Architect and designer Bernt Petersen created a range of minimalist Scandinavian modern furniture that is today prized by collectors. His vintage desks, chairs, tables and other pieces for manufacturers such as Wørts Møbelsnedkeri and Søborg Møbelfabrik were made largely in light woods such as ash and beech, and his work is recognizable by its fluid architectural qualities and impeccably clean lines.
Just as other Danish modernists such as Hans Wegner, Børge Mogensen and Finn Juhl had, Petersen prioritized function over form and believed in the honesty of the materials with which he worked. He strived to create durable pieces for the home and adhere to the principles of traditional craftsmanship.
Petersen’s work was free of opulent ornamentation and surface embellishments — he created inviting high-backed mahogany dining chairs that were upholstered in leather and understated credenzas in rosewood. His linoleum-topped desks in solid pine stood on slender legs and featured exposed finger joints, which drew attention to his prioritization of age-old woodworking techniques. Vintage editions of his revered Rag chair for Schiang Denmark, framed in pine, offer mid-century elegance and ergonomic comfort for the guests in your living room.
Petersen set on his path of furniture making early, training as a cabinetmaker. He went on to attend the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design, and graduated in 1960. Petersen subsequently worked for a time with Mobilia and for the aforementioned Wegner — a prolific designer of iconic seating and enthusiast of the finest methods in joinery — before opening his own workshop in 1963. Petersen saw a fair amount of success in producing his own furniture, particularly as the popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture had grown around the world and especially in the United States.
Petersen taught at the Denmark Design School from 1973 to 1978, and then went on to lecture at the Royal Danish Academy's Furniture School from 1978 to 1985. He won awards from the Danish Furniture Manufacturers’ Association, the Danish Society of Arts and Crafts, and other organizations.
Find vintage Bernt Petersen tables, seating and storage pieces on 1stDibs.
Bernt Petersen 'Kludestolen' Oak Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1970s — Set of 3
By Schiang, Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three 'Kludestolen' lounge chairs by Danish designer Bernt Petersen, produced in Denmark in the 1970s. Each chair features a solid oak frame with a natural hand-wax finish and...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Bernt Petersen Danish 1950s Mahogany Desk
By Bernt Petersen, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen Mahogany Writing Desk, circa 1950s An exceptional 4-drawer desk from Danish designer Bernt Petersen and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. The legs, drawer f...
Brass
Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Lounge Chair 1960s
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen - Cane Lounge Chair, c1962 Rare lounge chair produced by Worts Mobelsnedkeri in Denmark. The original cane sides and back are in immaculate condition. The frame is ma...
Wool, Rosewood
Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Egyptian Stool 1957
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen - Egyptian Stool, 1957 A rare example of architect Bernt Petersen's most sought after design, know simply as the Egyptian stool. Early in Petersen's career he designe...
Rosewood, Cane
Rare Stool with Solid Oak Frame by Bernt Petersen, 1950s
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare stool, designed by Bernt Petersen and produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark during the 1950s, exemplifies the principles of Scandinavian modern design. The stool featu...
Cane, Oak
Stool in Rio rosewood by Bernt Petersen
By Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Bernt Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stool in Rio rosewood and wicker by Bernt Petersen.
Cane, Rosewood
$3,250 / set
Pair of Caned Bergere Chairs by Bernt Peterson
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Caned Bergere Chairs by Bernt Peterson Dimensions: 27"w x 25"d x 28"h Designer: Bernt Petersen Material: Elm Frame w/ Woven Cane and Leathe...
Upholstery, Cane, Elm
Set of 14 Dining Chairs in Rosewood and Cane by Bernt Petersen, 1960's
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 14 Dining Chairs in Rosewood, Cane and Horsehair Upholstery with Leather Piping by Bernt Petersen, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, cane and horsehair uphol...
Rosewood, Leather, Cane
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant armchairs by Bernt Petersen, with rosewood frames and comfortable natural leather seats and backs. Smooth lines with nicely contrasting materials. Leather in very goo...
Leather, Wood
$1,265Sale Price|44% Off
Nice and Massive Oregon Pine Dining Table with Wonderful Slat Extension
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Munich, DE
By Bernt Petersen. Two extensions 48cm (18.9 inch)/each. Chairs are sold.
Pine
Set of Danish "Rag" Easy Lounge Chairs in Pine and Fabric by Bernt Petersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rare and very sought after set of easy lounge chair designed by Bernt Petersen for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in 1966. Oak frames with loose cushions in seat and back upholstered w...
Wool, Oak
Large Elm Wood Desk by Bernt Petersen for Worts Mobler, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
Located in San Francisco, CA
A substantial elm wood desk by Bernt Petersen for Henrik Worts featuring 2 locking drawers.
