Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" teak tree sofa for Magnus Olesen Mid 20th Century
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" three seater teak sofa for Magnus Olesen, circa 1950's in date.
Leather, Teak
$3,694Sale Price|20% Off
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
Paper Knife Sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Paper Knife sofa designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Danish Design Reupholstered Paper Knife Sofa Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Mid Century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen mid century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa The sofa measures: 63 wide x 21 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 inches Great Vintage Condition -...
Upholstery, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chair
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career.
Rosewood, Leather
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chair
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career.
Wool, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career.
Wool, Rosewood
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career.
Leather, Rosewood
Eigh Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Custom Reupholstery and Fabric Included
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Four or More Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Custom Reupholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Set of Ten Fully Restored Teak Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Oak Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Eight Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Customizable Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Rosewood
Eight Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Dining Chairs Excellent Shape
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Rosewood
Six Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Excellent Condition
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Leather, Fabric, Teak
Eight Ebonized Customizable Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs in Excellent Condition
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Four Customizable Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs in Excellent Condition
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table, lounge chair and a stool.
Teak
Twelve Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
Ten Restored Kai Kristiansen Oak Dining Chairs Custom Reupholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Four Restored Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs, Custom Reupholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Eight Restored Kai Kristiansen Oak Dining Chairs Custom Reupholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Six Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
1960s Set of Four Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Leather, Fabric, Rosewood
1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Twelve Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak - Custom Upholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Fabric, Teak, Leather
Six Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Eight Fully Restored Teak Dining Chairs inc. Custom Reupholstry
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Set of Four Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Oak Dining Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Ten Fully Restored and Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Leather, Fabric, Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak and Black Leather
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Leather, Teak
Danish Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Sofa Model 121 in Teak for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Fabric, Foam, Teak, Wood
Sold|$8,148
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Sofa, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Paper knife sofa, 1955 Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paper Knife Sofa, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Paper Knife sofa, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Paper Knife Sofa, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Paper Knife sofa, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Paper Knife Sofa, 1955
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Paper Knife sofa, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Rosewood
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 2-Seater Teak Sofa , Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Fabric pillows in good original conditions with some signs of use - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
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.
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" teak tree sofa for Magnus Olesen Mid 20th Century
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" three seater teak sofa for Magnus Olesen, circa 1950's in date.
Foam, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife three seater sofa Magnus Olesen Denmark 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful elegant shaped three-seat sofa model Paper Knife no. 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1956.
Fabric, Teak
EXPERTLY RESTORED - Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" Teak Sofa for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" teak Sofa for Magnus Olesen. ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Two-Seat Sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Model Paper Knife
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A beautiful bench designed by Kai Kristiansen, produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
Wool, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Teak Sofa for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice shaped paper knife sofa model 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960.
Fabric, Teak
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.
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" Teak Tree Sofa for Magnus Olesen Mid 20th Century
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" three seater teak sofa for Magnus Olesen, circa 1950s in date.
Fabric, Teak
1960s Danish Teak “Paper Knife” Sofa by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Victoria, BC
A Danish modern classic by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, this 1960s “Paper Knife” sofa showcases Kristiansen’s signature sculptural armrests and refined joinery.
Teak
Pair of 1950s Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" Teak Armchairs for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Designed in 1955 by Kai Kristiansen and produced in Denmark by Magnus Olesen.
Fabric, Teak
Sold|$14,211 / set
1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of 12 Dining Chairs in Teak, Inc. Reupholstery
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Paper Knife Suite, 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Paper Knife suite, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Rosewood
1960's Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Model 121 Paper Knife Rosewood Footstool
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Knebel, DK
The footstool was designed by and manufactored for the Kai Kristiansen iconic "Paper Knife set" consisting of sofa, lounge chair and footstool made in teak and rosewood.
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Set of Three Refinished Dining chairs in Teak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Set of Twelve Teak Dining Chairs, Choice of Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of Ten Model 31 Dining Chairs in Teak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of Ten Model 31 Dining Chairs in Teak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Teak
Set of Twelve Refinished Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs in Oak, Inc. Reupholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
Set of Eight Restored Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs in Oak, Inc. Reupholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection, including two sofas, a coffee table and an armchair.
Oak
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.
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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.