Profile | Poul Cadovius

Today, we celebrate the birth of pioneering designer Poul Cadovius, whose visionary work gave rise to one of the most internationally acclaimed Danish designs of the 1950s and '60s: the Royal System. 

Originally trained as a saddler and upholsterer, Cadovius transitioned into furniture design in the 1940s and quickly made a lasting impact on mid-century modern design.The Royal System, originally conceived in 1948, was a groundbreaking response to the growing need for efficient use of space. 

Originally conceived in 1948, the Royal System was a groundbreaking response to the growing need for efficient use of space. This modular, floating design broke away from traditional bulky furniture, offering customizable, space-saving storage — a radical idea at the time. By shifting furniture from the floor to the walls, Cadovius introduced a new way of thinking about interiors—freeing up valuable floor space and redefining modern living. It became one of the first modular, wall-mounted shelving systems, and a lasting icon of functional design.

In 1950, Cadovius purchased Cado, a furniture manufacturer, where he collaborated with or produced work by other notable designers such as Grete Jalk and Finn Juhl. Under his leadership, Cado became a hub for innovative Danish furniture that combined high craftsmanship with streamlined form.

Cadovius designed a wide range of furniture, from desks to chairs, but he is most remembered for his modular systems that embodied the essence of Scandinavian modernism: minimal, functional, and adaptable. Building on the success of the minimalist Royal System, Cadovius went on to develop several other innovative storage solutions, including System Cado and System Ultra, further cementing his legacy as a master of modular design. His work had a significant influence on contemporary storage and interior solutions.

Discover Poul Cadovius' designs here.