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
Pair of "Kludestolen" Pine Lounge Chairs by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1960s-1970s
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A charming pair of “Kludestolen” lounge chairs designed by Bernt Petersen in Denmark during the 1960s–1970s. The chairs feature beautifully constructed pine frames with exposed joine...
Wool, Pine
Bernt Petersen Cane Rosewood Egyptian Stool 1957
By Bernt Petersen, Worts Mobler
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
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 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
Bernt Petersen, Lounge Chairs, Pine, Fabric, Canvas, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine, canvas and cream white fabric lounge chairs designed by Bernt Petersen and produced by Collection Fuglsang, Denmark, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wea...
Fabric, Canvas, Pine
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
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
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
Bernt Petersen, Lounge Chairs, Pine, Fabric, Canvas, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine, canvas and cream white fabric lounge chairs designed by Bernt Petersen and produced by Collection Fuglsang, Denmark, c. 1960s. In vintage condition, with visible wea...
Fabric, Canvas, Pine
$3,194Sale 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
$1,827
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 21.66 in
Razorblade Danish Brutalist Lounge Chair Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s Danish
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Henning Kjærnulf's lounge chair, known as the "Razorblade," epitomizes Danish Modern design from the 1960s. Crafted from dark oak with original upholstery by Nyrup Møbelfabrik, its u...
Oak
$36,400
H 29.34 in W 43.31 in D 34.65 in
Vintage 'Mole' Rosewood Armchair with Ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, 1957, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
Sergio Rodrigues created the "Mole'' concept between 1956 and 1957 at the photographer Otto Stupakoff's request, who wanted a two-seater sofa for his studio. The sofa should have cus...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,750
H 36 in W 29.5 in D 30 in
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Open Armrests in Blonde Beech by Alfred Christensen
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved blond beech wood. Nice slim elegant sc...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Minimalist Pine Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
Pine, Italian, design, rustic, minimalist, wabi-sabi, 1970s, mid-century modern A pair of minimalist lounge chairs made out of solid pine wood in Italy during the 1970s. These armchairs have chunky arms and a solid wooden frame made out of large slabs of wood. The wood has a beautiful golden shade that adds warmth to any room. The taupe-grey soft matte velvet cushions complement the armchairs perfectly. They are a standout piece that can also blend in with any interior. The armchairs are both functional and beautiful in their simplicity. They are rather small in size, making them perfect for any kind of smaller interior project. The cushions have been reupholstered by a skilled craftsman in a high-quality Belgian fabric...
Wood, Pine, Fabric, Cotton
Erik Worts Safari Chair
By Niels Eilersen, Erik Worts
Located in Portland, OR
Classic Danish modern safari chair designed by Erik Worts for Niels Eilersen. Manufactured in Denmark 1970s. Original linen sling with age-appropriate spots/wear throughout. Frame is...
Brass
$5,094 / set
H 30.71 in W 31.5 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Oak Lounge Chairs, Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Rødding, DK
A compelling sculptural pair of solid oak lounge chairs in the Danish Modern tradition, executed in the style of Henning Kjærnulf by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker during the 1960s — ...
Fabric, Oak
$5,140 / set
H 31.89 in W 33.47 in D 33.47 in
Henning Kjærnulf pair Danish Lounge Chairs of Solid Oak + Original Wool 1970s
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A stunning pair of vintage Danish Henning Kjærnulf large lounge chairs. They are manufactured in Denmark most likely by EG Møbler, Nyrup Møbelfabrik. The frame and armrests are made...
Wool, Oak
$7,311 / set
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Børge Mogensen Loungechair "Model 246" in Oak & Teakwood by Fredericia, 1957
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important chair by Børge Mogensen. The model 246 features rattan cane on seat and back and solid teakwood sledge base attached to the oak construction with finger joints. T...
Rattan, Oak, Teak
$10,281
H 26.78 in W 31.89 in D 31.89 in
1930s Danish modern Easy Chair reupholstered in Premium beige Mohair
By Viggo Boesen
Located in København K, 84
1930s Danish modern easy chair reupholstered in exquisite premium beige mohair and nut brown stained beech legs. A very elegant piece executed by...
