In 1908, cabinetmaker Carl Hansen opened his first small workshop near Odense, Denmark, where he created furniture by hand in the preferred Victorian style of the times. Later, Carl Hansen & Søn would become one of the most prestigious furniture manufacturers in Denmark. The firm has produced timeless masterpieces of Scandinavian modernism by iconic designers Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Børge Mogensen and others.
Hansen expanded his operations by 1915 due to high demand. The larger factory allowed room for more modern machinery and a staff of many journeymen who produced a small series of their most popular pieces, including coffee tables, cabinets and sculptural, inviting armchairs. The firm became known for marrying the finest handmade craftsmanship with efficient production processes.
The Great Depression of the 1930s saw worldwide furniture sales plummet, and many furniture manufacturers were forced to shutter their workshops. At the age of 23, furniture maker Carl Hansen’s youngest son, Holger, took control of his father’s factory and piloted it through the era’s uncertain waters.
Holger Hansen’s youthful enthusiasm, innovative spirit, and intuitive business savvy kept their company afloat. He believed in the quality of the firm’s work and the cutting-edge designs that were produced at its factory, which emerged from modest beginnings to become a pivotal piece of the history of Danish furniture.
Owing to Holger’s leadership, Carl Hansen & Søn emerged from the Great Depression and entered into creative alliances with many acclaimed Danish masters of mid-century design, including Kaare Klint, Børge Mogensen, Arne Jacobsen, Ole Wanscher, Frits Henningsen and Poul Kjærholm.
None of these partnerships proved as prolific as their relationship with Hans Wegner, however. In 1949, the cabinetmaker moved to Denmark’s Funen Island and was staying in Holger’s family home, as the then-Carl Hansen CEO had commissioned Wegner to create a chair for the company that was similar to his popular China chair of 1944.
Wegner began to work closely with the company’s craftsmen and devised a streamlined chair with a Y-shaped back and woven paper-cord seat. The legendary Wishbone chair, which still involves nearly 100 processes and takes weeks to make, has been in continuous production since its 1950 debut.
Family-owned since its inception, Carl Hansen & Søn has manufactured some of the most extraordinary chairs, sofas and lounge chairs for living room relaxation in the history of design. Their dining room tables and chairs run the gamut in style and functionality, from everyday comfort to elegant entertaining. The company’s impressive roster of contemporary designers includes renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the Vienna-based design firm EOOS and celebrated American industrial designer Brad Ascalon. They remain the world’s largest producer of Wegner’s furniture and still enjoy a collaborative relationship with the Hans J. Wegner Studio.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Carl Hansen chairs, case pieces and other furniture.
$3,719Sale Price|25% Off
New Edition Frits Henningsen Heritage Chair by Carl Hansen
By Frits Henningsen, Carl Hansen
Located in London, GB
Carl Hansen now produces the FH419 Heritage Chair by Frits Henningsen. This chair is a new production and was a display model. Oak legs and green wool upholstery. The chair is cha...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
$5,085Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Teak and Black Leather CH28 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Scandinavian Teak Lounge chair has been designed in the 1950s by famed Danish designer Hans Wegner and known universally as Sawback Chair. It is manufactured by Carl Han...
Leather, Teak
2022 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH37 Dining Chair Oak Black Natural Papercord
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH37 Dining Chair made with a black solid oak frame, and natural paper cord seat. The chair, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to ...
Oak, Papercord
2022 Alfred Homann for Carl Hansen AH603 Outdoor Chair in Teak Made in Denmark
By Alfred Homann, Carl Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an AH603 Deck Chair made of solid teak wood. The chair, designed by Alfred Homann and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates circa 2022 and is guaranteed ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Armchair in Oak Model CH 25 by Hans Wegner
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern CH 25 armchair by Hans Wegner. New product. Designed in 1950, the CH25 lounge chair was one of the first four chairs Hans J. Wegner created especially for Carl Han...
Oak
2023 Set of Three Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone Dining Arm Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of three CH24 Wishbone dining chairs, originally designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949. These particular examples were produced by Carl Hansen in Denmark C. 2023. The chai...
Papercord, Wood
$6,966 / set
H 25.99 in W 29.93 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Vintage Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 Armchairs
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner armchairs model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The armchairs are a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmar...
Oak
(6) Hans J. Wegner CH24 'Wishbone' Danish Beech Dining Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Norwalk, CT
This set of chairs features one of the most iconic Danish designs of the 20th century. Originally designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son in 1949, these chairs were impossibly modern for the time, allowing them to retain their significant over half a century later. The CH24, or Wishbone Chair, was the first model Hans J. Wegner designed exclusively for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1949 and has remained in continuous production since its debut in 1950. Crafted through a meticulous process involving over 100 steps—most completed by hand—the chair reflects Wegner’s belief that furniture should be both beautiful and functional. Inspired by the graceful lines of traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty chairs...
Beech
$1,320 / item
H 33.47 in W 36.62 in D 28.35 in
Green Indoor / Outdoor Filicudi Cactus Chair, Made in Italy
By MARCANTONIO
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 400 other unique products. This green and brass indoor / outdoor armchair features a brass finish mid century legs...
