We learn about the two very collectible types:
‘Royal System’ and ‘System Cado’
Continuing my research into midcentury modern shelving systems, Cado “floating” wall systems are now also in my sites. Like the String System that recently profiled, Cados are Scandinavian-designed — and they are hot collectibles. Unlike Strings, you cannot get them new today, so you must be on the lookout. You know how I say that at estate sales, you need to look to the windows for potentially lovely window treatments? Well now, I add to that list: Look to the walls for potentially valuable shelving systems. Above: Christa’s Cado Wall System. Continue for more views of her Cado… for historical info about this wall system… and for shopping tips.
Christa’s Cado wall system:
Christa writes:
Hi Pam –
I don’t have the String system, but the similar, all wood version of the Cado system…interesting that such similar ideas all were designed at around the same time .
I ended up getting mine from CraigsList, but it did take months and months to find it.
The reason…well my wonderful mid century split level has some floors that are, well, wobbly if you walk to hard…especially the dining room. My vintage blonde china cabinet was great, except that every time somebody walked by it, it would sway and things would clank and clunk inside (it made me afraid for my grandmother’s china!)
So a teak Cado system, that attached to the wall ( they have floor standing ones as well) Solved the problem. Too bad the wobbly floor itself is not so easy to fix!This type of system is so flexible (actually have Elfa in my daughters room and our study) and can work just about anywhere you want to put it!
I took these a while ago, I have done some “tweaking” since I took these, especially with the Viking glass, ( LOVE Viking Epic…I have gotten slightly addicted) I got some more pieces, I move things around…it is a constant thing.
I have another wall-mount and one other cabinet for the Cado, but as you can see, two bays were all I had space for or need , but I have them safely tucked away in case I change my mind and want to put this somewhere else.The “down side” to this (the Cado)…actually getting it on the wall…if your measurements are not PERFECT, the dowels on the back of the cabinets will not go in the holes. I learned that my studs are not straight in the walls…as if I got the upright in a stud at the top, it would not go in a stud at the bottom. It took about 4 hours, 3 people,( myself, DH, and a very patient and tall friend ) several bruises each and much cursing to get it up. I would assume that when the system was new there was some sort of template, so you could easily get things lined up, but those are long gone I fear.
Thank you, Christa, for sharing these photos and advice. Your home is drop dead gorgeous!!
About the Cado wall system
I went searching all over the internet trying to piece together a timeline history of the Cado system. The timeline is incomplete, I note* where I am missing info or am confused.
- According to the 20th Century forum, the official name of this design is the Royal System. Although then I read there was also a design called System Cado. Confused*. In any case, these were designed by the Dutch architect Poul Cadovius, and manufactured by Cado, Cadovius’ eponymous company.
- I found a Wikipedia entry for Poul Cadovius. It appears to be in Danish, and the translate pop up is not popping. However, I think I can read that Cadovius died just last year, 2011. He lived to age 99! I also am going to guess that the Cado wall unit was spotlighted (introduced???) at the Milan Trienniele in 1957? Can anyone translate for me?
- I scanned the Wiki on Danish Modern Design — and he does not seem to be mentioned. It is interesting — the Cado wall units seem to be very popular — very well known — but there is very little information I can find overall on Poul Cadovius, Cado manufacturing, and the history of these units.
- At Made-Good — a site about Danish design — they describe the impetus of the Royal System: “Poul Cadovius, was in the fifties looking for a furnishing system which would give a maximum of comfort, underline the personal atmosphere of the interior, was easy to assembly, offer a lot of combination possibilities and made the living space larger.” They add that, “In the late 60s [1964, another post indicates] he (Cadovius) (als0) bought the famous manufacturer France and Sons and produced many more furniture under the label of Cado.” Cadovius/Cado went on to produce a variety of other furniture designs.
- This Design Addict forum (now offline) says the first Cado was a freestanding system — they have a photo — and that it was designed in 1955. Its classifieds section also indicated that the Cado system was available in a number of woodgrains — teak, walnut, mahogany, rosewood… — as well as white. You can also see the variety of components.
