Through both his bold furniture designs and his teaching and administrative positions within the architecture and design industries, the solution-oriented Friso Kramer helped elevate industrial design to a venerated place in the modernist canon.
While the mid-century years saw no shortage of function-minded modernists, Kramer may have been the most extreme of them. “If form does not contribute to the function, it has no right to exist,” the Dutch designer once said. Born in Amsterdam in 1922 to the pioneering architect Piet Kramer, Friso studied architecture, industrial design, electrical engineering and interior design. He cut his teeth in the studios of architect Jan Piet Kloos and interior designer Frans Paulussen, then, in 1948, went to work as a designer at the steel furniture manufacturer De Cirkel (part of the Ahrend group), where he would design some of his best-known work.
The 1953 Revolt chair, which is among his most celebrated seating and a darling of Dutch mid-century modernism, embodied Kramer’s function-first design; its skeletal, industrial form provides for maximum comfort and ergonomic support with minimal material. He joined forces with Wim Rietveld, son of celebrated Dutch modernist Gerrit Rietveld, for the 1958 Result chair, which married elements of the Revolt with forms from Rietveld’s Pyramid series. Kramer found numerous ways to riff on and perfect his brand of minimalism: The 1960 Resort and Repose armchairs demonstrate how he slightly tweaked the skeletal frames for different postures and uses.
In 1963, Kramer left Ahrend to found Total Design Studio with Wim Crouwel, Benno Wissing and Paul and Dick Schwartz. The firm grouped graphic, industrial and spatial design under one roof with the shared belief in functionalism. Though Total Design Studio is still in business today, Kramer left the company to return to Ahrend in 1971, serving as art director until 1983. Following Kramer’s death in 2019, Ahrend teamed up with Danish design brand HAY to relaunch the Result and Revolt chairs.
Find vintage Friso Kramer chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
1950s Wim Rietveld Friso Kramer Reply Drafting Table Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare Wim Rietveld 'Reply' drafting table with rare side tray. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjust...
Metal
Mid-Century Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries, 1950s
By Coen de Vries, EEKA, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Dutch mid-century modern design, this executive desk was designed by Friso Kramer and Coen de Vries for EEKA (Eindhovense Eisen- en Kantoorartikelenfabriek) in ...
Steel
Mid-Century Friso Kramer "Reform" Industrial Dining or Work Table
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sleek, Mid-Century, Reform table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend Circle in 1955. Industrial enameled gray metal frame with faux teak wood Formica top...
Metal
Friso Kramer 1960 Reform Tables for Ahrend de Cirkel, Steel & Linoleum
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century Reform tables designed by the illustrious post-war designer Friso Kramer and manufactured by Ahrend de Cirkel in the Netherlands. Made of high quality bone white f...
Metal, Enamel, Steel
Rare Square-ish Friso Kramer REFORM Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, Dutch Mid-Century, REFORM table by Friso Kramer, arguably Netherland's greatest designer of the post-war era. Designed for the acclaimed Ahrend de Cirkel company and manufactur...
Metal, Aluminum
Original Large Friso Kramer "Reform" Table with Black Linoleum Top and Gray Legs
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original Friso Kramer 'Reform' conference or dining table for Ahrend de Cirkel with gray enameled metal frame and black linoleum top and aluminum trim. In original condition wit...
Aluminum, Metal
Friso Kramer Reform Table Small Ahrend de Cirkel, 1963
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice small and rare sized industrial 'Reform' table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Holland 1955. This dining table was a part of the Reform table program that was designed by Friso Kramer in 1955. The Reform series contained a lot of variety of tables in different sizes and editions to the client’s needs. One thing was always the same, the structure of the base, applied in several different sized and shaped tables. This base was a folded metal frame which was light but also very strong. The tops varied from hardcore, linoleum, Formica and wood. Whatever the client wanted. This has a rectangular shaped top, finished with white formica and an aluminum edge. The table has a grey painted frame in good condition with normal wear and losses. This table comes from TH Delft...
Metal, Aluminum
XL Dutch Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld Ahrend, 1959
By Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Wim Rietveld & Friso Kramer Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1959 **The Netherlands** A rare and highly sought-after Dutch modernist drafting table designed by Wim Rietvel...