Mohair
$3,950 / set
H 30 in W 24.5 in D 24 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Danish Safari Campaign Lounge Chairs by Erik Worts
By Erik Worts, Niels Eilersen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Wonderful pair of simple and elegant safari lounge chairs by Erik Worts for Niels Eilersen. Black Enameled with canvas upholstery, chairs are in very good condition with some water s...
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Velvet Lounge Chair, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Velvet Lounge Chair, 1960s. Scandinavian beautiful, cozy and comfortable highback lounge chair upholstered in a golden yellow velour with curved armrests and frin...
Velvet
Pair of Italian Pine & Woven Cord Lounge Chairs, 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
Pair of Italian Pine & Woven Cord Lounge Chairs, 1970s An exceptional pair of Italian lounge chairs handcrafted from solid pine during the 1970s. Defined by their sculptural archite...
Cord, Pine
$879
H 31.89 in W 23.63 in D 23.23 in
1960s, Danish cocktail lounge chair, jacquard fabric, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish cocktail lounge chair. Beige furniture jacquard fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Chair was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-20 years ago. Very good cond...
Jacquard, Beech
$4,797 / set
H 29.93 in W 35.44 in D 30.71 in
Pair of Solid Pine Sculptural Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1970s
Located in Aartselaar, BE
A fun pair of sculptural lounge chairs. Made out of solid pine wood. From the 1970s. These stunning chunky chairs make an undeniable statement with their bold and unique shape. Craf...
Fabric, Pine
$4,674 / set
H 26.38 in W 28.75 in D 32.29 in
pair of lounge chairs, teak, beige buffalo leather, Thailand, 1960s–1970s.
Located in Rødding, DK
These Thai Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs or armchairs were designed by Thao Devakul and date from the 1960s–1970s. The frames are teak, and the loose cushions are beige buffalo le...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 30 in W 27 in D 34.75 in
Bernt Pedersen 'Kludestol' Oak Lounge Chair, Cream Linen, 1970s Denmark
By Schiang, Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernt Pedersen's Kludestol lounge chair from 1970s Denmark combines a solid oak frame with a low, reclined profile and no armrests. The oak carries a hand wax finish in a warm, mediu...
Upholstery, 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 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 Schiang, Bernt Petersen
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
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 Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Bernt Petersen
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
Bernt Pedersen Armchair, Ash and Cane
By Bernt Petersen, Erik Wørts
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bernt Pedersen armchair with frame of mahogany, back and sides from cane. Original tan leather upholstery. Made by Wørtz Snedkeri.
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 31.25 in W 26 in D 29 in
Pair of Danish 1960s Rag Chairs Variant in Oak by Bernt Petersen for Chiang
By Bernt Petersen, Schiang
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare variant of Bernt Petersen's "Rag" pair if easy lounge chairs designed for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in late 1960's. Oak frame with loose cushions in seat and back still with ...
Canvas, Oak
Bernt Petersen Lounge Chairs & Ottoman, 1970
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and comfortable pair of Danish modern lounge chairs and ottoman 'Kludestolen' by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1970, oversized oak frames with newly upholstered off-white linen cushi...
Canvas, Upholstery, Pine
Sold
H 38.59 in W 26.78 in D 37.41 in
Pair 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 pair of easy lounge chair designed by Bernt Petersen for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in 1966. Pine frames with loose cushions in seat and back upholstered...
Wool, Pine
Sold
H 38.59 in W 26.78 in D 37.41 in
Pair 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 pair of easy lounge chair designed by Bernt Petersen for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in 1966. Pine frames with loose cushions in seat and back upholstered...
Wool, Pine
Danish 1960s Rag Chair in Oak by Bernt Petersen for Chiang
By Bernt Petersen, Schiang
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare variant of Bernt Petersen's "Rag" easy lounge chair designed for Schiang Furniture of Denmark in late 1960's. Oak frame with loose cushions in seat and back still with the origi...
Canvas, Oak, Leather, Wool