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 Kjærholm PK-91 Folding Stool by E. Kold Christensen in Cognac Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterclass in restrained elegance and functional form, this PK-91 folding stool by Poul Kjærholm is a rare and collectible original produced by E. Kold Christensen, Kjærholm’s ear...
Steel
Pair of Poul Kjaerholm PK33 Stools Produced by E Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and iconic pair of Danish mid century modern "PK33" stools in brushed chromium plated steel and original brown and matching patinated leather by Poul Kjaerholm produced and s...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stools Produced by E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early pair of "PK33" stools in steel and original brown leather by Poul Kjærholm produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark 1960s. In good original condition and stamped. ...
Steel
Early Propeller Stool by Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Early produced propeller stool in chromed metal and canvas designed by MAA. Poul Kjærholm for EKC Made in Denmark.
Metal
Poul Kjaerholm PK91 Folding Stool by E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Highland, IN
Kjaerholm's 1961 masterpiece, the PK91 stool made by E. Kold Christensen is the perfect distillation of his aesthetic. A minimalist form combining matte ch...
Steel
Early PK 33 Stool by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early 'PK-33' stool, with a round black leather cushion on three satin-chromed flat bar legs. Maker's mark on underside.
Chrome
$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
$5,769
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
$5,228
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
E. Kold Christensen PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1st ed. Denmark - 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Original PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen – Denmark, 1956 Stamped with the E. Kold Christensen logo (1st edition manufacturer). A masterclass in minimalist...
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 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
Poul Kjaerholm PK33 Stool in Rustic Leather by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Poul Kjaerholm, Danish 1929-1980. Poul Kjaerholm used innovative construction materials to produce fluid designs that were elegant, functional and modern. Kjaerholm chose steel as hi...
Steel
$8,293
H 28.35 in W 24.02 in D 24.81 in
Poul Kjærholm Chair "PK-22" in Patinated Leather by E. Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare early E. Kold Christensen production "PK-22" by Poul Kjærholm in original dark brown aniline leather with an amazing deep patina. The leather and canvas upholstery work on these...
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 Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
$28,845
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 Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen pk33 Stool
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in London, GB
In original condition with nice patina to the leather. Poul Kjaerholm pk33 for E. Kold Christensen. Denmark c1959 This is stamped
Steel
PK 33 - Stool in cognac leather by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 33 - Stool with cognac leather seat and steel legs. Stamped by manufacturer Fritz Hansen and designed by Poul Kjærholm.
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Stool by Fritz Hansen, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Stool by Fritz Hansen, Denmark The PK91 stool by Poul Kjærholm, made by Fritz Hansen, folds up in one smooth move—perfect for when you need an extra seat or just...
Steel
$72,113 / 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
Sold
H 13 in Dm 20.87 in
Poul Kjærholm PK33 Stool in Black Leather by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1959
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, the PK33 Stool by Poul Kjærholm exemplifies the Danish designer’s poetic balance between material honesty and sculptural precision. Designed...
Steel
Sold
H 14.57 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Iconic Pk 91 Folding Stool by Poul Kjærholm for by E. Kold Christensen, DK 1961
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic PK 91 folding stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This stool is from an early production and has a matt chromed plated steel...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stool by E Kold Christensen, Circa 1950, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stool by E Kold Christensen, Circa 1950, Denmark. Rare first edition. Original leather Very decorative piece made with leather and steel. CON...
Steel
Sold
H 14.57 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Iconic Pk 91 Folding Stool by Poul Kjærholm for by E. Kold Christensen, DK 1961
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic PK 91 folding stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This stool is from an early production and has a matt chromed plated steel...
Steel
Matching Set of Three Poul Kjærholm PK33 Stools by E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare all original early production Poul Kjaerholm E. Kold Christensen set of 3 PK33 stools. Black leather seat pad and matte-chromed steel base with grey lacquered circular plywood s...
Steel
Sold
H 13.59 in W 24.41 in D 17.52 in
Poul Kjaerholm for E Kold Christensen, Early PK91 Folding Stool, Danish 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Poul Kjaerholm for E Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1960s A PK-91 folding stool in chromed steel with vintage tan leather. Stool is stamped and displays the early stepped knuckle joints...
Steel, Chrome
Poul Kjaerholm PK33 Stool for E Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Circular PK33 stool, designed in 1958 by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by E Kold Christensen (bears their stamp). Removable leather seat cushion with central button, grey lacquere...
Steel
Sold
H 15.16 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Folding Stool, Early Production, Denmark, 1961
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjærholm & E. Kold Christensen - Scandinavian Modern The classic PK 91 folding stool by Poul Kjærholm. Designed 1961 and manufactured by E...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Folding Stool
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful and rare PK91 folding stool in canvas designed in 1961 by Poul Kjærholm. Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark. Great vintage ...
Steel
Pair of Stools by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of PK 33 - Stools in patinated brown leather on a frame of matt-chromed steel. Maker E. Kold Christensen.
Leather
Sold
H 13.78 in W 24.02 in D 17.72 in
PK 91 Folding Stool, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1961
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Munster, NRW
early pk 91 folding stool by paul kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen with cognac-coloured leather in perfect patina and condition. it is said ...
Steel
Stool by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 33, stool in patinated natural leather on a matte-chromed steel frame. Designed 1959. Maker E. Kold Christensen.
Leather