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.
$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
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
Regence Double Cane Bergere Chairs, Pair
By Henredon, Harden Furniture 1, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of Regence Double Cane Arm Chairs of classic European styling with hand-carved detailing on the wood frames, tight upholstered seats and tapered, turned legs. Rarely used cond...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
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
Pair of Bergere Chairs with French Linen Upholstery
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of French Louis XVI-style wood chairs. This pair of French Louis XVI-style bergère chairs invites you to indulge in the aesthetics and comfort of a bygone era. The timeless be...
Linen, Beech, Paint
Pair of British Colonial Teak Caned Bergeres
Located in New York, NY
Each with curved caned back within a molded teak surround; with loose cut velvet seat cushion over a seat rail and turned legs.
Cane, Teak
Antique Bergère Caned Victorian French Armchair
By François-Honoré-Georges Jacob-Desmalter
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Antique Bergère Doouble Caned Victorian French armchair French double cane 19th century. Mahogany & bronze accents with original patina. New cane, wood fin...
Bronze
$1,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 22.5 in D 24 in
Pair Ebonized Black Cane Back French Directoire Bergere Chairs Brass Accents
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This pair of French Directoire bergère chairs combines neoclassical elegance with timeless sophistication, featuring finely crafted ebonized black frames accented with brass details....
Brass
Pair of 19th Century French Bergere Chairs
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a pair of painted and parcel gilt French Louis XV style wing back bergeres, upholstered in a quirky contemporary lavender and white curvy stripe, 19th century.
Wood
$2,617Sale Price / set|60% Off
H 31.89 in W 29.53 in D 29.93 in
Pair of 19th Century French Painted Cane Bergère Armchairs
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
An amazing pair of French 19th century Louis XV style painted bergère armchairs. The armchairs feature a large gracefully curved frame inset with double caned back and sides. Comfort...
Cane
$3,125 / set
H 34 in W 26 in D 24 in
French Louis XV Style Carved Shell & Painted Caned Bergere Chairs -Pair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a lovely pair of French Louis XV style caned bergere chairs with vintage check upholstery. The upholstery feels like silk but could be a blend. The frames are ivory painted w...
Upholstery, Oak, Down
Pair of French Mahogany Bergere Chairs, Circa 1820
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of French mahogany bergere chairs with scrolled back and arms, upholstered in white muslin, terminating on tapered squared legs with original brass casters. Circa 1820
$7,450 / set
H 33.5 in W 24.5 in D 22 in
Pair of French Leather, Cane and Suede Library Bergère Chairs
Located in Dallas, TX
Quite an attractive pair of 19th century French Louis XVI style barrel back neoclassical armchairs. The carved frames with rich wood tone is complementary to the worn tacked pinkish ...
Leather, Suede, Cane, Wood
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