Founded in Hellerup, Denmark, by entrepreneur Ejvind Kold Christensen, furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen was instrumental in advancing the career of Poul Kjærholm, a revered Danish cabinetmaker who brought a graceful and sleek new style to Scandinavian design.
Christensen and Kjærholm formed not only a close friendship but also a fruitful business partnership that endured for decades. The company produced most of Kjærholm’s acclaimed armchairs, stools and lounge chairs — which were often framed in brushed steel and upholstered in leather — until Kjærholm’s death in 1980.
Christensen began his career as a sales manager for the furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn. In the late 1940s, Christensen introduced the young Hans Wegner to Carl’s son, Holger Hansen — who was by then running his family’s legendary company — after recognizing the potential of this new designer. Wegner, Hansen and Christensen solidified their partnership by forming SALESCO — a marketing company with the sole purpose of promoting Wegner’s now universally celebrated body of work.
In the mid-1950s, Christensen partnered with promising designer Kjærholm — their pairing was the result of Wegner recommending that Christensen help develop Kjærholm (Wegner had been a teacher of Kjærholm’s at what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts). Christensen established his eponymous company with the singular goal of manufacturing his friend’s works.
E. Kold Christensen’s founder offered Kjærholm the room he needed to explore the structural potential of steel in furniture-making — he created forward-looking seating, tables and other pieces that reflected the influence of modernist designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich rather than the output of his Scandinavian peers, who worked primarily with wood. (Kjærholm would later experiment with wood during the 1970s.)
The refined PK22 chair, a lounger made of steel with a seat of leather or canvas has over time been compared to Mies and Reich’s Barcelona chair and is a fine example of Kjærholm’s mid-century innovations for E. Kold Christensen. It was an instant commercial success — launching both the designer's and manufacturer's careers. Later, Kjærholm’s iconic PK24 chair merged stainless steel, leather and a sinuous seat of woven wicker, while his PK61 coffee table offered a fanciful, off-center support structure for its glass top. By 1960, Kjærholm had twice been awarded the Grand Prize at the Milan Triennale.
In the 1980s, E. Kold Christensen sold the production rights to a range of Kjærholm’s work to Fritz Hansen, where the designer had incidentally worked for a short time in the early 1950s (the company now has rights to the complete collection) . Many of Kjærholm’s works are part of collections at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, while museums in Norway, Denmark, Germany and Sweden also have his works — each produced by E. Kold Christensen — in their permanent collections.
On 1stDibs, find vintage E. Kold Christensen chairs, tables, lighting and more.
Set of 2 PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1955
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of Two PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark, 1955. A rare early set of PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, produced by E. Kold Christensen before the manufacturing was taken...
Metal
! Poul Kjærholm PK 22 Chair Reupholstered in Cowhide E. Kold Christensen 1963
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) the praised Danish designer, the "furniture architect", designed the emblematic PK22 Chair in 1956. Standing out from the other Danish mid century designers, his predilection material wasn't wood but steel. This PK22 gets its outstanding comfort from the cowhide which is floating above the metal structure, thanks to the curved crossbars that holds the feet together without interfering with the seat's ergonomy. The obviously powerful and effective design speaks for itself, fitting perfectly a more intimate space needing structure and discretion thanks to the thin and light side view, as well as larger rooms thanks to the wide seat and backrest creating subtle geometric shapes. The chair has been reupholstered in an elegant black and white cowhide, whose unique pattern interacts gracefully with the design. The frame bears...
Steel
Midcentury “PK 9” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of eight beautiful “PK 9”, or as they are also called “Tulipan” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm. Made with sleek brushed steel bases and organically molded seats. Seats and backs ...
Steel
Chair PK 11 designed by Poul Kjaerholm manufactured by da E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Firenze, FI
Chair PK11, designed in 1957 by Poul Kjaerholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen, marked by the manufacturer. Ash backrest and a linear three-legged structure in chromed steel. Wit...
Steel
PK20 Easy Chair by Poul Kjaerholm Produced by E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stamford, CT
A PK20 chair produced by Kold Christensen in Poul Kjaeholms iconic matte chrome finish. Leather is in great shape without staining and remains supple. E. Ko...
Chrome
Price Upon Request
PK 13 "Free Swinger" Cantilevered Armchair by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1974
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in New York, NY
PK 13 "Free Swinger" cantilevered armchair with chrome-plated spring steel frame and natural brown leather cushion. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Chris...
Steel
$14,211 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in L 29.14 in
Poul Kjærholm Easy Chairs Model PK-22 Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model PK-22 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
$23,500
H 34.65 in W 23.63 in D 57.09 in
Poul Kjærholm Chaise Longue Model PK24 for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dronten, NL
The PK24 is one of the most beautiful chairs of Danish modernism. Poul Kjaerholm designed it in 1965, and this is a rare early example from E. Kold Christensen. A single sweeping she...
Stainless Steel
$36,950
H 11.82 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 daybed black leather E. Kold Christensen Denmark 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
PK 80 was one of the most sophisticated works from this period by Kjaerholm. Its striking proportions, the elegance of its materials and connections, and the beauty of the large welt...
Metal
$25,467Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
6 Chairs PK9 from Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Suite of 6 dining chairs model PK 9 designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1961 for Kold Christensen. It’s an early edition in good condition. Very rare set made by one of the most sought a...
Metal
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK 27 Easy Chairs
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK 27 easy chairs manufactured by E. Kold Christensen.
Leather
$12,151Sale Price|24% Off
H 27.96 in W 53.94 in D 29.53 in
PK-31/2 Leather Sofa by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa was once placed in a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leath...
Steel, Chrome
$39,678
H 27.96 in W 103.15 in D 26.78 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/4 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exceptional 4 seat PK31 sofa. This stunning sofa is designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1950's. Beautiful and high quality original black lea...
