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.
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
$2,347 / set
H 33 in W 22.5 in D 21 in
Mainline by Hooker Mid Century Walnut and Cane Dining Chairs, Set of 5
By Mainline by Hooker
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mainline by Hookermid century walnut and cane dining chairs - set of 5 Each armless chair measures: 19.5 wide x 21 deep x 33 high, with a seat height of 17.5 inches Each captains...
Cane, Walnut
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
$2,193Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Set of 4 Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Dining Chairs in Beech&Rosewood
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four vintage chairs was made in Denmark during the 1960s. The elegant frame is made of Beechwood in a chocolate brown shade. The backrest is made of rosewood. The slightl...
Faux Leather, Beech, Rosewood
$3,345 / set
H 37.8 in W 18.51 in D 18.12 in
Set of Niels Koefoed Dining Chairs, Model "Lis", Rosewood, 1960s
By Niels Koefoed, Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of Niels Koefoed dining chairs made in solid rosewood. New upholstered in tan aniline leather. Model Lis, made by Niels Koefoeds Møbelfabrik Hornslet, 1960s.
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 6 Cane Mid-Century Style Dining Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Set of 6 cane Mid-Century Modern style dining chairs with newly upholstered leather seat in Holly Hunt leather. Sculptural legs, sturdy. Frames in good original condition with a slig...
Leather, Cane
$9,432
H 31.11 in W 19.49 in D 16.54 in
Set of Six Dining Chairs Made In Rosewood Model 79, Niels O. Møller From 1960s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of six dining chairs, known as Model 79, embodies the elegant design aesthetic of Danish furniture designer Niels O. Møller. Crafted from rosewood in Denmark during the 1960...
Rosewood
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
$12,422 / set
H 36.82 in W 22.25 in D 19.69 in
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Dining Chairs by Hans Brattrud, set of Six.
By Hove Möbler, Hans Brattrud
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Dining Chairs by Hans Brattrud, Set of Six, 1958 A distinguished and rare collection of six Scandia Senior high‑back dining chairs, crafted in 1958 by Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler, Norway. Celebrated as one of the most exceptional Scandinavian Modern designs from the post‑war era, the Scandia Senior strikes a balance between sculptural grace and refined ergonomic function. The elegantly bent rosewood slats mirror the shape of the human body, while a minimalist metal base provides stability without sacrificing lightness. These chairs have been expertly restored, repolished, and reupholstered by our team of skilled artisans to preserve their timeless authenticity and ready them for contemporary use. Museum Holdings & Accolades Hans Brattrud’s work—including the Scandia series—is represented in prominent national and international museum collections such as the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Norway and The National Gallery of Australia. The Scandia series has garnered numerous accolades: in 1967, the Scandia Stackable (Junior) chair was awarded the Gold Medal at the International Arts and Crafts Fair in Munich and the “Award for Design Excellence” by the Norwegian Design Council. Later, the Scandia Senior received the Interior Innovation Award, Cologne 2006 and was nominated for The Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany 2007. Listing Highlights • Designer: Hans Brattrud • Maker: Hove Møbler, Norway • Model: Scandia Senior (High-Back) • Date: 1958 • Materials: Rosewood, steel, upholstery • Condition: Fully restored, repolished, reupholstered Why These Chairs Stand Out • Complete set of six — exceptional rarity and visual impact • Sculptural, organic forms that blend comfort with aesthetic purity • Distinguished by museum collections and design awards • Recently featured in Architectural Digest within Sienna Miller...
Chrome
$11,500 / set
H 32.5 in W 19.5 in D 19.5 in
Rare Set 6 Cane Dining Chairs by Michael Taylor Circa 1960
By Baker Furniture Company, Michael Taylor
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning rare set of 6 cane back with black lacquer frame dining chairs designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture Circa 1960. This set ...
Cane, Ebony
$42,000 / set
H 36.62 in W 18.9 in D 21.26 in
Set of 10 Rosewood Dining Chairs, Celina Decorações, Brazilian Midcentury, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous set is composed of ten chairs produced by the Brazilian company Celina Decorações in the 1960s. Chairs are made of solid Rosewood, with seats and backs upholstered with 100% Organic Silk fabric from our collection Bossa Fabrics. The restoration process followed historical references published in magazines from the period. Celina Decorações signed one of the most modern lines of Brazilian furniture in the 1960s. Based in Rio de Janeiro, the Celina Decorações factory imposed high-quality standards, maintaining handcrafted characteristics. With a color pallet rooted in natural shades, our Fabric collection tells a bit about Brazilian biodiversity through raw and natural materials and artisanal processes. This fabric color was made using Mango tree...
Wood, Silk
$1,786 / set
H 31.11 in W 19.69 in D 18.9 in
Set of 2 Chairs Made In Rosewood By Peter Hvidt From 1960s
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two chairs, designed by the renowned duo Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and manufactured by Orum Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, represents...
Fabric, Rosewood
Dining Chair in Walnut and Cane by Boyd & Allister
By Boyd & Allister
Located in Santa Fe, NM
This dining chair in walnut and cane was originally designed for a restaurant in Santa Fe but looks elegant in many dining rooms. We love the combination of cane with walnut and cons...
Cane, Walnut
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
Set of Four Chairs by Bernt Petersen
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bernt Petersen dining chairs in cherry, French wicker and cushion in patinated natural leather. 4 pcs. Maker Wørts Møbelsnedkeri.
Cherry
Set of Six Massive Oregon Pine Dining Chairs with Paper Cord
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Munich, DE
Set of six massive Oregon pine dining chairs with paper cord by Bernt Petersen. Matching dining table with wonderful slat extensions also avai...
Pine