The Surfboard coffee table, designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen in 1959, is a Danish design classic that has been re-released by Warm Nordic. The shape of the tabletop is reminiscent of a surfboard, and the empty space between the top and the frame gives the tabletop an airy, hovering appearance. Made of oiled solid wood, Surfboard is a fine example of Arne Hovmand-Olsen’s love for top-quality materials and playful shapes. Thanks to its lightweight structure and dynamic design, Surfboard will find its place by the sofa or as a distinctive side table elsewhere in the house.
Surfboard coffee table, teak oiled oak
Warm Nordic
Description
The Surfboard coffee table, designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen in 1959, is a Danish design classic that has been re-released by Warm Nordic. The shape of the tabletop is reminiscent of a surfboard, and the empty space between the top and the frame gives the tabletop an airy, hovering appearance. Made of oiled solid wood, Surfboard is a fine example of Arne Hovmand-Olsen’s love for top-quality materials and playful shapes. Thanks to its lightweight structure and dynamic design, Surfboard will find its place by the sofa or as a distinctive side table elsewhere in the house.
- Length: 152 cm
- Width: 52 cm
- Height: 45 cm
- Colour Teak brown
- Table top material Teak-coloured oiled oak veneer
- Frame material Teak-coloured oiled solid oak
- Notes Comes flat-packed
- Product ID: WA150912
Danish furniture designer Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919–1989) began his career in 1938 as a cabinetmaker at P. Olsen Sibast before going on to study furniture design and establish his own workshop. Rooted in Scandinavian modernism, Hovmand-Olsen’s furniture gained acclaim not only in Denmark but also internationally, finding particular popularity in the United States, where his clean lines, fine craftsmanship and quietly elegant forms struck a lasting chord.
Arne Hovmand-Olsen: A master of refined Danish modernism
Arne Hovmand-Olsen (1919–1989) was among the key pioneers of Danish modernism from the mid-1950s onwards.
Born into a farming family, Arne Hovmand-Olsen showed an early sensitivity to aesthetics. He first trained as a cabinetmaker before continuing his studies in furniture design, allowing him to unite hands-on craftsmanship with a passion for visual form. In 1944, he established his own design studio, where he worked continuously until the 1970s.
An internationally oriented pioneer
Hovmand-Olsen rose to become one of Denmark’s most recognised furniture designers during the 1950s. His furniture gained wide acclaim not only across Europe but also in the United States, where Scandinavian design was enjoying a rapidly growing following.
As a pioneer of Danish modernism, Hovmand-Olsen’s career unfolded at a time when international interest in Scandinavian design was reaching new heights.
Light elegance and timeless lines
Arne Hovmand-Olsen’s furniture is characterised by an airy construction, refined proportions and a deep respect for the natural beauty of wood. His Scandinavian design language answered the mid-century desire for modern, light-filled interiors – and continues to resonate today through its enduring quality and timeless appeal.
Today, Hovmand-Olsen’s legacy is carefully preserved by the Danish brand Warm Nordic, in close collaboration with the designer’s family.
Who: Arne Hovmand-Olsen
- Education: Cabinetmaker and furniture designer.
- Style: Danish modernism with a light, elegant expression.
- Legacy: Danish brand Warm Nordic has reintroduced several of Hovmand-Olsen’s most important designs.
- Iconic designs: Lean Back armchair, Surfboard coffee table, Noble chair, Evermore dining table.
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The Product Sustainability Framework, our criteria of sustainable design, helps you find the most sustainable products in our selection. Read below which sustainability criteria this product has met.
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Equal opportunities for all employees -
Commitment to UN Global Compact, fair compensation for all employees
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Corporate responsibility requirements defined and communicated for suppliers
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Systematic work for improved inclusion and well-being in the workplace
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Transparent supply chain
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Suppliers' compliance to a code of conduct ensured
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Direct suppliers audited and certified
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Compliance to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ensured in the supply chain
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Support for community involvement in the supply chain
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Fair and resource-wise water-use in production
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No incineration or landfilling of returned items
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No use of endangered species as materials
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No direct environmental emissions or waste (excl. GHGs) from production
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Material-efficient and ecological packaging
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Positive impact on nature’s well-being through operations that regenerate natural ecosystems
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No potentially harmful chemicals used in own production
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The sustainability of direct suppliers' production is addressed and monitored
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Production and material sourcing that respect biodiversity, animal rights, and natural ecosystems
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Company's direct greenhouse gas emissions identified and commitment to reduction
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Product's carbon impact identified and commitment to reduction
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Guidance on energy- and eco-efficient use of the product
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Contribution to climate initiatives beyond the brand’s direct operations
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Low-carbon or compensated transportation
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Carbon footprint of the product calculated and goals set to reduce it
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100 % renewable energy in own production and operations
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Carbon neutral or carbon negative product
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Sustainable and long-lasting material choices
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No harmful or hazardous substances
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Responsible raw material sourcing and production
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Materials suited for circularity: monomaterials, recyclable finishings, renewable or recycled contents etc.
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Ecological materials: natural, biodegradable, recyclable or recycled contents
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Outstanding materials in terms of innovativeness, responsibility, sustainability and circularity: local production or sourcing, 100 % recycled content, C2C-certification etc.
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High aesthetic quality promoting long-term use of the product
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Technically durable product design and material choices
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Design for enduring life-long quality
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Design and support for product maintenance, repair and upgradability
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Innovative circular design solutions: circular service system, resale platform, remanufacturing, collection of used products, etc.
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