Butterfly Shelf by Poul Cadovius, 1958

Designed by Poul Cadovius in 1958, the Butterfly is one of the most recognizable shelves in Mid-Century Danish design. Its shape is created from a single sheet of steam-bent teak plywood, folded to achieve a surprisingly light structure from a visual perspective. An essential design that demonstrates how a simple constructive solution can transform into an object with a strong personality.

The design took shape almost by chance during Cadovius' experiments with material bending. The result is a shelf that appears suspended on the wall, capable of offering a functional support surface while maintaining a minimal footprint. The silhouette recalls the wings of a butterfly, from which the model's name derives.

Its compact dimensions make it ideal for holding small objects, books, or a lamp, either alone or in multiple compositions. Teak, with its warm and uniform grain, adds depth to the shape without weighing it down, enhancing the natural character of the material.

More than sixty years after its introduction, the Butterfly continues to find its place in contemporary interiors. A design that naturally transcends time and still represents one of the most successful examples of the meeting between technical research, functionality, and Scandinavian design.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Denmark
DESIGNER: Poul Cadovius
MODEL: Butterfly
DESIGN PERIOD: 1958
STYLE: Scandinavian Design, Mid-Century Modern
MATERIAL: Steam-bent teak plywood, metal
COLOR: Brown, Black
DIMENSIONS: H 20 cm | W 40 cm | D 17 cm
WEIGHT RANGE: 0–40 Kg
CONDITION: Good vintage condition.