Steel
Dutch Friso Kramer Industrial 'Reform' Work Table in Metal
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, work table, lacquered steel, linoleum, aluminum, the Netherlands, 1950s. This work table is designed by Friso Kramer in the 1940s. The table feat...
Aluminum, Steel
Rare Friso Kramer "Rotunda" Coffee Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare "Rotunda" Coffee Table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. White over-painted rare dark gray metal frame with integrated metal magazine shelf and glass top. The glass top sits...
Metal
Friso Kramer "Rotunda" Black Metal and Glass Coffee Table by Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare "Rotunda" coffee table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. Black enameled metal base with magazine shelf and glass top. In good original condition with some signs of wear to f...
Metal
Friso Kramer Round Coffee Table Ahrend, 1962
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare coffee table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. This table from technical university Eindhoven, stamped on the bottom 1964. With original tags from TH Eindhove...
Metal
Large 'Reform' Table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1950s
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Steenwijk, NL
The famous 'Reform' table was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1955. This table is a true Dutch design in a very nice condition. At the mark on the solid metal frame ...
Metal, Aluminum
Rare Friso Kramer "Rotunda" Table in Black Metal and Glass for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare "Rotunda" coffee table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel. Black enameled metal base with magazine shelf, glass top and fat rubber feet. In original condition with signs of we...
Metal
Friso Kramer Round "Reform" Industrial Table with White Top and Black Metal Legs
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round Industrial "Reform" table by Dutch Mid-Century Industrial design great Friso Kramer. Designed by Kramer at the beginning of his storied career in 1955 for manufacturing company...
Metal
Rare Petrol Blue Octagon Xxl "Reform" Conference Table by Friso Kramer Ahrend
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare Petrol Blue version of the largest model Reform table made by Ahrend De Cirkel. Dutch industrial designer and pioneer of functional design Friso Kramer made this Reform table in 1955 to match with his award winning Revolt chair, a chair he designed in 1953 that is now standing next to Jean Prouve's work in Les Musee Arts...
Aluminum, Metal
Friso Kramer 'Reform' Table or Desk with Reclaimed Rustic Oak Top
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
A reclaimed vintage rustic solid oak top has been mounted on a Friso Kramer 'Reform' table frame The Reform table was designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend/De Cirkel to match with ...
Metal
Friso Kramer Revolt folding table Ahrend Netherlands 1955
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This ultra-rare folding table by Friso Kramer, designed in 1955 for Ahrend de Cirkel in Holland, is a true collector’s piece from his renowned *Reform* table program. The Reform seri...
Metal
Friso Kramer University Coffeetable Ahrend De Cirkel The Netherlands
By Friso Kramer
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Note: this table is currently part of the ''From the Guggenheim Museum to the Cobra Museum'' exhibition in Amstelveen, The Netherlands A rare round coffeetable by Dutch industrial d...
Friso Kramer for Ahrend De Cirkel Dining Table or Desk in Grey
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, table, lacquered steel, melamine-coated wood, aluminum, The Netherlands, design 1955 Designed by Dutch designer Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel ...
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage A. Lietz Co. Drafting Table c.1940-1950
By A. Lietz Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A fully adjustable industrial drafting table with solid wood top and cast iron hardware and knobs. Original maker's tag. The table can be used as a tall dining table, desk or ...
Iron
Mid-Century Large Executive Desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Large Executive Desk by Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
Wood
$3,961
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 22.45 in
Mid-Century Green Wooden Desk by Derk Jan de Vries, The Netherlands 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-century green wooden desk by Derk Jan de Vries - The Netherlands 1960s With desk chair.
Wool, Wood
$9,081Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 86.62 in D 43.31 in
Black Dining Table Eco-shagreen top and brass legs handcrafted by Cupioli
By Cupioli made in Italy
Located in Rimini, IT
Black Dining Table Eco-shagreen top and brass legs Handcrafted by Cupioli. Dining Table black scagliola shagreen top casted brass legs handmade in Italy This is a sophisticated dini...
Brass
Desk by Anonymous, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This refined 1950s desk exemplifies the Brazilian modernist pursuit of equilibrium between material honesty and formal lightness. The dual pedestals in solid jacarandá rosewood ancho...
