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Kaare Klint Furniture

Danish, 1888-1954

Architect, teacher and furniture designer Kaare Klint is among the most important figures in Scandinavian modernism. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint sought to pay homage to historical furniture styles and prized functionality as essential to designing for modern living. He established the design school at Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and his students became mid-century legends of cabinetry and furniture-making.

Klint prioritized functionalism and drew on an array of influences in his own work. Furniture experts will observe the influence of 18th-century English seating in his Red chair, while Klint’s iconic Safari chair had roots in campaign furniture. The other exemplary chairs, sofas and tables for which he is known bear the mark of Thomas Chippendale and Biedermeier furniture as well as Greek and Roman forms.

Klint's father was Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint, a formidable architect of his day. The younger Klint initially followed in his father’s footsteps, studying under him as well as distinguished architect Carl Petersen. Alongside Danish architect Ivar Bentsen, he headed the renovation of the Designmuseum Denmark in Copenhagen from 1920–26 (Klint also furnished the institution as part of the project). Around the same time, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the Royal Danish Academy. The impact of his role as an instructor there cannot be overstated — he mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher.

A prominent advocate of ergonomics, Klint valued comfort and functionality over style. Painstaking research went into each piece of sophisticated yet wholly unadorned furniture he designed, as he endeavored to build structures that took into consideration human proportions and scale. And like the Shakers, Klint believed that quality craftsmanship and good materials were integral to the design of durable furniture that was free of embellishment.

The humble grace of Klint’s style characterizes legendary seating designs that continue to charm today’s legions of mid-century modern enthusiasts. His Safari chair, Faaborg chair, Ravenna armchair and Propeller stool — as well as most of the seating created by Danish modernists generally — have warmed interiors and influenced furniture designers all over the world.

Find vintage Kaare Klint furniture and other Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Kaare Klint
Dealer: Modernity
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers Denmark, 1914. Mahogany, woven cane and leather. Designed in 1914 for the Faaborg Museum. This example w...
Category

1910s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers Denmark, 1914. Mahogany, woven cane, and leather. Designed in 1914 for the Faaborg Museum. This example ...
Category

1910s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Set of twelve dining chairs ‘The Red Chair’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of twelve dining chairs ‘The Red Chair’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark, 1928. Mahogany and leather. These examples were made in the...
Category

1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Armchair ‘The Red Chair’ Model 3758a Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair ‘The Red Chair’ Model 3758A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930s. Mahogany, leather upholstery, and brass. This example was produced after 1930. The design detailing of this magnificent chair...
Category

1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Armchair Model 4488 Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair model 4488 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930s. Mahogany, ebony, cane, and black horsehair upholstery with cognac leather piping. Klint thought...
Category

1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Ebony, Mahogany

'The Propeller Stool’ Model 8783 Designed by Kaare Klint, Denmark 1930s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘The Propeller Stool’ model 8783 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Cabinetmakers, Denmark, 1930. Canvas and ash. Signed. Kaare Klint was the father of Scandinavian moder...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Ash

Set of three chairs ‘The Red Chairs’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint, Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three chairs ‘The Red Chairs’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Fabrik, Denmark, 1928. Cuban mahogany, Niger leather, upholstery and brass nails. Marked. Our set of three ‘The Red Chairs’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint – they are known as ‘the small Red Chairs...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Dining Table Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining table designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. 1930s. Mahogany. Stamped. This model is one of the rarest and finest dining tables by the Danish master Kaare Klin...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Armchairs “The Red Chair” Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of armchairs “The Red Chair” designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930. Oak, leather upholstery and brass. Stamped ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS SNEDKERIER 45 NORREBROGADE KOBENHAVN’ Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol. 2, ill. and mentioned p. 79–80. The design detailing of these magnificent chairs...
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Early 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Armchairs Model 3758 a Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of armchairs model 3758 A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. 1927. Mahogany and leather. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art prod...
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
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Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier). Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations. Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23. Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments. Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory. Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
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Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Niger Leather 1930s, Scandinavian Modern
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Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern Rare 3-seater sofa model no 5011 designed by Kaare Klint and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussens Snedkerier in...
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Set of Twelve Elegant Dining Chairs
Set of Twelve Elegant Dining Chairs
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Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
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Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
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Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
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Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Red chair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany, black horsehair and brass nails. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGAD/K...
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Previously Available Items
Armchair Model 4488 Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1931
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair model 4488 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1931. Mahogany with walnut inlays, woven cane, black horsehair ...
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1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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‘the Red Chair’ Model 3758 Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Fabrik
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘The Red Chair’ model 3758 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Fabrik, Denmark, 1927. Cuban mahogany, Niger leather, upholstery and brass nails. Marked. Kaare Klint was the...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Brass

‘The Faaborg Chair’ Designed by Kaare Klint, Denmark, 1914
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark, 1914. Mahogany, woven cane and leather. Labelled with the manufacturer's label. Designed in 1...
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Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Set of Ten Dining Chairs Model 4751 and 3758A, Designed by Kaare Klint
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"The Red Chair" model 4731 and 3758A. Denmark, 1930's. Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Chair with armrests: H: 88 cm / 2’ 10 3/4" W: 62 cm / 2’ 1/2" D: 48...
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Dining Table, Designed by Kaare Klint
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Denmark, 1930’s. Very rare model, Provence: Rigmor Andersen architect who worked with Kaare Klint. Cuban mahogany Measures: L: 140 cm / 4...
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Dining Table, Designed by Kaare Klint
Dining Table, Designed by Kaare Klint
H 28.75 in W 36.82 in D 55.12 in
Set of Six Dining Chairs “the Red Chair” Designed by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
for Rud.Rasmussen, Denmark. 1927. Cuban mahogany, original leather, and brass. KK label no. 14071 Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol. 2, ill. and mentione...
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1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Stool/Tray Table "Propeller" Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
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Located in Stockholm, SE
Ash and leather. This example of later manufacture.   
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Faaborg Chair Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1914
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany, cane and leather. This example made in the 1950s. Measure: H 73 cm/ 2' 5 1/4'' W 70 cm/2' 4'' D 54,5 cm/ 21 1/2'' SH 45 cm/ 17 3/4'' In the history of Danish ...
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1910s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Armchair Model 3758 A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1927
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany and leather. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940's. Measures: H 90 cm/ 3' W 61 cm/ 2' 1/2'' D 55 cm...
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1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather

Set of Six Dining Chairs “The Red Chair” Designed by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
For Rud Rasmussen, Denmark. 1933. Mahogany and original red leather.  
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Armchair ‘Ravenna’ Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1948
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair ‘Ravenna’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1948. Cuban mahogany and seat upholstered in pigskin. Measures: H 88 cm/ 2' 11" D 40 cm/ 1' 4" W 58 c...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Armchair ‘Ravenna’ Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1948
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair ‘Ravenna’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1948. Cuban mahogany and seat upholstered in pigskin. Measures: H 88 cm/ 2' 11" D 40 cm/ 1' 4" W 58 cm/...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kaare Klint furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Kaare Klint furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kaare Klint furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 198 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kaare Klint were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Rud Rasmussen, Peter Hvidt, and Henning Kjærnulf. Prices for Kaare Klint furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $765 and can go as high as $148,124, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.

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