Elm
Midcentury Coffee Table in Rosewood by Bernt Petersen, Denmark
By Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Bernt Petersen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Coffee table in rosewood by danish architect Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts, 1958. Original untouched and in good condition.
Rosewood
Rosewood Coffee Table by Bernt Petersen for Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1960s
By Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Bernt Petersen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant rosewood coffee table by Bernt Petersen, with a smooth top. Amazing slender design with beautifully sculpted feet.
Rosewood
$988Sale Price|43% Off
Pine Bench by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Karis, Nyland
Bernt Petersen Danish for Eilersen coffee table / bench in pine with Danish Control sticker on underside.
Pine
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Walnut, cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Wø...
Walnut, Leather, Cane
Pair of Stools in Rosewood and Woven Cane by Bernt Petersen, 1950's
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Stools in Rosewood and Woven Cane, Original Loose Cushions in Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and woven cane, original loose cus...
Rosewood, Cane
$2,018Sale Price|20% Off
Bernt Petersen Modular Sofa in Oak and Saga 180 Fabric, Denmark, 1980
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Hellouw, NL
Bernt Petersen modular sofa in oak and saga 180 fabric from Denmark 1980. This modular sofa can be placed in multiple positions, in total adding to a sofa of ~316 cm. The brown/grey ...
Fabric, Oak
$3,288Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Mahogany Armchair with French Wicker
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This very rare armchair was designed in 1964 by Bernt Petersen for the Danish manufacture Wørts Møbelsnedkeri during the 1960s. The frame of the armchair is made of light mahogany wo...
Wicker, Mahogany
Large Danish Mahogany Desk by Bernt Petersen & Rud Rasmussen, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Vienna, AT
Large rare mahogany desk with 4 drawers and original brass fittings. Produced in Denmark by Rud Rasmussen in the 1960's. Excellent restored.
Mahogany
Bernt Petersen Easy Chair Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark.
Leather, Cane, Oak
$680Sale Price|50% Off
1968 Vintage Retro Danisch Bernt Petersen ''The Rag'' orange fabric chair
By Bernt Petersen, Schiang
Located in Markington, GB
1968 Danish Bernt Petersen “The Rag” Chair in Orange Fabric A stunning vintage Danish chair, designed by Bernt Petersen in 1968 and produced by Schiang. This rare piece, known as “T...
Fabric, Wood
Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Lounge Chair 1960s
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, England
Bernt Petersen - Cane Lounge Chair, c1962 Rare lounge chair produced by Worts Mobelsnedkeri in Denmark. The original cane sides and back are in immaculate condition. The frame is ma...
Wool, Rosewood
Scandinavian Modern Rattan Stool by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1950s
By Bernt Petersen, Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning rosewood and rattan stool by Bernt Petersen. Beautiful, slender design with sculpted legs and a subtly concave seat.
Rattan, Rosewood
Bernt Petersen Ash Wood Coffee Table
By Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Bernt Petersen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Coffee table in ash wood by Danish furniture designer Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts for Rud Rasmussen, c. 1966. Untouched condition with normal signs of age and use.
Ash
Bernt Petersen Sofa Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark. Easy chair is also available.
Leather, Cane, Oak
Bernt Peterson Double Drop Leaf Table Desk with Free Standing Return
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Bernt Peterson designed minimalist drop-leaf office table desk in oak. This is a substantial and well constructed table finished with spare but eleg...
Oak
Coffee table Designed by Bernt Petersen for joinery master Henrik Wørts
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
This rectangular coffee table by Bernt Petersen is a well-considered example of Danish modern design, defined by clarity of form and careful attention to material. Crafted in richly ...
Rosewood
$3,500 / item
H 16 in W 16.25 in D 12.25 in
Rosewood Butterfly Stool by Sori Yanagi for Tendo Mokko, 1960s
By Sori Yanagi, Tendo Mokko
Located in Coronado, CA
Palisander rosewood "Butterfly" stool designed by Sori Yanagi and produced by Tendo Mokko in the 1960s. This lovely vintage example features book matched rosewood, solid brass suppor...
Brass
Danish Designer, Stool, Oak, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid oak stool, designed and produced in Denmark, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 17.38"
Oak
$2,800
H 29.73 in W 61.03 in D 31.5 in
Freestanding Desk in Oak, Danish Mid Century Modern, Henning Kjærnulf, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant freestanding writing desk designed by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf in the 1950s. Crafted in rich oak, the piece showcases a tactile warmth through its finely grained s...
Brass
A. Brandt Ranch Oak, Stool, Fabric, Oak, USA, 1950s
By A. Brandt Ranch Oak Furniture
Located in High Point, NC
A oak and green fabric stool or ottoman produced by A. Brandt Ranch Oak, USA, c. 1950s. Wear to vintage fabric consistent with age and use. Minimal wear to wood frame. Overall Dim...
