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
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 armchairs
Located in Torino, IT
Pair of classic bergere armchairs. Elegant armchairs with a classic and refined style. French production from the 1940s. Classically structured armchair with large ears typical of...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Walnut Floral Fabric Fauteuil Bergere Chairs
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Pair of Walnut Floral Fabric Fauteuil Bergere Chairs Dimensions : 30" Wide X 24" Deep X 39.5" Tall This gorgeous set of Bergere chairs were made in the 20th century and are excelle...
Walnut
Pair of French Bergère Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Newly upholstered in a classic vintage pink toile fabric from the South of France . Purchased in France, these elegant chairs feature a carved wood frame with a softly distressed fin...
Fabric, Cotton, Wood
Pair of wicker bergère chairs
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Beautiful pair of hand woven wicker bergere chairs from the seventies. Times design and great comfort with their thick white bouclé fabric cushions. Great condition.
Wicker
$3,996Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 34.5 in W 20 in D 23 in
Antique Regency Walnut Caned Chairs Bergere Pair
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and ...
Walnut, Cane
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
$1,850 / set
H 32.25 in W 24.75 in D 25 in
Pair French Louis XV Style Walnut and Cane Barrel Back Bergere Chairs in Toile
Located in Doylestown, PA
Pair of Louis XV style walnut and cane barrel back Bergere chairs in red and white toile, mid to late 20th century. The classic barrel frame of rich walnut embodies French elegance ...
Upholstery, Cane, Walnut
Pair of Bergere Chairs with Napoleonic Bee Upholstery
Located in Asheville, NC
Beautiful pair of bergere chairs with Napoleonic bee upholstery and beautiful French carved frame with nailhead trim.
Fruitwood
Pair of Italian Bergères
Located in North Miami, FL
Beautiful pair of Italian painted and gilded bergères, circa 1940. Grand scale and elegant design. Beautiful combination of natural wicker and distress...
Upholstery, Wicker, Wood
Pair of seagrass bergere chairs
Located in Isle Sur Sorgue, FR
Pair of vintage large handwoven seagrass bergere chairs. Beautiful work with wooden legs and original cushions in good condition. Very comfortable.
Seagrass, Wood
$3,920Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 38 in W 27 in D 26 in L 38 in
Pair of French bergere chairs, painted finish
Located in Houston, TX
This lovely pair of bergeres is beautiful and comfortable because the back is gently Curved to fit the shape of your back. The painted finish is in shades of gray and cream. The back...
Hardwood
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