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.
Poul Kjaerholm, Daybed, Leather, Steel, Plywood, E Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in High Point, NC
A leather, steel and plywood daybed designed by Poul Kjaerholm and produced by E Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1960s. Condition: Good Wear consistent with age and use. Very lively pat...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 daybed black leather E. Kold Christensen Denmark 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
$15,900
H 17 in W 72 in D 30 in
Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK 80 Tufted Leather and Flat Bar Steel Daybed
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is the PK 80 daybed By Poul Kjaerholm. The daybed is crafted in a rich tufted leather. The base is made is flat bar steel. The bed has been newly reupholstered.
Cut Steel
$6,277
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 E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
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
$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 E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
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
$6,300
H 30.3 in W 22.8 in D 22.8 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-9 Dining Chairs by E. Kold Christensen Brown Leather, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Vienna, AT
Early original 1960's PK9 single chair for E. Kold Christensen (marked), produced circa 1960-1970- We have another set of four available, please inquire. This single chair is in stu...
Steel
$69,749 / set
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Midcentury “PK 9” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
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
$20,924Sale Price|25% Off
H 28.35 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Poul Kjærholm, pair of early PK31 leather lounge chairs for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the epitome of Scandinavian Vintage Design with this pair of Poul Kjærholm PK31 lounge chairs, meticulously crafted for E. Kold Christensen. These highly collective pieces a...
Steel
$19,575 / 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 Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
$5,579
H 27.56 in W 24.81 in D 28.35 in
! 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
$3,336
H 27.96 in W 24.41 in D 25.79 in
"PK22 " Chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen - 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Linkebeek, BE
1960s edition - see stamp - Measures : 62x65,5 H:71cm SH:34cm The PK22 is a chair designed by Danish designer Poul Kjærholm in 1956. It is also known as the PK22 lounge chair. The P...
Steel
$6,580
H 25.79 in W 24.81 in D 21.86 in
Vintage "PK 11" Armchair by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool “PK 11” armchair by Poul Kjærholm, designed in 1957, executed by original producer E. Kold Christensen. Carried out in ash and br...
Steel
$12,424Sale 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 Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
$4,068 / item
H 27.96 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
1956, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, PK22 Lounge Chairs
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm, PK 80 Daybed, E. Kold Christensen, circa 1965
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Poul Kjaerholm (Danish 1929-1980) PK 80 daybed, circa 1965 tan leather, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, rubber mounts 37cm high x 194cm long x 82cm deep bearing E. Kold Christen...
Steel
Sold
H 31.5 in W 75 in D 12 in
Poul Kjaerholm "PK80" Daybed, by E Kold Christensen, Circa 1950, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Mid-Century Poul Kjaerholm "PK-80" Daybed, produced by E. Kold Christensen, circa 1950, Denmark. Rare first edition. Original leather Very decorative piece made with le...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 12.5 in W 76 in D 32.25 in
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen Early Year PK-80 Daybed, Double Signed
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine collectors example in showroom condition of an early production original of the PK-80 Daybed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, with original steel frame, double signed with the EKC logo engraved in two different sections of the steel frame, along with the original wood platform and black button-tufted leather cushion. These rare original production examples by EKC have become exceedingly hard to find and are extremely sought after by collectors. New production variants by Fritz Hansen lack the collectibility and appeal of the originals by E. Kold Christensen. If you are considering buying a PK-80 daybed, an EKC double-signed example, like this one, will provide much greater long term asset value and appreciation than the newer Fritz Hansen versions. We highly suggest buying an original PK 80 vs the new versions, and in addition we highly suggest not buying an unsigned example. If you are looking at a PK-80 and the dealer is not showing a photo of the signature in the listing, we suggest asking for a clear photo so you can compare and ensure it is the correct one. If it is not signed, we suggest avoiding the purchase, and instead find one that is signed instead, such as this double-signed rare example. Originally designed in 1957 for Elvind Kold Christensen, this example produced circa 1960, with all original parts, all in excellent vintage condition, a fine collectors example. The only slight issue is one of the eight rubber bands that is used to hold the wood platform to the steel frame is missing as you can see in the photos. This is not noticeable unless you remove the leather mattress and this does not affect its use at all, or its stability. Each leg has two heavy rubber bands so this leg still has one band and is completely stable and does not affect the daybeds use...
Cut Steel
Sold
H 13.39 in W 55.12 in D 55.12 in
Poul Kjaerholm daybed model PK80A, Kold Christensen Edition, 1959
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Antwerp, BE
Extremely rare daybed PK80A , E. Kold Christensen edition, Denmark, 1959 brushed steel frame, structure of green / gray lacquered wood cognac leather matras Provenance: 1st ...
Steel
Sold
H 11.82 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Daybed, Model PK80, by Poul Kjærholm and E. Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Daybed, model PK80, designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1957 and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen in the 1960s. The bed was reupholstered in cognac classic leather circa 1998. Areas of ...
Steel
Sold
H 12.01 in W 32.01 in D 76.5 in
Poul Kjærholm Early Day Bed, Model "PK80" Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Barcelona, ES
Poul Kjærholm (1929-1980). Early day bed, model “PK 80.” Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen. Denmark, 1957. Leather, chromium-plated steel. Measurements: 194,3 cm x 81,3 c...
Steel
PK 80 daybed by Poul Kjaerholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in New York, NY
PK 80 daybed with steel frame, brown leather mattress, plywood supports and rubber rings. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, cir...
PK 80 Poul Kjaerholm by Kold Christensen leather daybed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PK 80 Poul Kjaerholm by Kold Christensen leather daybed
Chrome