- The Good Mod adds that, “These systems could be ordered from catalogs and furniture stores in the 1960?s – 70?s. There were many different types of cabinets, shelves, lights, standards or uprights and styles. Whether you needed a desk, a table, a stereo cabinet, china cabinets or a chest of drawers, you could customize the system to fit your needs.”
- Looks like Roche Bobois started distributing the Cado system in 1962. [I’m confused about when Cado manufacturing came into the picture.] Note, they say it marks the end of conformity in shelving sizes, “The break in conventional sizes has just begun.”
- On this forum I read that there are two designs of the Cado system — one with metal fixings, one with wood. Here is an edited excerpt: [One design] has the metal fixings and supports which hang in the sides of the wall battens. Here is a clear example. [The other design] has wooden supports with angled wooden dowels in the back which fix into angled holes in the front of the wall battens. (Christa has this all-wood system; here is another clear example. The joinery involved means these systems are often considered more desireable. This also means it’s a nightmare to put up as there is zero tolerance. The [system with metal fixings] is much more forgiving and is easier to find. *Still confusion over which was called Royal System vs. System Cado. Confused*.
- I cannot find any information on when sales of the Royal System ended.
- Interesting article — more info about Poul Cadovius’ career here. A photo too. Scroll to “The Story Behind Circulhuset” about half way through the PDF. In short, she says Cadovius was a well-known and prolific designer, with 400 patents. She also says that Cadovius had gone bankrupt by 1981.
- But golly gee, looky here, the Cadovius’ Abstracta modular shelving, designed in the 1960s, still is for sale — looks like it’s manufactured in K-zoo! That’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Elvis still lives, btw. The Abstracta appears to be mostly targeted at the retail display market, but there are a few pieces designed for home: The cube table! Of course, we all recognize the cube table!
And… how’s this for some loveliness — a video that shows the original turntable and speakers:
Cado wall systems buying guide:
My tips:
- Cado systems seem to be well known among dealers and collectors. They are very recognizable to the infomed — which now includes you. However, that means, that if a dealer or collector gets one in-hand, he or she will price it accordingly — likely starting at $1,000 or more, depending on the pieces available and the condition.
- If you are looking for a bargain, I’d say try estate sales and vintage stores, especially those in smaller cities or towns where they be fewer buyers tuned into the mid mod. Look to the walls! Keep your eyes peeled! I tend to think that Cados were pretty popular back in the day — they are out there to be discovered.
- You can also watch craigslist. Search Cado, teak, danish modern, midcentury, shelves, wall unit… etc. Mix up your terms. For example, I spotted this unit for sale in the New York City area, and the seller gave me permission to feature the photo here:
Cado wall system with desk, $1250 (link now gone): Beautiful and practical Danish modern teak wall system designed by Poul Cadovius. This system as shown in the photos is particularly rare as it comes with a separate drop-leaf desk. The condition overall is in good condition with a few scapes and bumps that comes with age. [Thanks to the seller for giving me permission to feature this photo.}
- You can also find Cado wall units on ebay and etsy — but you will likely not be able to see what you are buying in person, of course.
So there you have it: Cado wall systems. Paol Cadovius, well done!
Norm Kelson says
We inherited the Cado system from my Uncle and Aunt. It’s a Cado system which they bought in NYC. We’ve had it on the wall for over 17 years.
We’re downsizing and would love to sell it. Since it has a very limited audience, anyone looking for it, let me know. Its in excellent condition and includes the bar, record, misc cabinets, set of draws, and the glass case.
pam kueber says
Norm — I suggest craigslist or ebay. Good luck.
Norm Kelson says
Thanks. I thought of this thread since afficiando’s might be watching it.
pam kueber says
You can post on our buy/sell Forum if you would like (no buying/selling on the main blog or it would be chaos): https://retrorenovation.com/forums/ Good luck!
