Danish Design Reupholstered Paper Knife Sofa Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Model 121 sofa : Paper Knife sofa We are so pleased to present this drop-dead gorgeous and rare ‘Paperknife’ couch designed in the 1950s by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Teak
$18,425 / set
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs, 1955.
Wool
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 Teak Lounge Chair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Panningen, N-Limburg
Super stylish Danish Modern Kai Kristiansen model 121 lounge chair. This iconic chair is otherwise known as the ‘paper knife’ chair, named after its slender curved armrests.
Fabric, Teak
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 25.2 in D 29.14 in
Teak Paper Knife Armchair, Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
The pair of teak 'Paperknife' armchairs, Model 121, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, is a testament to the finesse of Danish mid-century modern furniture design.
Fabric, Teak
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Sofa Model 121 in Teak for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. This three-seat, model 121 (also called: paper knife), is made of solid teakwood and is of superb quality.
Fabric, Foam, Teak, Wood
Unavailable
H 27 in W 25 in D 29 in
1955 Kai Kristiansen Teak Model 121 Paper Knife Easy Chair Made in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Kai Kristansen teak “Paper Knife” easy chair for Magnus Olesen. Made in Denmark. New memory foam cushions and cream linen upholstery. Zippers in back of covers. Love the silhou...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 Rosewood Lounge Chair, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Produced by Magnus Olesen Denmark. Constructed from Brazilian rosewood. New cushions covered in Kvadrat Divina wool felt.
Wool, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 'Paperknife' Chair in Rosewood For Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
One of Kai Kristiansens most recognizable and celebrated designs. The Paperknife chair designed in 1956 has long been a favourite item for us to stock. It is an exceptionally handsom...
Rosewood
Pair of "Paper Knife" Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 - Pair of 'Paper Knife' easy chairs in rosewood with grey wool.
Rosewood
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Model 121 'Paper Knife' lounge chairs.
Rosewood
Danish Armchair Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brescia, IT
Armchair from the Paper Knife series designed by A. Model 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Chair for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An outstanding solid rosewood model 121 ‘Paperknife’ chair designed in 1955 by Kai Kristiansen.
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 65.75 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Danish Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Sofa By Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very rarely seen ‘Paper Knife’ sofa designed by Kai Kristainsen for Magnus Olesen. Crafted from solid rosewood the frame is a sculptural masterpiece exhibiting incredible finesse ...
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen, Kvadrat Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An outstanding pair of solid rosewood Model 121 ‘Paperknife’ chairs designed in the late 1950s by Kai Kristiansen.
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 25.2 in D 28.75 in L 29.14 in
Model 121 Paper knife easy chair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
A ‘Model 121’ easy chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1963 and made by Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 64.97 in D 29.53 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Teak Sofa Model 121 Paperknife, circa 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Excellent condition and reupholstered with a beautiful blue wool fabric (also new foam in the cushions). Designer: Kai Kristiansen Manufacturer: Magnus Olesen Country: Denm...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Sold
H 32 in W 25 in D 33 in
A Pair of Danish Teak 'Paper Knife' Model 121 Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A rare pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs in teak and purple wool designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1955.
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Sofa Model 121 in Teak for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. This three-seat, model 121 (also called: paper knife), is made of solid teakwood and is of superb quality.
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Arguably Kai Kristiansen's most popular design, the model 121 'Paper Knife' chair is named after its slender curved armrests.
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Sold
H 31.5 in W 25.01 in D 28.75 in
Pair Of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs By Kai Kristiansen Danish Mid Century
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Norwich, England
Superb pair of Danish mid century teak ‘Paper Knife’ lounge chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model 121. Maker's labels.
Teak, Wool, Bouclé
Kai Kristiansen Vintage Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs, 1955.
Wool, Hardwood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Teak Lounge Paper Knife Chair, circa 1966 Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Munster, NRW
Arguably Kai Kristiansen's most popular design, the model 121 'Paper Knife' chair is named after its slender curved armrests.
Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Teak Lounge Paper Knife Chair, circa 1966 Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Munster, NRW
Arguably Kai Kristiansen's most popular design, the model 121 'Paper Knife' chair is named after its slender curved armrests.
Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Lounge Chairs with Cognac Leather Cushions
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 paper knife lounge chairs, 1955 Pair of lounge chairs produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark in rosewood.
Wool
Sold
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 28 in
Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1955 An exceptional and hard-to-find pair of Paper Knife model 121 lounge cha...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 22.45 in D 16.93 in
1960's Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Model 121 Paper Knife Rosewood Footstool
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960's Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Model 121 Rosewood Footstool by Magnus Olesen.
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs, 1955.
Wool
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Kai Kristiansen paper knife (model 121) lounge, arm chairs, made by Magnus Olsen.
Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knive Chairs by Magnus Olesen in Teak, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Osnabrück, NDS
Pair of Danish armchairs, designed 1955 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model Nr. 121.
Teak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen “Paper Knife” Sofa Model 121 Magnus Olesen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Basel, CH
Kai Kristiansen “Paper Knife” sofa model 121 manufactured by Magnus Olesen in the 1960s in Denmark.
Velvet, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 28.75 in
Kai Kristiansen 'Paperknife' Easy Chairs, aka ‘model 121’, Denmark, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Set of 2 lounge chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark starting from 1955.
Brass
Sold
H 28.75 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
Pair Of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs Kai Kristiansen Magnus Olesen 1962 Model 121
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Pair of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen For Magnus Olesen 1962 Model 121 Teak Mid Century Retro Vintage MCM A pair of iconic and striking Danish 'Paper Kni...
Other
Sold
H 28.35 in W 24.81 in D 29.53 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of 2 Easy Chairs 'Paperknife' or ‘Model 121’, Denmark, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Set of 2 easy chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark starting from 1955.
Brass
Vintage Danish Rosewood Paper Knife Model 121 Lounger by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vancouver, BC
A Classic and stylish Danish design, this lounge chair features gently sloping arms with sculpted detail and a slatted backrest. Kristiansen's side profiles are always unique and stu...
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
1950s Kai Kristiansen ‘Paper Knife’ 'Model 121' Fauteuils for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
This set of two identical model 121 (the original model name for the Paper Knife chair) has been made in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of teak lounge chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model number 121.
Teak, Upholstery
$4,456
H 28.75 in W 65.75 in D 32.29 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 3-Seater Teak Sofa in Leather , Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Leather pillows in good original conditions - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
$7,538
H 29.5 in W 93 in D 32 in
Johannes Andersen 3-Seater Sofa – Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage Danish three-seater sofa, model Drott, designed by renowned Danish furniture designer Johannes Andersen in the 1960s. This beautifully proportioned sofa features a l...
Fabric
FJ 56 - 4 pers. sofa in textile by Finn Juhl
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FJ 56 - Rare four-seater sofa in textile with burnished steel frame and rosewood legs. Designed in 1956.
Steel
$32,000 / set
H 27.25 in W 31 in D 31.5 in
Askel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Lounge Chairs for Willy Beck
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in San Francisco, CA
Askel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen lounge chairs for Willy Beck, Denmark. Very rare pair of chairs by Danish Architects and designer's Askel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen. High qualit...
Leather, Teak
$5,400
H 29.5 in W 97 in D 30 in
Danish Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960's
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960s
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
$5,665
H 30.32 in W 72.05 in D 32.68 in
Danish Design Classsic GE 290 Three Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Renens, CH
One of the most recognized designs by Hans Wegner and probably the whole danish mid-century modern period is the GE 290 sofa and arm chair produced by Getama. The 290 series is recog...
Wool, Oak
$10,911
H 30.32 in W 29.14 in D 23.63 in
Midcentury Kurt Østervig Model 58 Lounge Chairs for Henry Rolschau Mobler
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very hard to find pair of Model 58 lounge chairs designed in the late 50s by Kurt Østervig for Rolschau Mobler, Denmark. An incredibly handsome design with wonderful proportions...
Rosewood, Teak
$1,578
H 31.11 in W 84.65 in D 31.89 in
1960s, Danish design by Kurt Østervig, 3 seater sofa, model 57, original.
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Kurt Østervig for Rolschau Møbler. 3 seater sofa, model 57, in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Original light green furniture velour, t...
Velvet, Teak
$37,200 / set
H 28.35 in W 27.96 in D 28.35 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chairs Model Samsö Produced by OPE in Sweden
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model Samsö designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Leather, Rosewood
$33,766 / set
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 29.53 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chairs Model Sälen / Seal Produced by OPE in Sweden
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model Sälen / Seal designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Candidate Lounge Chairs, circa 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, England
A pair of Afromosia African teak 'Kandidaten', (Candidate), lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (O.P.E.) in Jonkoping, Sweden, circa 1960. Danish master Ib Kof...
Leather, Teak
Georg Thams, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1964
By Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Georg Thams
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa designed by Georg Thams in 1964 and produced by Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s Seat Height (inches): 13.5” Arm Height (inches): 18" All item...
Fabric, Oak
$10,495
H 27.96 in W 90.95 in D 37.01 in L 27.96 in
Leif Hansen "Model 62" Sofa for Kronen Møbelfabrikken, Denmark, 1960s
By Kronen, Leif Hansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Leif Hansen’s Model 62 sofa is commonly referred to as the “Geisha” and was designed in 1959. This model is a strikingly elegant example of Danish modernism’s streamlined, luxurious ...
