I have a mid size collection of MCM stuff, including some later 70/80's-ish Danish teak stuff that is veneer over particleboard (mdf, engnrd wood?). This stuff seems super hit-or-miss quality wise. I just bought a set by Jesper including a platform bed, long dresser, and chest. The bed is pretty solid construction and the headboard is one long piece w/floating nitestands, but I am not thrilled with the drawers on the dresser and chest. Cheap wood slides from what at best appears to be pine are either broken or worn down a couple millimeters so the drawers bind and catch on the drawer beneath them. The drawer bottom is cheap 1/8" particleboard and is sagging quite a bit. I am in the process of replacing these two issues, as the rest of the structure is quite sound.
I guess what I'm asking is can this stuff be considered collectible if it wears so easily? The thin veneer chips easily when it terminates at an edge. When did danish manufacturers ditch the quality construction and go to this cheap style? I have a buffet/hutch from around the same period that has much better craftsmanship in the way the veneers are applied.
Or is this just a price point issue, and the original owners just bought the mid-level line? Or is it the manufacturer?
I have both and there really...
I have both and there really is no comparison to teak veneer over a quality hardwood and teak over particle board. I've found the design in the particle board stuff I've seen to be more pedestrian compared to the "good" stuff. Particle board pieces tend to not have proper legs, be very blocky, have very little "sculpting" to the wood, and have that same orangy "look-at-me-I'm-teak!" look about them.
As far particle board pieces being collectible, I'd hazard a guess that they generally won't hold value very well. More than, say, an Ikea piece, but nothing like a teak over solid-wood piece made by a reputable Danish maker.
That said, I'd prefer teak/particle board over the drek you get from Target. 🙂
fm
I suppose
You get what you pay for...I really do love the more sculptural stuff, but it's tough to find at a good price (I bought this set for $500 on CL). I'm just annoyed because this stuff is close, but these last details are just crap. Especially chincey drawer slides, as these determine the "feel" of the piece. Well the feel is crap, unfortunately. Today I cut new slides from oak, hopefully these improve them to a tolerable point. I considered using ball bearing metal slides, but there isn't enough room and I think it would be nice to maintain the original design. I guess I'm on the next step to my ideal set, these will have to do for awhile though.
I'd been searching for over 2 years
I've spent the past 2 years doing searches on the SF Craigslist for a good credenza only to be met with pages and pages of Lane, Broyhill, and much worse crap. Or good stuff with price tags to go with their pedigree.
A couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, I just happened to check my local (very small) CL and just browsed through the furniture offerings (no need to search as there are only about 20 or so postings a day. About halfway down there was a Dansk Form teak credenza for $300. I was there a half hour later handing over my cash. Beautiful piece, nicely sculpted details, real legs (oak) and not a hint of particle board to be found.
Patience and luck is what it takes.
fm
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