Angela says
Hello Norm,
I’m in NYC and I’m in currently looking to purchase a Cado Wall System. Shout back if you are still looking to sell. Cheers! Angela
pam kueber says
Angela & all — all buying / selling really needs to go over to the Forum: https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
I will not let any more be listed here… again, go over to the Forum. Thanks!
Jill Henshaw says
Hi,
I have a Cado wall system like the one pictured on this site with the wood panels. It was in the house when we moved in, in the basement. i always thought it was interesting but just recently found out that it is a Cado wall system. We have no use for it and I would like to sell it. Do you have any suggestions about how to go about that? Sell each piece or sell the system in it’s entirety? Also, do I do Craigslist or is there some other site?
Thanks much
Joe Poliak says
I have a similar system designed by Thygersen and Sorensen for the Hansen & Guldborg Furniture Company (Denmark). Rather than wooden dowels it has metal clips attached to the brackets and metal clips for haning up cabinets, I am searching for extra clips to hang spare cabinets and brackets to hang up spare shelves. Does any one know where I may find these?
Roger Lepley says
Hi Pam, It’s good to see the blog with Poul Cadovius featured, along with his wood systems and Abstracta. I purchased the Abstracta System and brought it to Kalamazoo in 1998. In doing all of that I had the pleasure of visiting Poul at his Svendborg, Denmark home three times, the first time when he had just turned 89 and was still designing. He passed away in 2011 just a few months short of 100! I invite you to visit my blog at: http://bannersanddisplay.blogspot.com/search/label/Abstracta Thank you, Roger
Gerard Lee says
Hi,
I have a decent sized “Royal” Cado it seems that I’m about to install. I am fearing the anchor bolts/ metric challenge 🙂 But I did want to mention in relation to DJ’s comment above that I do have one of the Yugoslavian units and it is really amazing. It is not wall mounted but free standing and 3 bays wide.
pam kueber says
Lucky you!
Eli Hardof says
Hi Gerard,
There shouldn’t be any issue of metric vs SAE, I installed many Cado/Royal wall units as a teen working for my father…it was toggle bolts all the way(three per rail). This was my fathers instructions and may not have jived with Royals instructions…but our installs never had a follow up problem.
Yigal Zohar says
Gerald,
Write me an email with any question about Cado/Royal. I was the operations manager of the company for many years and can help you with any question. I ran many installers for many years, and have deep knowledge of both the product and the installation.
Yigal Zohar
pam kueber says
Peoples: Please take this over to the forum: https://retrorenovation.com/forums
Frank Dixon says
Yes indeed I have a question in response to your kind offer:
I have a Royal System wall unit that belonged to my wife’s mother. I has been moved several times (I disassembled it the last time myself and we know that the “columns” that attach to the wall went into storage. Well they are not there now …
Any idea if replacements or engineeering drawings are available ?
Thanks so much,
Frank Dixon
Bill Johnson says
author: I was one of the original sales representatives for cado and royhal systems in the USA. I sold many systems and all of the accessories available for this company. If you would like further information, please email me at your convenience.
Bill
PS: Poul cadovius was a Dane not a dutch architect.
Gerald Beckerman says
I have a multi-bay, free-standing rosewood Cado System that uses matching wood side panels (approximately 80″ high x 12″ deep x 1-1/2″ wide) to support the shelves and cabinets. The side panels are connected via a set of 3 stretchers.
Only once in the last 3 years have I come across a Cado system that also uses these side panels. Of course, this is the part that I’ve been seeking to expand my current configaration. Any suggestions for a source of these, or even what they were orginially called, would be helpful.
Eli Hardof says
Hi Bill,
Were you national or regional? Did you know Ygal Zohar who worked for Royal System in NY in the 70’s? Also, my parents owned a modern scandinavian furniture store in Manhattan that was the top seller of Cado called Interiors & Sound…they out sold Roche Bubois on Cado.
I have many fond memories as a teen going on the installations.
Yigal Zohar says
Shalom Eli,
I know Bill very well, and he knows me just as well.
How are you?
Yigal Zohar
Eli Hardof says
Shalom Yigal!