Fabric, Wood
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
$14,600
H 71.2 in W 54.4 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Vanity Console by Cesare Lacca with Mirror in Burl Walnut
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Code: FH27 Measures cm: H 178 x W 136 x D 40. Elegant and highly distinctive Italian vanity or dressing table dating from the early 1950s, bearing the label of La Permanente Mobili ...
Mirror, Walnut
Midcentury Floor Lamp Rocket, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very nice style of lighting.
Plastic, Wood
$134,000
H 14.97 in W 61.82 in D 20.08 in
George Nakashima 'Minguren II' Coffee Table in English Walnut
By George Nakashima Studio, George Nakashima
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for George Nakashima Studio, 'Minguren II' coffee table, English walnut, American black walnut, United States, 1973 The Minguren II coffee table was developed in t...
Walnut
George Nakashima Set of Four 'Conoid' Chairs in Walnut
By George Nakashima, George Nakashima Studio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
George Nakashima for Nakashima Studio, set of four 'Conoid' chairs, walnut, hickory, United States, 1962 This stunning set of four Conoid dining chairs are designed by woodwork mast...
Hickory, Walnut
$412Sale Price / item|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Danish Modern Dining Chairs by Poul H. Poulsen for Gangso Mobler 1970s
By Poul Hermann Poulsen , Gangsø Møbler
Located in Debrecen, HU
This stunning dining chair is not merely a piece of furniture; it is a captivating embodiment of the golden age of Danish design. The chair was designed by Poul Hermann Poulsen (1947...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
$3,800 / set
H 42.52 in W 17.72 in D 17.33 in
Set of 8 Italian Modern Dining Chairs, Beech with Woven Seats, 1960s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully crafted set of eight Italian ladder-back dining chairs from the 1960s. These chairs are made from solid wooden beech frames with hand-woven natural rush seats. The resu...
Rush, Beech
Large Scale Boomerang Sofa, by Adrian Pearsall
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Adrian Pearsall's famous "boomerang" sofa, this mrare model constructed of recently polished walnut, and supporting a freshly upholstered back and seat done in a grey boucle fabric. ...
Walnut
$19,200
H 25.99 in W 35.44 in D 98.43 in
Modular Italian 1970 Wooden Lacquered Sofa Reupholstered in Dedar Mohair
By Roche Bobois
Located in Paddington, NSW
This modular sofa features a lacquered wooden frame and has been newly reupholstered in luxurious Dedar mohair, offering a soft, understated finish. Composed of two elongated modules...
Mohair, Wood, Lacquer
Italian Mid-Century Modern Corner Sofa in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Corner sofa, walnut, fabric, Italy, 1960s This sculptural Italian mid-century modern sofa from the 1960s is defined by its sweeping curved form, conceived to organize the surroundin...
Fabric, Walnut
$28,000 / set
H 24 in W 70 in D 31 in
Brazilian Modern Two-in-One Rosewood Sofa & Daybed in Deep Olive Mohair, Celina
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
A rare and intelligently engineered two-in-one sofa and daybed by Celina Decorações, Brazil, circa 1960—an exceptional example of Brazilian modernism where material nobility meets sp...
Chrome
$16,500 / set
H 30.52 in W 20.87 in D 21.26 in
Mario Bellini Set of Six 'Lira e Liuto' Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Mario Bellini, Cassina
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs, cognac leather, Italy, 1989 This set of six ‘Lira e Liuto’ dining chairs has beautiful cognac colored leather tha...
Leather
$8,750
H 25.5 in W 101.5 in D 33 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa Adrian Pearsall Style Gondola Sofa new upholstery
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Baltimore, MD
Mid-century modern stunning, beautiful, high-quality long gondola walnut framed sofa Adrian Pearsall style. In new upholstery fabric and high-density foam. An exceptional sofa both f...
Walnut, Fabric, Foam
$158Sale Price|68% Off
H 32.25 in W 18.5 in D 22 in
Mid Century Modern Cesca Style Chair with Caned Seat
By Marcel Breuer
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern accent chair in the style of Marcel Breuer features beautifully caned seat and back atop a chrome finished cantilever base. Dimensions: 18.5w 22d 32.25h 17.5...
Chrome
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Seal' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler, Sälen' (Seal) lounge chair, model '503-799', teak, leather, Sweden 1956. The 'Sälen' (seal) lounge chair is a design by Danish designer Ib Kofod-L...
Leather, Teak
$17,900
H 37.41 in W 32.29 in D 88.98 in
Sergio Rodrigues “Tonico” Sofa, Brazil, 1960s – Original Upholstery
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Curitiba, PR
An iconic example of Brazilian modern design, the Tonico sofa by Sergio Rodrigues embodies the warmth, comfort, and sculptural presence that define his work. Designed in the 1960s, t...
Leather, Hardwood
With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his coffee tables, chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.