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!
Suanne Levin Ray says
I am trying to obtain replacement wires for my mother’s Royal system which she purchased in the 50’s. I read somewhere that the newer wires are not the same size as the originals. Does anyone know where to obtain them?
Karen says
Wow, I just found this site. I have the Raymor Omnibus system. The shelves are 39.5 inches wide and the holes for the brackets are in the front of he standards. I’m installing a two bay unit which means three standards. I started from the center and worked outward but it’s not perfect. I’ve decided now to get a perfect level line on the wall 80 plus inches wide and install all three standards lining up the middle screw holes first? Of course nowhere an I going to hit a stud! Any ideas?
Alfredo catani says
I am an X Raymor rep. From back in the 60’s and also had an Omnibus system in rosewood.No need to worry about hitting studs! Just be sure to use toggle bolts and you are good to go.
Good Luck,
Alfredo A Catani
KM says
For Royal System, how far apart should the vertical rails be mounted? distance between rails? I found a reference to a spacer board (wish I had one). Are there any mounting instructions posted on the web?
Crispin Murray says
I have six pairs of System Cado shelf brackets (dowels, not wires). These are in Palisander wood – nice dark rosewood, and they are 30 cm / 11 3/4 inch. All unused in original cardboard boxes. In the UK. Anyone want to make me an offer, before they go on eBay.
pam kueber says
Crispin, you can post these on our Forum, photos required — https://retrorenovation.com/forums/
Jonathan says
Are your Cado brackets still available?
Maria Urquidi says
Does anyone know if it is possible to hang a Cado cabinet that was meant for a pole with holes on the SIDE on a pole with holes in the FRONT? Both use the same hardware… (Photos of hanging a cabinet on a side-holed pole here: http://www.designaddict.com/design_addict/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread_show_one/thread_id/12451/)
I accept that it will look bad (because the part of the cabinet that is normally covered by the pole will be exposed) but will it even hang securely? This was a Craigslist purchase which the man told me he had used in his college apartment…
Thanks for any input!
Steve Philips says
Maria:
Cado Systems had “hanging holes” on the front of the verticals, while Royal System had side holes that ran all the way through the vertical standards.
No mixing!
To confuse you more, both Cado and RS were both made by a company called Royal Systems.
SVP
Rayna Zeidenberg says
The dowels for our System Cado seem to be somewhere between 1/4 ” and 3/8″ in diameter – probably a metric measure. Where can I find them – or can I just buy 3/8″ and drill larger holes?
Rayna Zeidenberg says
Hi Yigal-
Thanks for your prompt reply. Oh, how I wish that you still lived in Tuckahoe! You’re right – the tips of the holes in the wall rails were damaged beyond repair. Also, we do need the cabinet to hang in the same place it had been, so it would be difficult to move it. It would be best if we could buy two new rails – but where?
Do you remember a good cabinet maker in the area?
Also, could you send me your email address so that I can write directly?
Thank you very very much!
Rayna Zeidenberg
pzeidenberg@optimum.net
Chris Ostarello says
Hello, I just bought a investment condo and they left a Cado unit in the guest bedroom and it is in really nice condition. Does anyone know anyone who is looking for one? I am located in Orlando, Florida?
jason orans says
sure – me! can you send a photo?
Chris says
Send me an email address and I will send them to you.
jason orans says
jason.orans@gmail.com thanks.
Rayna Zeidenberg says
We’ve own a System Cado for over 30 years. Today, a cabinet came off the wall and fell down on the floor! How can we find someone in the NY area to put it up for us? We live in central Westchester County.
Yigal Zohar says
Hi Ranya,
When I lived in Tuckahoe, I could have done it for you. Now, from South Florida, it is a bit far.
But, seriously, any good cabinet maker can do the repair for you. All they will need are the exact diameter wooded dowels as the ones that broke (available at any hardware store) and a drill of the same diameter.
The old dowel in the back if the unit needs to be drilled out, and a new ones glued into the holes.
It is very likely that the tips of the holes in the wall rails into which the cabinet was inserted were damaged, too. They will not support the cabinet in the same holes, no matter what , or how, you try to repair them. If you can, move the cabinet up, down, or sideways. If you need the cabinet in the same position, change (remove and replace) the rails with each other. The objective is to hang the cabinet using fresh holes.
Also, and I think that it is most important, you will need to drill a new screw hole into the rail no more than an inch above the height of the new location of the cabinet, and secure the rail to the wall.
If you, or anyone helping you, needs further advice, just ask me.
Hope this helped.
Yigal Zohar
William Klein says
Yigal
I saw this site and recognized your name. My Dad “Rusty” worked for you in Woodside. Hope to hear from you.
Yigal Zohar says
Royal System was manufactured only in teak and walnut. After a good number of years, they almost look the same, unless you are familiar with their distinctive grains.
System Cado was manufactured in teak, walnut, rosewood, mahogany, and oak.
Vivian says
Thank you for the info, Yigal. Would this type of freestanding shelves unit be considered rare? Most of the others seem to be able to be wall-mounted as well.
Do you know approximately when it would have been made?
And, it appears two types of wood were used. Any idea which two these may be?
Thank you for your time, and letting me dip into your well of knowledge 🙂
Yigal Zohar says
Hi Vivian,
I started working for Royal/Cado in 1973. That free standing Royal system was no longer manufactured by then. You could only hang it on wall rails.
Cado could be installed on special wall panels, on wall rails, and mounted on free standing poles or floor to ceiling tension poles.
Royal was manufactured in both teak and walnut, Cado in teak, walnut, oak, mahogany, and rosewood. All shelves and cabinets were made from particle board veneered, while all support parts, such as rails, poles and brackets were solid. Fronts of cabinets had a solid strip glued to the particle board prior to it being veneered.
Hope this helped,
Yigal Zohar
Vivian says
Hi Yigal. Thanks very much for the info. Just one more thing, if you don’t mind? During what time was the Royal system made?
You’ve been very kind 🙂
Vivian
AJ says
HELLO YIGAL, AS I WAS READING THROUGH THIS BLOG, THE NAME OF ELI HARDOFF’S PARENTS STORE IS A NAME ON THE ORIGINAL BROCHURE FROM MY PARENTS CADO SYSTEM! I DO REMEMBER SOMEONE WHO SPOKE HEBREW (SO DO I) THAT CAME TO DO THE INSTALLATION OF THE SYSTEM IN THEIR HOME IN MONSEY NY WHEN THEY FIRST PURCHASED CADO.
WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO RECOMMEND ANY PLACES IN FL THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN ESTATE SALES OF THIS KIND OF FURNITURE? IT’S REALLY IN GREAT SHAPE BUT I HAVE NO SPACE FOR IT IN OUR NYC APT.
A
Alfredo Catani says
Vivian,
Although I have sold and installed many Cado & Royal Systems, none were on free standing posts. Sorry I can’t be of any help!
Alfredo Catani