I didn’t expect to get a reply from you here…how wonderful! How are you?. My father passed away in July 2011, it was sudden. My mother is in good health and spirits living in Florida, I know she’s going to be excited to hear that we connected. Please stay in touch, you can reach me at wineforall@me.com
Sincerely,
Eli
Ginger says
Hi Bill,
I have recently made a purchase of a 4 shelving royal unit on Ebay. I finally just got the delivery the other day and I am concerned this is not the real deal because it feels like particle board compressed and painted.
If I were to send you a picture of the shelf I have, could you tell me if it is indeed Cado?
Thanks,
Ginger
pam kueber says
Sorry, Ginger — I think you should really be talking to the seller….
Ginger says
I will but I wanted to be sure I was not going to accuse someone of selling me a fake without some assurance. I assume the real Poul Cadovius shelves would be real slabs of wood and NOT particle board with an acrylic that peels off.
Thank you
pam kueber says
I am not an expert on this…
Jill Henshaw says
Hi Ginger,
I took a few shelves of my unit to a neighbor so he could help me identify the wood. he said the shelves does are veneered. A quality veneer is actually a good thing. Do your pieces have Made in Denmark on the back?
Jill
Ruth Miller says
We have free-standing Cado poles from the 1960s. They are 95″ tall but ceilings in our new home will be only 90 ” tall. What can be done to make them usable again?
Yigal Zohar says
Hi Bill,
How are you? We used to know each other so well.
Are you still working? I left Cado went they went under and went to other pastures. Currently I am retire in paradise, South Florida, and having a blast.
What about you?
Yigal Zohar
D.J. says
Doe’s anybody know anything about a Yugoslavian wall system. I’m sure that it’s just a knock-off, but it is actually really nice.
Yetti Treasures says
D.J.- We have a wall unit that was made in Yugoslavia, as well. Free standing, and very well designed, IMO. Not sure if it is the same as yours, but I have a few pix up at http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=314003102038700&set=a.314001432038867.60769.272411022864575&type=1&theater
I would be interested in learning the identity of the manufacturer and designer, myself. I got it from an estate sale, and was told it was from the early 70’s and was over $1K at the time. I have no idea if that was just talk, however.
Maxanne Abrams says
I just read your information on the Cado Royal Systems Shelving. We have inherited a house that is full of them, in almost every room. Do you have any suggestions on how to sell them?
pam kueber says
Wow! Lucky you! You can try craigslist or ebay — or perhaps you might find a dealer who is interested. If you don’t mind sharing, where are you located?
Maxanne Abrams says
We live in South Carolina, but the house with the Royal Systems is located in Florida.
Allison says
Maxanne, do you have photos of the units you are looking to sell? My husband and I are in the process of buying an Eichler, and are looking for some Cado units.
pam kueber says
Hello, all, please put this on our buy/sell forum for vintage steel kitchen cabinets: https://retrorenovation.com/forums/ Good luck
Maxanne Abrams says
Allison,
Unfortunately no pictures at this time. We live 11 hours from where they are located and will not be returning until October.
Matt Allison says
I have a Royal System in teak, it was bought through Gumtree, our local Craigslist equivalent from a retired couple who were scaling down.
Neither I nor they knew the true cost of it and I bought it for R900 ($120USD), I now know I got a deal and them some!
It was bought by them from the Danish consulate in Durban, South Africa in the mid 60’s and they wanted what their paid for it back then.
You can see a pic of it in our Design Sponge sneek peek here: http://www.designsponge.com/2012/04/sneak-peek-matt-kathy-allison.html
Nigel says
I have a large amount of Cado in rosewood (system wooden dowles), wall panels, bar units, display cabinets, shelves etc. Cado offered these in teak or rosewood. In the rosewood there were two varients available in eith Rio or Santos Rosewood. I remenber that back in 1986 you would be looking to pay around £700 per panel, bar unit, draws etc and between £100 – £180 per shelf and a shelf light was around £80. I think I still have the original cataloge somewhere.