Rosewood drop-front secretary desk, model 37 by Arne Wahl Iversen

Designed in 1957 by Arne Wahl Iversen for the Danish manufacturer Vinde Møbelfabrik, this secretary desk, model 37, in rosewood perfectly illustrates the balance between elegance and functionality that characterizes the influence of Danish design on furniture of the 1950s and 1960s. Both a desk and a storage unit, it combines remarkable ingenuity in its layout with the decorative richness of a wood species particularly prized by Danish cabinetmakers.

• H 109 CM x D 44.5 CM x W 85 CM.
• Usable depth of the writing surface: 65 CM
• Clearance under the writing surface when open: 70 CM
• Writing compartment drawers D 16 CM x H 4 CM.
• Chest drawers D 36 CM x H 10 CM.
• The former marks on the top surface are still slightly visible

Arne Wahl Iversen’s Model 37 Secretary Desk: The Richness of Rosewood

The upper section of the piece opens via a drop-front panel that, once lowered, forms a genuine work surface and reveals a series of small drawers and compartments designed for storing mail and small items. Three large drawers occupy the lower section, offering generous storage capacity without compromising the piece’s lightness of form.

Arne Wahl Iversen’s design stands out here for the subtlety of its proportions. The slant of the upper section, the integrated handles, and the slender legs come together in a remarkably balanced whole. These details reflect the care Vinde Møbelfabrik put into crafting this secretary desk.

While this model was also produced in teak, the rosewood version has a character all its own. The depth of its tones, the contrasts in its grain, and the diversity of its natural wood patterns give each piece a distinct personality. The deliberately understated design of the piece lets rosewood’s decorative qualities take center stage. We currently have another creation by Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik for sale, the model 68 teak secretary desk. Designed a few years later, it features the same combination of desk and storage unit, with a different interior layout and an ingenious pull-out support designed to hold the drop-front panel open.

Like many Scandinavian secretary desks of this era, model 37 answers a need that remains just as relevant today: providing a comfortable workspace without dedicating an entire room to it. Once the flap is closed, it reverts to a storage unit, fitting as naturally into a living room as into a bedroom.

Restoring the secretary desk: reviving the natural beauty of rosewood

Removing the old finish and treating stains embedded in the rosewood, before preparing the surfaces

We regularly select pieces of Danish furniture for the quality of their cabinetmaking and the care given to their design. Our restoration workshop steps in whenever their condition requires it, taking particular care to preserve the original veneers, finishes, and joinery.

Do you own Scandinavian teak or rosewood furniture you’d like to sell? We’re always on the lookout for such pieces — feel free to send us your photos via our Sell with us page