Design icon: dk3 Royal System
When it comes to original design classics, the demand never ceases, and this is testament to their timeless quality and aesthetics. The Royal System was first designed by Poul Cadovius back in 1948 but still looks as current and stylish as it did over 50 years ago.
When we first heard that dk3 were reviving this legendary furniture classic, it was music to our ears! It made complete sense to us that one of the world’s first wall-hung furniture systems - a mid-century classic - was coming back onto the market for us to enjoy.
Now, 10 years on from its re-release, with the Royal Shelving System as popular as ever, we’ve decided to put the spotlight on why this design is just so successful.
In the 50s, the concept of wall storage was still fairly new, and furniture tended to be just for the floor space. To Poul Cadovius, walls were never a restriction, and this was reflected through his design of the Royal System, a wall-mounted concept that could be arranged in a variety of combinations and compositions. The design was incredibly well-received around the world and is now referred to as a classic piece of design. In fact, it’s considered to be one of Denmark’s greatest successes in the furniture industry.
“Architect, designer, self-taught, inventor, innovator… the titles are many”
Born in Copenhagen in 1911, Poul Cadovius originally trained as a saddler and upholsterer but found his true passion in furniture design. Highly ambitious and constantly seeking new challenges, it wasn’t long before Poul became a successful furniture designer, with particularly profound influence in the Danish furniture industry. Before he passed away at 99 years old, he had managed to take out an impressive 400+ patents.
Even in his personal life, Poul would always aim high and go the extra mile to achieve what he wanted. When he wasn’t designing, he liked to drive race cars or build yachts at his own Saghitta shipyard in Svendborg.
Revitalising a Danish classic
Originally, the Royal System was produced at Poul’s factory in Denmark and was under license in over 30 countries at the time. Taking this mid-century classic to the next step, dk3 have relaunched the shelving system in walnut and oak with the highest quality finish, making it ideal for both contemporary and more traditional home environments.
Whatever your storage requirements, you can either choose from a modern desk solution or a library of different cabinet modules to suit your space. The system is ideal for use in living rooms, home office spaces, retail environments and more, as well as larger commercial projects.
The true essence of the original Royal System is reflected through the preservation of the stringers, hangers, sleeves and cabinets.
‘Shaped by nature and crafted by true enthusiasts’
Priding themselves on sustainability and their implementation of the finest carpentry traditions within modern and classic furniture design, dk3 are certainly the ideal brand to produce Poul’s design classic. With a love for the organic material, dk3 are recognised for their use of high-quality wood, steel and brass elements that always look timeless. From the initial sketches, the furniture is produced onsite in carpentries in Denmark and surface-treated and finished by hand.
There have been many attempts to recreate this iconic design over the years, but nothing quite makes the cut like the original and authentic Royal System.
To own your own piece of Danish design history, please visit the dk3 brand page and choose your ideal Royal System composition. For help and advice on this product, please email info@nest.co.uk, call 0114 243 3000 or get in touch via Live Chat.
