Modular Teak Wall Unit by Louis Van Teffellen for Wébé, 1950s

Who Is Louis van Teeffelen?

Louis van Teeffelen was renowned designer known for his Danish furniture, originally sold in Holland. Often considered a Dutch design master, he produced high quality tables, chairs, lamps, desks, and wall units throughout the 1950s and 1960s, always with impeccable elegance. While very little is known about Louis van Teeffelen himself, his work for Webe Holland speaks for itself.

The Work of Louis van Teeffelen

Louis van Teeffelen style is a mix of Danish woodwork and Italian finesse (as can be seen in his brass details), with a bespoke handcrafted quality. This combination is one of the many things that sets him apart from the other industrial designers. His sleek and functional wooden cabinets, and free-standing wall units, created from wood and black metal, are highly sought after and can be found in homes of sound taste. Though he is often copied, there is no substitute for a real Louis van Teeffelen piece.

Louis van Teeffelen at Pamono

Pamono’s selection of Louis van Teeffelen’s pieces have been carefully curated to ensure the highest quality. All the pieces age well, and able to complement most interiors. Pamono stock a range of bonafide Louis van Teeffelen pieces that are guaranteed to provide both comfort, elegance and outstanding quality.

Dutch furniture manufacturer WéBé was founded in 1938 in Benden-Leeuwen (near Tiel). Originally called Walraven and Bevers after its two founders, the company’s name was later shortened to the abbreviated WéBé.

The company had a slow start, but in the 1950s and ’60s it gained major recognition and expanded to become one of the largest furniture producers in the Netherlands. This success had a lot to do with Dutch designer Louis van Teeffelen (1921-1972), who became Wébé’s head designer in 1955. Van Teeffelen introduced a classic midcentury Scandinavian aesthetic and a number of popular designs in a similar style to the work of his contemporary, Poul Cadovius (1911-2011). Casegoods and tables with anthropomorphic, “smiling” handles along with sculptural structures became van Teeffelen’s signature. His work for Wébé includes the Cow Horn Chair (1950s); Scissor Chair (1950s); Pelican Armchair (1960s); Easy Chair (1960s); an array of teak dining tables, coffee tables, sideboards, and desks; and various modular wall systems that feature teak shelves and cabinets.

Van Teeffelen, who left the company in 1967, turned out to be the only significant and well-received designer in WéBé’s history. In the 1970s, the company hit rough times, not only suffering van Teeffelen’s loss but also meeting with increased competition from new low-cost, mass-produced furniture companies. In the 1990s, Wébé ceased manufacturing all together and closed its doors for good. Although the company is no longer in business, van Teeffelen’s designs are considered excellent examples of the midcentury modern movement and are highly sought-after by collectors today.