Pastoe Furniture

In the 1950s–70s, the brand made its mark with rational, accessible furniture, before creating icons such as the A’dammer cabinet (1977). Founded in 1913 in Utrecht under the name UMS, the company shifted after WWII toward functional, modular furniture suited to modern living.

Pastoe is one of the great names in 20th-century Dutch design. Founded in 1913 in Utrecht under the name UMS, the company shifted after WWII toward functional, modular furniture suited to modern living. In 1948, it adopted the name Pastoe, derived from passe-partout, expressing a desire for versatility and restraint.
Under the direction of Cees Braakman, Pastoe introduced innovative industrial processes, notably bent plywood, giving rise to a clean-lined design that became iconic. In the 1950s–70s, the brand made its mark with rational, accessible furniture, before creating icons such as the A’dammer cabinet (1977). Today, Pastoe remains a benchmark of Dutch design, recognized for the clarity of its lines and its intelligent construction.