Steel
$19,144 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
PK-31 (PK31) Armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK-31 (PK31) lounge chairs are fully restored: new black leather upholstery, metal frames details are refinished. One under seat metal bar has maker's mark, the...
Steel
$13,938 / set
H 27.56 in W 24.81 in D 30.32 in
Pair of "PK22" armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1950s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of "PK22" armchairs with satin-finished steel frame and suspended seat in cognac-colored leather. Design by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1955 model. Designed by Poul ...
Steel
$7,000
H 26 in W 25 in D 22 in
Early Poul Kjaerholm PK11 Armchair for E Kold Christiansen Denmark 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Troy, MI
Early model PK11 armchair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christiansen Denmark circa 1957 Architectural three leg frame in stainless steel with original leather seat and arced backres...
Stainless Steel
$10,900Sale Price|22% Off
H 28 in W 54 in D 28 in
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel. Designed...
Steel
$3,200
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 25.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge Chair in Black Leather E Kold Christensen PK 22
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural PK22 Model Lounge Chair, designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E Kold Christensen, signed, Denmark, circa 1960s. According to the estate where we purchased this chair, the leathe...
Steel
Pair of PK-15 Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of PK-15 chairs with black lacquered bent ash wood frames and French cane seats. Designed by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, circa 1979. New French cane seats. Solid frames w...
Cane, Ash
$13,750
H 13.78 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-91 Folding Stool, Early E. Kold Christensen Edition, 1961
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterclass in restrained elegance and functional form, this PK-91 folding stool by Poul Kjærholm is a rare and highly collectible early example, produced by E. Kold Christensen, K...
Steel
$6,139
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 29.93 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair E. Kold Christensen Denmark Steel Leather 1968
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Munster, NRW
First edition of the PK20 lounge chair, a graceful, elegant masterpiece created in 1968 by Danish designer Poul Kjaerholm for Ejvind Kold Christensen. It consists of an aesthetic c...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm, PK11 Desk Chair, E. Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Poul Kjærholm Office Chair or Dining Chair, model PK11, 1960s chrome plated steel frame with black leather seat and curved ash back and arm rest designed in 1957, this is an early ex...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK9 Dining Chair by E. Kold Christiensen 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Coronado, CA
This lovely chair was designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1960 and produced by E. Kold Christensen. Designed during Kjærholm's prime, the PK9/EKC9 chair exudes modernist simplicity while al...
Steel
Set of Six PK-1 Dining Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six dining chairs designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen in 1955. Originally, the series PK-1, -2, and -3 referenced a complete line of steel-frame chairs with the ...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen Pair of P.K. 12 Chairs (1964)
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Chicago, IL
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen Pair of P.K. 12 Chairs (1964) Materials: Matte chrome-plated steel, leather seats Origin: Made in Denmark Dimensions: Height: 27" Width: 25" De...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK12 for E. Kold Christensen, 1964
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm PK-12 chairs for E. Kold Christensen. Chromed steel frame and seat upholstered with brown Nigerian leather. Designed 1964, made at E. Kold Christensen, Denmark with m...
Steel
Sold
H 27.56 in W 24.81 in D 25.99 in
Pair of early PK22 Lounge Chairs in Leather by Poul Kjærholm for EKC, 1970s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare pair of Poul Kjærholm PK 22 easy chairs in natural dark brown leather with matte chromed steel frame. E. Kold Christensen stamp in the frame underneath the seat.
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Cognac Leather PK 22 Poul Kjaerholm Lounge Chair, Scandinavian Modern, 1960's
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cognac leather PK 22 Poul Kjaerholm lounge chair, Scandinavian Modern, 1960's While his mid-century Danish peers were working with wood, P...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm Cane PK22 Lounge Chair
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This piece is a rare early production PK22 lounge chair designed by Poul Kjaerholm in approximately 1955. The chair was made by E.Kold Christense as ...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge Chair in Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This stunning Mid-Century Modern lounge chair is an early production PK22 lounge chair designed by Poul Kjaerholm in the middle of the 1950s. The cha...
Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge chair in Cognac leather for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Highclere, Newbury
An early production Vintage Danish Mid Century Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge chair in polished steel and cognac leather for E. Kold Christensen. Originally designed in 1956 the PK22 stands out as one of Kjaerholm’s most lauded and recognised designs. Inspired by the both the ancient ‘Klismos’ Greek chair design and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair, it features legs that are angled in opposite directions to provide a strong but light frame. The frame is constructed from bent steel bar and has a simple elegance that originates from his graduation project, the ‘Element’ Chair...
Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 21.66 in D 23.63 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK-9 Dining Chairs Produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and iconic set of two "PK-9" dining chairs by Poul Kjaerholm in steel and patinated brown leather produced by E. Kold Christensen during the 1960s. Both chairs are in good ...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 30 in W 22.8 in D 22.8 in
Early PK9 Chair in Leather by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen / Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Buffalo, NY
Truly an amazing piece of functional art/ sculpture. Recently acquired from an architect who was living in Denmark in the 50's, 60's, believed to be 1st year production. The PK9 als...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm Pair of PK22 for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm pair of PK22 easy chairs in dull chromium-plated steel and cane. Executed by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark.
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK9 Chair by Ejvind Kold Christensen Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Utrecht, NL
Poul Kjaerholm PK9 chair, designed in 1961, executed by 1st manufacturer Ejvind Kold Christensen in original dark brown leather upholstery. On...
Steel
PK1 Chair by Poul Kjaerholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Antwerp, BE
Poul Kjærholm’s very first dining chair – was designed in 1955 and marked the beginning of an impressive career. In original condition A PK1 side chair desi...
Steel