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.
$2,027Sale 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
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
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
Danish Banana Sofa in Muted Teal Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Banana sofa, fabric, stained wood, Denmark, 1940s This voluptuous sofa is based on a solid construction of round shapes and curvaceous lines. The seating area and the backrest are o...
Fabric, Wood
Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa in Checkered Fabric, Oak and Teak
By Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen, sofa, fabric, oak, teak, Denmark, 1960s The designer of this sofa is Aksel bender Madsen (1916-2000) who is known for his classic Mid-Century designs and worked with prominent Danish designers such as Kaare Klint (1888-1954), Ejner Larsen (1917-1987), and Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971), to name a few. This sofa is pure and clean in its appearance due to its lack of unnecessary decoration. In the meantime, the slightly long shaped backrest and the sleek legs create a very calming and weightless appearance. The slightly bent armrests are made out of teak while the rest of the frame is oak. The checkered fabric...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Contemporary Flora Sofa in Cane Leather with White Oak Base
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The flora is just as comfortable as it looks. Completely wrapped in down and feather from the arms to the cushions and backs helps to create the marshmallow look. Shown in the cane l...
Leather
Danish Sofa in Soft Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Denmark, 1940s This Danish sofa catches the eye due to the exquisitely shaped armrests. From the high backrest the armrests float downwards in three curves. Also...
Fabric, Wood
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
Illum Wikkelso Leather Sofa in Rosewood and Woven Rattan Cane
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare bench by Danish designer Illum Wikkelso Rosewood and wicker structure, fawn leather cushion with a beautiful patina.
Leather, Palisander
$1,595
H 27.56 in W 53.15 in D 29.14 in
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, beige/ brown furniture fabric, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Beige/ brown furniture fabric, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered about 20 years ago by craftsman. Good condition: no smell...
Fabric, Oak
Marco Comolli Sofa in Walnut and Taupe Leather
By Marco Comolli, ICF De Padova
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marco Comolli for I.C.F. De Padova, two-seat sofa, in walnut and taupe leather, Italy, 1965 A highly comfortable sofa by Marco Comolli due to down filling and well-designed proporti...
Leather, 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
$19,550Sale Price / set|21% Off
H 23 in W 70 in D 36 in
Original 932-Quartet Leather Sectional Sofa by Mario Bellini for Cassina, 1964
By Cassina, Mario Bellini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
It doesn't get much cooler than this early year (original) collectors set of the model-932 'Quartet' sectional by Mario Bellini for Cassina. Released in 1964, this example has incredible thick leather hides in a gorgeous patinated cognac color. The leather is remarkable, and with the perfect amount of patina that you want to see - for those leather lovers out there, don't hesitate to buy this Bellini 932...
Leather, Canvas
$1,500
H 29 in W 25.25 in D 21.25 in
Bernt Petersen blue Crate Lounge Chair for Carl Hansen Denmark, 1982
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Bernt Petersen
Located in Skokie, IL
Bernt Petersen blue Crate Lounge Chair for Carl Hansen Denmark, 1982. Armchair in beech, with seat and back in plywood. The aim of this design was to create an easychair without upho...
Beech
Sven Ellekaer leather sofa produced by Coja
By Sven Ellekaer , Coja Culemborg
Located in Bern, CH
Sven Ellekaer 2 seater leather sofa, produced by Coja. Natural nubuck leather with oak frame Design: Sven Ellekaer Produced: Coja 1960 - 1970 Measurements: Height: 73 cm Width: 153c...
Leather, Oak
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
Bernt Petersen Two-Seat Sofa, 1970
By Bernt Petersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and comfortable Danish modern two-seat sofa by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1970, oversized oak frame with dual colored cushions on canvas with leather straps.
Leather, Canvas, Upholstery, Oak
Sofa by Bernt Petersen
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A finely crafted and spare four-seat sofa having a caned and geometric oak frame and fine striped wool nailhead upholstery.
Cane, Oak, Wool
Sofa by Bernt Petersen
By Worts Mobler, Bernt Petersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A finely crafted and spare three-seat sofa having a caned and geometric oak frame and fine striped wool nailhead upholstery.
Oak, Cane, Upholstery