OUR STORY

HISTORY

Peter Bordum (back row, far left) and O.A. Nielsen (standing front row, far right) together with the B&N team in Arhaus, Denmark - 1940.

Bordum & Nielsen (B&N) was established on the 1st of April 1940 in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. Peter Bordum and O.A. Nielsen wanted to establish a factory producing handmade furniture. They eventually moved to Braband; and with a crew of 10, expanded their venture but remained a niche furniture manufacturer until the 1970’s.

As their pieces were hand crafted and custom made, their furniture were incredibly sought after. Pieces like chairs, tables and sideboards still appear in auctions and second-hand shops around the globe.

B&N TODAY

Now owned by Kawano Dansk, a Tokyo based company, we take pride in crafting and celebrating the beauty of Modern Danish furniture. B&N’s goal is to enable all furniture aficionados to attain the unmistakable art pieces that are Danish furniture – as well as fostering a greater love and appreciation for this niche furniture market.

Unlike larger manufacturers, our smaller operations enable us to craft and create niche and limited pieces of furniture. But despite our size, we have a global track record and recognition to supplying furniture for award winning hotels and restaurants.

The Japan / Denmark Relationship

Japan and Denmark have enjoyed a healthy diplomatic relationship stretching back 150 years. It is believed that the Danes were the ones that brought Japan into contact with the rest of the world. After recently celebrating this relationship on the 16th of November 2017, business relations, technology, education and design knowledge between the two have never been stronger.

The relationship with Danish furniture companies began when the Danes started to look abroad to manufacture their pieces. The Danish companies were so impressed by the skill, professionalism and ingenuity of their Japanese counterparts. The Japanese artisans developed new joints and methods to make the Danish furniture more durable – but without sacrificing the aesthetics and ergonomics.

The last 40 years has seen a surge in interest in Danish furniture in Japan. Due largely to the fact than Danish furniture design shares the same sensibilities to the Japanese approach to craft and design. Today, Japan is one of the largest markets for Modern Danish furniture

WHAT WE OFFER

What drives B&N forwards today is creating modern furniture by using the Danish heritage pieces as inspirations. We strive to give our pieces the same level of detail and craftsmanship as our Danish forbearers.

 

B&N takes pride in our ability to restore Danish heritage pieces brought to us by collectors – reviving their beauty and charm.

B&N reissues Danish heritage pieces that are out of license and those largely forgotten by time. This enables furniture aficionados a chance to own and experience Danish furniture that was once thought to be lost.

With our expertise, B&N creates bespoke furniture for large projects such as hotels and restaurants – giving each of the projects a distinct charm and identity.
Our role as manufacturers also makes us an authority on Danish heritage furniture; and we execute that role by authenticating pieces brought to us by collectors.