It Was Around In The '50s — Now This Valuable, Space-Saving Dining Set Is A Thrift Store Jackpot

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Thrift stores are a treasure trove of finding vintage furniture at a tremendous bargain, and one particular piece that is of high demand for mid-century style collectors is the Hans Olsen Roundette dining set. Originally introduced in the 1950s by Danish manufacturer Frem Røjle, the set solved a problem many homes still deal with today: how to fit a dining table into a smaller space without making the room feel crowded.

Small kitchens, tiny apartments, cramped dining areas, and similar tight layouts benefit from the set's design. The chairs slide completely underneath the round table, with the curved backs lining up almost perfectly with the edge. Once tucked in, the whole set looks like one continuous piece of wood. Some versions of the Roundette also include extension leaves, which extends the table from a compact round shape into a larger oval.

Anyone hunting for a Roundette should focus on the shape first. The curved chair backs are usually the easiest giveaway because they fit neatly into the table edge instead of sticking out awkwardly. The table itself tends to have soft rounded edges and a very smooth finish. Be cautious of common red flags when thrift shopping. Coming across a complete set at a thrift store, antique store, estate sale, yard sale, or online local marketplace is difficult as pieces tend to get damaged or missing over time.

First introduced in the 1950s, the set continues to remain a popular home staple. The materials play a big role in the set's lasting appeal. Many originals were made from teak or mahogany with soft edges and a smooth finish that still feels current today. Collectors also appreciate how solid these sets feel compared to a lot of modern furniture.

Older Danish pieces earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship, and the Roundette reflects that. Finding one in good condition can take some luck. Minor scratches and fading are common, but loose joints, cracked chair backs, warped extension leaves, or water damage can turn into costly repairs. While thrifting, be on the lookout for other vintage wooden furniture you should thrift.

Listings on eBay go for as low as a few thousand, but more expensive sets can even exceed $10,000. More affordable options can be found on local Facebook Marketplace listings and Craigslist, but the quality level can vary drastically. Buyers also need to watch for reproductions or heavily altered sets. Genuine Hans Olsen Roundette tables were originally produced for Frem Røjle in Denmark, so many authentic pieces include a maker's mark, stamp, or label underneath the table or chairs.

A lot of vintage dining furniture feels locked into a specific decade, but the Hans Olsen Roundette still fits surprisingly well in modern homes. It's just one option of vintage furniture brands you should keep an eye out for. The wood tends to feel heavier and sturdier than many newer mass-produced dining sets, and vintage teak often develops a rich patina over time. It's easy to see why timeless design and strong craftsmanship keeps this set high on the wishlist for vintage furniture shoppers.