Louis van Teeffelen: the warmth of Wébé & AWA design
Wébé's showroom in the 1960s – the birthplace of Dutch modernism.
Introduction
Anyone who has ever stood face to face with a cabinet or wall system by Louis van Teeffelen will recognize it immediately: those soft, organic lines, the warm teak wood, and the refined balance between functionality and form. It is design that brings peace, that does not impose itself but invites you to look — and feel. Van Teeffelen gave the Dutch interior of the 1950s and 1960s a soul. His furniture tells the story of a time when craftsmanship, innovation, and beauty went hand in hand.
A designer with a sense of harmony
Louis van Teeffelen was born in Beneden-Leeuwen in 1921 and became one of the key figures in Dutch mid-century design. At a time when the Netherlands was slowly recovering from the war and looking ahead to the future, he brought warmth and refinement to modern living.
After completing his education, he began designing for the Waalwijk-based furniture factory Bergeijk — better known as Wébé. There he found the creative freedom to shape his vision of modern living: furniture that was not only functional, but also told a story.
Before his designs for Wébé became reality, they first came into being here — on paper. Van Teeffelen's sketches reveal his search for balance and movement.
Sketch by Louis van Teeffelen for Wébé – a glimpse into the design notebook of a master.
The collaboration with Wébé
Van Teeffelen developed his signature style at Wébé. He worked with teak, a material that at the time symbolized modernity, quality, and warmth. His designs for Wébé—including sideboards, tables, chairs, and wall units are distinguished by their rounded shapes, refined details, and natural elegance.
His wall units a household name: airy constructions made of teak and black metal, modular in design so that they could be adapted to suit the lifestyle of their owner. They brought order and character to the living room, and today they are perhaps his most sought-after designs.
A light wall system from Wébé – Van Teeffelen's vision of form, function, and balance.
His cabinets and tables also bear the recognizable Van Teeffelen signature. Soft corners, curved legs, subtle brass accents—every piece of furniture exudes craftsmanship. At Frümel, we see how these pieces are loved again, precisely because they are more than just objects: they bring warmth to a space.
The furniture Van Teeffelen designed for Wébé shows how he managed to translate functionality into pure beauty.
A cabinet and table by Wébé – examples of Van Teeffelen's refined balance between function and form.
Louis van Teeffelen and AWA: the cow horn chair
In addition to his work for Wébé, Van Teeffelen also designed for AWA Holland. This is where one of his most famous designs came to life: the cow horn chair. A sculptural dining chair, named after the elegant shape of the backrest, which is reminiscent of a cow's horns.
The cow horn chair is a textbook example of Van Teeffelen's style—refined, organic, and comfortable, with that typical balance between art and utility.
The iconic cow horn chair, designed by Van Teeffelen for AWA Holland – sculptural and inviting.
The AWA pieces show a different side of Van Teeffelen: even more organic, sometimes even more expressive. The combination of teak and skai makes these chairs real eye-catchers — both comfortable and artistic.
At Frümel, we regularly have AWA furniture by Louis van Teeffelen in our collection, including original cow horn chairs. On our Louis van Teeffelen page, you will find an overview of both recent finds and sold items. This gives you a complete picture of his oeuvre and allows you to indicate if you are looking for a similar piece.
Designs with a human touch
What sets Van Teeffelen apart is his sense of balance. He combined Scandinavian influences with Dutch pragmatism. His furniture is refined, but never aloof; elegant, but always practical. Every detail—from the handle to the leg line—seems to have been designed with an eye for the people who use the furniture every day.
It is precisely in the details that you see his touch: the soft rounding of a corner, the refined transition between wood and brass.
Detail of a Van Teeffelen design – his love of line and material in a single image.
A Louis van Teeffelen cabinet is not just a piece of storage furniture. It is a statement of warmth and attention, a piece of history that adds depth to any interior.
A designer who is being rediscovered today
Louis van Teeffelen is experiencing a revival in the world of vintage design. His furniture is once again popular among collectors, architects, and interior designers who recognize the value of craftsmanship and authenticity.
Whereas his designs used to symbolize progress, they now represent tranquility. In an era of fast-paced trends and mass production, his furniture brings back a sense of durability and authenticity. And that makes it more relevant than ever.
Collecting and maintaining
For enthusiasts and collectors, Louis van Teeffelen's work is a lasting source of inspiration. Authentic Wébé or AWA stamps tell the story of its origins. Anyone looking for genuine Van Teeffelen furniture should pay attention to the quality of the wood, the elegance of the shapes, and the refined finish.
Original brand stickers from Wébé and AWA – silent witnesses to Dutch craftsmanship.
Teak wood is alive—it requires maintenance, attention, and use. A little oil, a soft cloth, and above all: daily enjoyment. This way, these pieces of furniture will remain a source of beauty for generations to come.
Discover the Louis van Teeffelen collection at Frümel
At Frümel, we cherish Louis van Teeffelen's work not only as design, but as heritage. Our collection regularly features furniture from both Wébé and AWA: from elegant wall units characterful tables to sculptural cow horn chairs.
A selection from our collection Louis van Teeffelen – iconic designs by Wébé and AWA.
On our Louis van Teeffelen page, you can see an overview of all the furniture we currently have in our collection, as well as pieces we have had in the past. This gives you a complete picture of his work—and who knows, you might find the piece you've been looking for for years.
👉 Discover Louis van Teeffelen furniture
