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 Cane Rosewood Lounge Chair 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
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
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
$2,051Sale 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
$3,343Sale 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
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
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
Bernt Petersen 'Kludestolen' Oak Lounge Chair, Denmark, 1965
By Schiang, Bernt Petersen
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 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
$690Sale 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
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
Pair of oak bergere library chairs
Located in Cheshire, GB
Pair of oak bergere library chairs. The solid oak frame inset with double cane work panels having removable leather cushions. All raised on barley twist supports united by stretcher....
Oak
$1,733Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 25.2 in
Pair of Danish Cocktail Lounge Chairs, C.1950
Located in London, GB
An elegant pair of original Danish cocktail chairs dating from C.1950. The original upholstery and fabric are presented in excellent vintage con...
Fabric, Upholstery
French Louis XVI Pair of Bergere Chairs
Located in Stockbridge, GA
Those charming pair of bergere chairs are covered of leather in the Louis XVI style. Simple and elegant they can be place anywhere at home.
Leather, Walnut
$3,250
H 31 in W 26.75 in D 29.5 in
Danish Easy Chair with Open Armrests by Alfred Christensen, 1940's
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish lowback easy armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully curved mahogany stained beech. Nice low el...
Wool, Beech
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
Pair of 1950s Danish Solid Oak and Sheepskin Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s, Denmark. Each stool features a grey sheepskin upholstered cushion atop a solid oak base finished with natural oil. Each base is composed of three solid oak legs that have an a...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Swedish Oversized Lounge Chairs, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of oversized Swedish lounge chairs, 1960, with original beige floral upholstery with colorful accents and fluted teak legs, the hazelnut brown fabric on the sides of t...
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Fredrik Kayser Leather Lounge Chair
By Fredrik A. Kayser
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Frederik Kayser leather lounge chair for Vatne Mobler, Norway. 1960’s. Wingback chair with rosewood base and original cognac leather. Unmarked.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs, 1960s
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of lounge chairs on a smooth wooden frame with elegantly curved armrests and slatted backrests. The armchairs are each fitted with a seat and backrest cushion. The cushions have...
Fabric, Beech
A Pair of Early - Mid Century Bergére Lounge Chairs
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An early to mid 20th century pair of Beregére Lounge chairs. Solid walnut with original caning in good overall condition. Re-upholstered in light green fabric.
Walnut
$3,750 / set
H 30 in W 27.75 in D 27 in
Danish Mid-Century Carved Oak Easy Chairs in Oak by Henry Kjaernulf, 1960's
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool sought after pair of easy chairs by Danish Designer, Henning (Henry) Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak and hand carved in a brutalist style inspired to art & ...
Wool, Oak
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 Pedersen pair of Armchairs, Mahogany and Cane
By Bernt Petersen, Erik Wørts
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
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair, cherry and Cane
By Bernt Petersen, Erik Wørts
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
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair, mahogany and Cane
By Bernt Petersen, Erik Wørts
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
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair in oak and Cotil fabric
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen lounge chair in oak. Original upholstered with Cotil fabric. Model Klude stolen, made by Bernt Pedersen.
Fabric, Oak
Easy chair in mahogany by Bernt Petersen.
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Easy chair in mahogany w. French cane and newer cushions in light textile. Bernt Petersen / Wørts Møbelsnedkeri
Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 27.96 in W 26.78 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Midcentury Danish Lounge Chairs by in Mahogany and Patinated Leather
By Bernt Petersen, Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of elegant lounge chairs in solid mahogany and French caning. Seat cushion in patinated leather. Designed by Danish architect Bernt Pedersen.
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.65 in W 25.6 in D 47.64 in
The Danish 1960s "Rag" Easy Lounge Chair in Pine by Bernt Petersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare and very sought after easy lounge chair designed by Bernt Petersen for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in 1966. Pine frame with loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with the...
Pine
Danish Oak Daybed by Bernt Petersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish daybed by Bernt Petersen with oak frame. The daybed has a backrest cushion that straps to the back frame. In original condition with original mattress and cushion, visible wea...
Oak