Multfunctional table ‘Idealbordet’ by Otto & Bo Wretling
Elegant multifunctional table, designed and produced by Otto Wretling in collaboration with his son Bo Wretling in their family run workshop in Umeå, Sweden in 1937. The Ideal Bordet or Ideal Table became Wretling’s most distinct and sought after design. The height of the table can be adjusted easily with a metal pull-out pin and a knob into 6 different heights between 64 and 80 cm. This table can function as a dining table, a coffee table to present books and can also be folded open into a large console table for presenting art or ceramics in a hallway or living space.
This rare piece is a fine example of the Functionalism of the 1930s while retaining the refined materials and craftsmanship associated with Swedish Art Deco. It has a bubinga veneer top, a rosewood border and a fold-out tabletop in light birch with black inlays. The luxuriously finished table has been restored without erasing the history. A few crevasses in the top and foot are still visible, underlining the life this piece has already lived. The swirly grain of the bubinga wood is stunning, the fold-open system runs very smooth and it can be opened up easily by a single person. An exceptional piece for the fans of Swedish elegance, functionalism and art-deco. Fully dated and detailed paper label by the maker still present on the carrying framework.
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Dimensions:
W: 113/225 cm
D: 69 cm
H: 64 / 80 cm
Weight: approx. 50 kilo
Material: bubinga, birch, rosewood, metal
Otto Wretling (1876–1971) was a Swedish designer, painter, and cabinetmaker whose work deserved it’s place in the history of Scandinavian decorative arts. Based in Umeå, he led Firma Otto Wretling för Modern Rumskonst, a family-run workshop that produced furniture, textiles, decorative painting, and complete interior commissions throughout the early twentieth century. He had six children who all took part in the business.
The Idealbordet (Ideal Table), considered one of his most innovative designs, was made by Otto Wretling (1876–1971) in collaboration with his youngest son, Bo Wretlin who later became a renowned violin maker.
The table was developed in 1935 and patented in 1936 (Swedish Patent No. 99,364). The table could be folded open, had an adjustable height and could function as a coffee table, dining table, or console, all remarkably advanced for it’s time.
These mechanical features anticipated the multifunctional furniture that became increasingly popular decades later, while retaining the refined materials and craftsmanship associated with Swedish Art Deco and early Functionalism.
Spanning National Romanticism, Art Nouveau, Swedish Grace, and early Functionalism, Otto Wretling’s work reflects a period of remarkable stylistic transition. Rather than adhering to a single movement, his designs evolved with changing tastes while remaining rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, material integrity, and a deep understanding of the relationship between furniture and interior space.
Produced in limited numbers and often commissioned for private homes and public buildings, Wretling’s furniture embodies a distinctly Swedish approach to design—restrained, thoughtfully proportioned, and built to endure. Today, his work is increasingly sought after by collectors for its historical significance, refined execution, and enduring relevance within twentieth-century Nordic design.
We ship worldwide using trusted transport partners. Shipping costs depend on the item’s size, weight, value, and material. Each item is carefully packed using protective materials and, if needed, custom-made wooden crates. For overseas shipping, we always recommend crating.
Domestic Deliveries: In some areas we offer personal one man delivery at starting rates of 60 euro (Antwerp city and its districts). For other domestic destinations we work with Brenger at their rates, plus packing and handling fee. International Deliveries: We partner with trusted couriers like Magic Movers and Convelio. Once the item leaves our warehouse, the shipper bares full responsibility for any damage that may occur during handling or transport . We can offer shipping with full insurance. We kindly ask that you inspect your items upon delivery. Please check if your order is complete and unharmed. If you notice any issues, let us know right away so we can find a solution for you and any other party involved.
