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Carl Hansen Sofas

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.

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Creator: Carl Hansen
2024 Carl Hansen RF 1903R Sideways Sofa by Rikke Frost Walnut w/ Kvadrat Fabric
By Carl Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a RF1903 sideways sofa, designed by Rikke Frost and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark circa 2024. The fabric used on this piece is Remix 3 0933. The sofa is brand new ...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Carl Hansen Sofas

Materials

Wood, Textile, Papercord

2021 KK48651 Addition Sofa / Bench in Leather w/ Dark Wood Legs by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint, Carl Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK48651 Addition Sofa made with a tan leather seat and walnut legs (or perhaps dark stained oak). The bench, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in De...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Carl Hansen Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

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Carl Hansen sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Carl Hansen sofas are available for sale on 1stDibs.
Questions About Carl Hansen Sofas
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Carl Hansen is famous for his work as a furniture maker. In 1908, the cabinetmaker opened his first small workshop near Odense, Denmark, where he created furniture by hand in the Victorian style. 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 including Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Børge Mogensen. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Carl Hansen furniture.

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