Brass
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Lounge Chair with New Upholstery
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Frits Henningsen Danish modern lounge chair. Tastefully reupholstered in grey heather textile with cinnamon accented piping. Solid mahogany legs retain original finish and appearance...
Textile
1940s Alfred Christensen Teak Armchair, Denmark
By Alfred Christensen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - The fabric upholstery in good original condition with some signs of use - The wooden parts have been re-polished.
Fabric, Teak
$713 / item
H 28.75 in W 21.66 in D 20.08 in
Wishbone Chair Model CH24 By Hans J. Wegner For Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
The Wishbone chairs, model CH24, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, are exemplary pieces of Scandinavian Modern furniture. Crafted from black painted w...
Papercord, Wood
Pair of 1950s Danish Armchairs by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, London
Pair of lounge chairs By Frits Henningsen Newly upholstered in Baluchi Natural fabric by Designers Guild Measure: seat height 42cm. Denmark 1950s.
Fabric, Beech
$4,666
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 18.12 in
Rare armchair 'CH-34' by Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1960s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare oak and leather armchair model 'CH-34' designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1960s. Made in solid oak with tapered legs. Original black leather upholstery. Great original patina. Makers mark on bottom...
Leather, Oak
Vintage Hans Wegner "The" Chair Johannes Hansen Teak Danish Patina
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic "The" chair designed by Hans Wegner and executed by Johannes Hansen, Denmark, circa 1950s. Beautiful patina, reupholstered in cognac (orange/yellow/brown tone) leather. Thi...
Teak
$1,315 / item
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & Soap for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' chair in oak & soap for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Papercord, Oak, Wood
$1,320 / item
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak and Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oak & White Oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Oak, Papercord, Wood
Hans Wegner Carl Hansen & Son CH07 Lounge Chair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
It is not an overstatement to describe this chair as iconic, the Hans Wegner model CH07 has firmly established its position in the hierarchy of 20th century design. This example was ...
Upholstery, Plywood
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.41 in D 19.69 in
Hans Wegner CH-35 Armchair, Oak & Black Leather, Mid-Century Modern
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
CH-35 model armchair by Hans Wegner, manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, in its oak and black leather version. A modern design classic by Hans Wegner with recognizable cult...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 29.53 in D 30.71 in
Scandinavian Oak and Black Leather CH28 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Scandinavian Lounge chair has been designed in the 1950s by famed Danish designer Hans Wegner and known universally as Sawback Chair. It is...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 22.45 in D 20.48 in
H. J. Wegner Set of 4 Wishbone Chairs CH 24, Green by Carl Hansen & Son, 1970s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Here is a rare set of 4 Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) wishbone chairs model no. CH 24 manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark. They are made of solid wood with green lacquer and gre...
Papercord, Wood, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lounge Chair CH25 by Hans Wegner
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern pair of lounge chair CH25 by Hans Wegner. Perfect original condition. Models stamped. This is a real pair, both made at the same time, ordered in 1966.
Papercord, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 22.45 in D 20.08 in
Early H. J. Wegner Wishbone Chair CH 24 of Oak by Carl Hansen & Son 1960´s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
An early version of Hans J. Wegner´s (1914-2007) wishbone chair. Model no. CH 24 manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark. The wishbone chair has been in production since 1950. ...
Papercord, Oak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Early H. J. Wegner Pair Wishbone Chairs CH 24 of Oak by Carl Hansen & Son 1958
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A pair of early Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) wishbone chairs with burn mark. Model no. CH 24 manufactured by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark. The wishbone chairs has been in production s...
Papercord, Oak
Sold
H 28.75 in W 21.26 in D 20.08 in
Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chair CH 24 of Beech by Carl Hansen A/S Denmark, 1980s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007) wishbone chair model no. CH 24 manufactured by Carl Hansen A/S, Denmark. The classic chair has been in production since 1950. It is made of solid beech w...
Papercord, Beech
Hans Wegner CH-28 Sawbuck Lounge Chair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, Denmark, c.1950s. This 1952 design features a teak body with curved plywood seat and back, solid tapering turned legs, and flat armrests. Hea...
Teak
Sold
H 28.5 in W 27.5 in D 24.5 in
Pair of Vintage Hans Wegner CH22 Carl Hansen & Son Oak Lounge Chairs
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of vintage Hans Wegner CH22 Carl Hansen & Son oak lounge chairs. Item features woven paper cord, solid oakwood frames, beautiful wood grain, original Hans Wegner stamps to under...
Rope, Oak
Pair of CH 28 Easy Chairs by Hans J. Wegner
By Carl Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two CH 28 - 'Sawbuck' easy chairs in patinated oak, reupholstered in Dunes Cognac leather. The leather has been treated with leather grease. Maker Carl Hansen.
Oak
Rare Hans J. Wegner Armchair in Oakwood with Wicker Seat, 1950s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Rare Hans J. Wegner armchair in oakwood with wicker seat, 1950s. Model CH-22 produced by Carl Hansen.
Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 26.78 in
Hans J. Wegner, Sawbuck Chair in Oak 1951 for Carl Hansen, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Munster, NRW
Hans J. Wegner - Sawbuck chair CH-28 1951 for Carl Hansen, Denmark. Amazing and early lounge chair model CH-28, or Sawbuck chair designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denma...
Oak