Fabric, Oak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s. Rare and early freestanding Scandinavian Modern boomerang teak writing desk made in Denmark in the early 1950s. Asymmetrical...
Oak, Teak
Mid-Century Danish Hexagonal Oak Stool with Lambswool Upholstery, 1950s
By Flemming Lassen, Henning Kjærnulf, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant stool is a fine example of Danish Modern design, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. The piece features a distinctive hexagonal seat and finely carved...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Italian Desk, 1950s
Located in Palermo, PA
Italian desk, 1950s. Dimensions: H= 80 cm; W= 153 cm; D= 66 cm.
Brass
$2,316Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 26 in D 26 in
1960s Arne Norell Rosewood Leather Sling Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Scanform, Arne Norell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The Sirocco safari chair designed by Arne Norell in 1966. This example is in camel-colored leather; with two cushions and slings with brass fittings. Designed to breakdown for flat p...
Leather
Pair of Caned Bergere Chairs by Bernt Peterson
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Caned Bergere Chairs by Bernt Peterson Dimensions: 27"w x 25"d x 28"h Designer: Bernt Petersen Material: Elm Frame w/ Woven Cane and Leathe...
Upholstery, Cane, Elm
$2,500
H 28.75 in W 57.09 in D 28.75 in
Midcentury Freestanding Desk in Teak by Børge Mogensen, Danish Design, 1950s
By Børge Mogensen, Søborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in teak, designed by Maa. Børge Mogensen for Sobørg furniture. Great original condition.
Teak
Sori Yanagi Rosewood Butterfly Stool
By Sori Yanagi
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Sori Yanagi rosewood butterfly stool. Early and excellent example of this mid century classic. Beautiful book matched Brazilian rosewood seating sections. Brass screws and support s...
Brass
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant armchairs by Bernt Petersen, with rosewood frames and comfortable natural leather seats and backs. Smooth lines with nicely contrasting materials. Leather in very goo...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 21.26 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Bernt Pedersen Coffee Table in mahogany and formica, 1960s, Denmark
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen coffee table made in solid mahogany. Made in Denmark in the 1960s.
Formica, Mahogany
Sold
H 39.77 in W 24.41 in D 25.6 in
Bernt Petersen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Pair of Dining Chairs in Leather
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bernt Petersen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, pair of dining chairs, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Elegant and comfortable pair of dining chairs designed by Bernt Petersen in the 196...
Leather, Mahogany
Bernt Petersen 'Kludestolen' Oak Lounge Chair, Denmark, 1965
By Bernt Petersen, Schiang
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Kludestolen — Danish for 'cloth chair' — features a solid oak frame with straight legs and horizontal stretchers supporting a reclined angular backrest. The frame shows a warm, l...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Bernt Pedersen pair of Armchairs, Mahogany and Cane
By Erik Wørts, Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen pair of armchairs with mahogany frame and cane back. Original black leather upholstery. Made by Wørtz Snedkeri.
Cane, Mahogany
Bernt Pedersen bench / coffee table in pine
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen bench and ottoman in pine. Model Klude stolen, made by Bernt Pedersen.
Pine
Dining Table in Rosewood by Bernt Petersen, 1960's
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Dining Table in Rosewood by Bernt Petersen, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Holger Nissen in Denmark Dimensions (W x D...
Rosewood
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair, cherry and Cane
By Erik Wørts, Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen pair of lounge chairs with frame of cherry, back and sides from cane. Original full grain aniline leather. Made by Wørtz Snedkeri.
Cane, Leather, Cherry
Sold
H 34.5 in W 26.5 in D 37 in
Pair of Danish "Rag" Easy Lounge Chairs in Oak & Bouclé by Bernt Petersen, 1966
By Bernt Petersen, Schiang
Located in Vienna, AT
Bernt Petersen (1937-2017) 2 oak armchairs with white upholstered Bouclé cushions, Denmark 1966- Priced as a pair. Rare and very sought after pair of easy lounge chair designed by B...
Leather, Bouclé, Oak
Mahogany & Cane Bergère Chair by Bernt Pedersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in London, GB
A blonde mahogany framed bergère chair with caned seat back and cognac leather seat pad, designed by Danish architect, Bernt Pedersen. The bergère chair, an 18th century French des...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
A Pair of Pine Benches, Bernt Petersen, Denmark
By Bernt Petersen
Located in London, GB
A pair of pine benches designed by Danish designer, Bernt Petersen, in the 1960s. Low enough to be used as coffee tables or as occasional seating, the simple construction of this p...
Pine
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair, mahogany and Cane
By Erik Wørts, Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen pair of lounge chairs with frame of mahogany, back and sides from cane. Original wool upholstery. Made by Wørtz Snedkeri.
Cane, Mahogany, Wool
Coffee table in rosewood By Bernt Petersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Coffee table in rosewood and Cippolini marble top. Manufactered by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri.
Marble