Story
Ry Møbler was a Danish furniture workshop that established a distinctive position in the golden age of Danish Modern, particularly in the field of storage furniture. The company became known as one of Hans J. Wegner’s key production partners, manufacturing innovative case goods such as cabinets, sideboards, and wall systems that helped define the modern Danish domestic interior.
Founded by Poul Christensen and Tage Rosfaard in the town of Ry, the workshop was driven not only by skilled craftsmanship but also by a deep engagement with design. Rather than serving solely as fabricators, Christensen and Rosfaard approached their work with a holistic understanding of form, material, and function—values that would become defining characteristics of the company.
A crucial factor in Ry Møbler’s success was its participation in the SALESCO cooperative, a joint sales organization that united several leading manufacturers. Each company contributed its own area of expertise—such as seating, tables, or cabinetry—to collectively realize Wegner’s designs at the highest standard. Within this collaborative structure, Ry Møbler became the specialist for case furniture, earning the reputation of being “Wegner’s storage furniture partner.”
The workshop’s products are distinguished by their refined woodworking, functional clarity, and sensitivity to the natural beauty of wood grain. Notable examples include the RY25 sideboard with tambour doors and the modular RY100 wall system, which allowed users to integrate desks, beds, and shelving components. These designs exemplify the principles of organic functionalism—balancing practicality, material honesty, and sculptural restraint.
Ry Møbler ultimately faced challenges that reshaped the Danish furniture industry in the late 20th century: the dissolution of SALESCO, the end of its design partnership with Wegner, and the rising cost of teak. These pressures led to the company’s closure in the 1980s. Yet, despite its relatively short lifespan, Ry Møbler’s designs remain highly regarded today. Their scarcity, craftsmanship, and clarity of form make them sought-after pieces in the vintage market, treasured as artifacts of Denmark’s modern design heritage.
About
Year: 1946–1980s
President: Poul Christensen, Tage Rosfaard
Designer: Hans J. Wegner
Place: Ry, Denmark
History
1946: Founded by designers Poul Christensen and Tage Rosfaard.
1951: Joins SALESCO, a cooperative sales organization, due to longstanding ties with Hans J. Wegner from student days. Begins joint production and sales activities with Carl Hansen & Søn, Andreas Tuck, GETAMA, and AP Stolen. Ry Møbler specializes in Wegner’s case furniture—sideboards, cabinets, and other storage designs.
1953: Introduces the RY-5 Upper Cabinet, RY-8 Bookshelf, RY-14 Upper Cabinet, RY-15 Lower Cabinet, RY-16 Lower Cabinet, RY-17 Lower Cabinet, RY-18 Upper Cabinet, and RY-20 Cabinet.
1954: Introduces the RY-21, RY-22, RY-23, and RY-24 Wall Racks, along with the RY-32 Ladies Desk.
1959: Introduces the RY-25 Sideboard (also known as CH-825 Credenza), RY-26 Sideboard, RY-27 Upper Cabinet, RY-29 Upper Cabinet, RY-30 Upper Cabinet, and RY-31 Lower Cabinet.
1960: Introduces the modular RY-100 Shelving System.
1966: Introduces the RY-401, RY-402, and RY-420 Beds; RY-500 Unit Cabinet; and RY-430 Bed Cabinet (GE430). GETAMA withdraws from SALESCO, reducing the coalition’s scale. Collaboration with Wegner weakens, and although existing designs may continue production, no new designs are provided.
1971: Introduces the successful RY-800 student dormitory furniture series by Nissen & Gehl.
1974: With the collapse of SALESCO following the bankruptcy of Andreas Tuck and AP Stolen, Ry Møbler reorganizes as “CH-RY-SW Ltd.” with Søren Willadsen as a new partner.
1979: Rising teak prices place significant financial pressure on operations.
1980: Decline of the Danish furniture boom results in a sharp reduction in exports.
1982: Company begins downsizing due to economic difficulties.
1985: Ry Møbler officially ceases operations.
Furniture
・RY-16 Chest
・RY-20 Sideboard
・RY-25 Sideboard
・RY-26 Sideboard
・RY-30 Cabinet
・RY-32 Cabinet
・RY-35 Bookcase
・RY-36 Bookcase
・RY-40 Chest of Drawers
・RY-42 Cabinet
・RY-45 Cabinet
・RY-50 Sideboard
・RY-52 Cabinet
・RY-55 Sideboard
・RY-60 Chest
・RY-65 Cabinet
・RY-70 Cabinet
・RY-75 Sideboard
・RY-80 Cabinet
・RY-100 Wall Unit
・RY-110 Bookcase
・RY-120 Cabinet
・RY-150 Coffee Table
・RY-160 Sideboard
・RY-200 Wall System
・RY-300 Cabinet
・RY-350 Chest
・RY-400 Cabinet
・RY-430 Bed Cabinet
・President Credenza
・RY-500 Cabinet
・RY-600 Bookcase
・RY-700 Cabinet
・RY-800 Student Furniture Series
・RY-810 Cabinet
・RY-900 Cabinet