Two Modular Wall Units Available: AVAILABLE SEPARATELY (One Three Bay Unit left)
A quintessential modular wall unit from the 1960s, attributed to Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark. A defining example of Cadovius’ approach to design, where clean form meets intelligent function.
The system is fully modular, allowing cabinets and shelves to be arranged to suit your space, offering both practical storage and a refined display with a light, considered presence.
Angled teak support brackets sit beneath each shelf, secured with simple high-quality dowel-style fittings. Sculptural in form, they provide excellent stability while making the system intuitive to assemble and very easy to reconfigure.
Designed to be wall-mounted, the unit frees up floor space and creates that signature floating effect synonymous with Cadovius’ Royal System philosophy.
Well-researched and widely admired, variations of this system remain among the most sought-after pieces in mid-century design. Its appeal lies in its versatility, craftsmanship, and ease of integration into both classic and contemporary interiors.
The teak has been lightly restored to ensure authenticity and earned patina synonymous with vintage pieces, and overall presents beautifully. Brackets and dowels remain original.
Two modular configurations, sold separately:
• 1 × Available 3-Bay Unit (But interchangeable - see Note below)
• 1 × 3-Bay (Now sold)
The Units are available to view on display in our store.
The available 3-Bay Unit consists of: Read the Note below how to configure differently
- Total dimensions: 244.5cm W X 46cm D X 202cm H (Depending on your personal configuration)
- 1 Desk Surface / Multipurpose unit with two drawers (80cm W X 46cm D X 10.5cm H)
- 1 Glass sliding door cabinet with two inner glass adjustable shelves (80cm W X 24cm D X 56cm H)
- 1 Drop-down, drinks or multipurpose with inner drawer, cabinet (80cm W X 38cm D X 42cm H)
- 1 Cabinet with sliding doors and four adjustable inner shelves (80cm W X 46cm D X 51.5cm H)
- 1 Four-drawer cabinet with graduated drawers (80cm W X 46cm D X 51.5cm H)
- 2 Shelves & 4 Brackets (80cm W X 30cm D X 2cm H)
- All the original and appropriate brackets and dowels to hold the units & shelves are in place.
- 5 Wall-mounted, wooden uprights (should you wish to make a 4th bay with some of the included items as listed above)
Do NOTE:
THIS unit can be configured as a three-bay and/or a two-bay, and a single bay, offering flexibility across your space. It’s versatile enough to function as separate pieces throughout the home. An additional wall-mounted upright will be included, allowing you to divide the unit accordingly or convert it into a four-bay.
(Now Sold - The previous 3-Bay Unit consisted of):
- Total dimensions: 244 cm W X 46cm D X 202cm H
- 1 Desk or multipurpose drop-down cabinet with specialised inner storage (80cm W X 38cm D X 42cm H). 4 Drawers inside with built-in wooden dividers
- 2 Three-drawer cabinets, graduated design on the drawers (80cm W X 38cm D X 42.5cm H)
- 1 Deep shelf which can also function as a desk surface or serving shelf (80cm W X 46cm D X 2cm H)
- 3 Shelves (80cm W X 30cm D X 2cm H)
- 1 Smaller shelf (80cm W X 22cm D X 2cm H)
- All the original and appropriate brackets and dowels to hold the units & shelves are in place.
- 4 Wall-mounted, wooden uprights
These units originally bore removable manufacturer labels such as Made in Denmark, adding to their authenticity. Due to age, some are no longer intact, a common occurrence with mid-century pieces. Despite this, extensive research and comparison with documented examples confirm the quality of craftsmanship, distinctive design language, hardware, and wall-mounted system.
Attributed based on extensive research and documented examples globally, inclusive of intact labels.
Background on Designer:
Danish designer and manufacturer Poul Cadovius (1911–2011), born in Frederiksberg, began his career as a saddler and upholster before founding Royal System in 1945. His breakthrough came with the Royal System shelving (1948); a floating, modular concept designed to free up floor space and rethink traditional storage. It earned international recognition, including awards at the Finland Furniture Fair (1950) and the XI Triennale di Milano (1957), and became a defining piece of mid-century design.
In the mid-1960s, Cadovius acquired France & Søn, later renamed CADO, collaborating with leading Danish designers such as Grete Jalk, Arne Vodder, and Finn Juhl. His work balanced industrial innovation with refined, functional design.
Over his career, Cadovius registered more than 400 patents. While best known for the Royal System, his broader legacy continues to influence modern furniture design.
Condition:
Lightly restored to overall excellent condition, bearing a few marks here and there. There are just a few faint marks on some surfaces, but overall, the units are in excellent condition, with the inner drawers and cabinets in almost "unused" condition.
Please note: the units will be carefully de-assembled upon purchase for transport and will require reassembly in their new space. Each upright needs 5, 8 x 45mm nail & anchors to secure to the wall - not supplied.
Dimensions:
See above per unit.
Shipping Information:
If you are purchasing an item and you are based in Cape Town, Durban, or any area outside Gauteng, please select the 'LOCAL PICK-UP' option at check-out and do not choose a shipment option.
Please be aware that we cannot reserve any items until transportation or shipping arrangements have been finalized. Therefore, it is important to purchase the item and proceed with the checkout process.
After your purchase is complete, you are welcome to arrange your own method of transport. If you require our assistance, we can help you obtain a shipping quote based on the dimensions & volumetric weight of the item(s) you have bought.
Please email us at shop@retrend.co.za so we can provide cost estimates for shipping to your area from our preferred suppliers. For more detailed information, please refer to our shipping policy.
Note/Disclaimer:
Our images form part of the item description. While we make every effort to restore our furniture to its original state, most pieces date from the 1950s to the late 1970s. As a result, and despite restoration, signs of their vintage nature and previous life may still be visible. Light traces of restoration may remain visible, consistent with authentic vintage furniture. In some cases, minor adjustments may also have been made during the restoration process to ensure the piece remains functional and usable. We will point out any notable aspects where possible. We encourage in-store viewing or careful review of photographs before purchase.
Transport & Handling Note:
All items are carefully wrapped and prepared for transport by us (not the courier) to ensure safe handling. Once items leave our premises, we cannot take responsibility for their treatment by third-party transporters. We strongly recommend arranging goods-in-transit insurance for comprehensive protection.
Due to the fragility of glass, we do not recommend shipping glass items outside of Gauteng.
For the full shipping policy, please refer to our Shipping Policy for more information: https://retrend.co.za/policies/shipping-policy
As with many Mid-Century pieces, this item features a thoughtful combination of solid wood and high-quality wood veneer. Veneer has a long and respected tradition in furniture making, valued for both its aesthetic and structural benefits. When crafted with skill and applied in substantial thickness, vintage veneer proves highly durable, allowing for careful restoration, including retouching, sanding, and refinishing without compromising the integrity of the piece.