vintage dining set for sale and don' t know where to begin. The set is not as unique as this, but Made in Denmark from the 1960's nonetheless. thanks

[Felicia U]

I have a set very similar to this. The only difference is who manufactured it. Mine was made by the Winchendon Furniture Company, in Mass. I have been trying to see exactly how much this set would be worth, and when I saw this I thought "that's my table". My table does have the capability of separating for added seating, however I do not have the "leaf" that goes in there. This table was a gift about 9 years ago. And I'm debating whether or not to sell it. But I don't know what it's worth.

[rona hernan]

Hi,i have the same set with 4 three legged chairs and table which does not expand..i wish to list this on ebay ..any ideas at what i should be asking for this gorgeous set..i am in Australia and have not seen one like this here..Thanks

[mark]

thanks !! very helpful post!

[Akolwes]

Hi, I have a set of 4 chairs and the danish teak dining table (expandeable)designed by Hans Olsen and manufactured by Frem Rojle. It is Original with imprint.

I want to sell it.

If anybody is interested, contact me: akolwes@web.de
Thank you

[CNic]

HI, I have this set, expandable, in very good condition. I'm in Toronto.

If you're interested, contact me at baanjo@sympatico.ca

Thanks.

[Joel Vasta]

HI, I too have this set branded Frem Rojle Made in Denmark. It is with 4 legged chairs . The Table is made of Teak and Mahogany. It comes with a leaf. Does need to be refinished. I do have pictures if anyone is interested. I am looking to sell. Contact me at youngwise@optonline.net. Subject Table. We live on Long Island, NY.

[Antoine]

Hi,

I'm looking for an affordable Hans Olsen teck table. I already got 4 three legs chairs then i just need the table. Please make me offer by email.
Price would be arround 400$ / 350€ without shipping of course...
Thx to u

Antoine
cityinterface@gmail.com

[Chanelle]

Hello,
Im looking for the playtable/ dining set from hans Olsen. Anyone knows where i can buy/ order one? I have looked on ebay but nothing is posted there at the moment.

Hope somebody can help me.

Thanx in advance!
Chanelle
c.overmeer@bergers.nl