Metal
USM Haller Table T69 black linoleum
By Fritz Haller, Usm Haller, Paul Schaerer
Located in New York, NY
Offered by M2L. Designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer in 1963. Made from powder coated steel and chrome-plated steel tubes, the USM Haller system is built to...
Chrome, Steel
Executive Mid-century Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Modern style executive desk with yellow formica top, metal handles and cane back. (Please confirm item location - NY or NJ - with dealer).
Walnut, Laminate
Vintage Dining Table , Italy 1950s
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Vintage Dining Table, Italy, 1950s Unusually shaped vintage dining table from the 1950s is pure Italian midcentury design style, designed to comfortably seat six people, the table f...
Iron
Leon Rosen for Pace Steel and Onyx Tables
By Leon Rosen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning combination of materials, blended with and interesting form. Chrome Steel frame on caster wheels 4 tables available ,price is for a pair of tables
Onyx, Chrome
Fine Pieced Burl Top Dining/ Work Table
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautifully constructed table with an artistically conceived piece-work top in deep toned Burl Wood veneers. The top is plank-constructed in different dark wood grains of different...
Wood
Industrial Swing-Out-Seat Outdoor Dining Table
By Get Back, Inc.
Located in Oakville, CT
The get back outdoor industrial dining table. Taking our swing out seats a step beyond their usual bar and kitchen counter duties, Tim Byrne, founder of...
Steel, Iron
Jens Risom Mid Century Walnut Executive Desk
By Jens Risom
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Risom Mid Century walnut executive desk This desk measures: 62 wide x 28 deep x 28.5 high, with a chair clearance ...
Metal
Friso Kramer Small Facet Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage “Facet” table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1970s. Dutch utilitarian design, this model features an almond-colored laminate top with distinctive...
Metal
Friso Kramer 'Facet' Table for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1970s
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome Friso Kramer 'Facet' table, designed for the renowned Dutch furniture maker Ahrend de Cirkel in the 1970s. The table features a durable almond laminate top and a sturdy br...
Metal
Sold
H 29 in W 43.5 in D 31.5 in
Dutch Modern Reply Drafting Table Set By Wim Rietveld And Friso Kramer
By Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This drafting table and chair set was designed by Dutch designers Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1963. This sturdy mid-century modern drafting set is a distin...
Steel
Sold
H 58 in W 32.5 in D 33.25 in
Wim Rietveld + Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century "Reply" drafting table with adjustable top, the result of a collaboration between Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer, two towering figures in Dutch post-war design. Manufactur...
Metal
Sold
H 60 in W 37.25 in D 25.75 in
Wim Rietveld + Friso Kramer "Reply" Drafting Table for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wim Rietveld "Reply" drafting table. The hinging mechanism was a collaborative design with Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Adjustable on two points. Woode...
Metal
Sold
H 30 in W 78.75 in D 39.375 in
Mid-Century Teak & Steel Executive Desk by Friso Kramer & Coen de Vries for Eeka
By EEKA, Friso Kramer, Coen de Vries
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amazing teak executive desk with two sets of stacked drawers and a floating top on a black enameled metal frame with prouve style legs. Leg opening is 24.5'. Seat opening 24.75” wide...
Steel
Sold
H 34.65 in W 38.19 in D 30.71 in
Dutch 1950's Industrial Drafting Table with Working Stool by Friso Kramer
By Friso Kramer, Marko
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
1950's adjustable drafting table produced by Marko and a working stool by Dutch designer Friso Kramer for Ahrend - De Cirkel approximately manufactured ...
Metal, Aluminum
Sold
H 29.5 in W 39.5 in D 27.75 in
Small Mid-Century Friso Kramer Black and Gray 'Reform' Dining Table or Desk
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare original small sized Friso Kramer "Reform" dining table or desk with black enameled metal frame and charcoal gray linoleum top. Some scratching and markings on the top. Wear is ...
Metal
1958 Wim Rietveld "REPLY" Drafting Table with Gray Frame
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wim Rietveld "REPLY" drafting table, with a hinging mechanism that was a collaborative design with Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Gray enameled frame with rare side tray,...
Metal
Drafting Table by Kramer & Rietweld 1960s
By Friso Kramer
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Drafting Table by Friso Kramer & Wilm Rietweld for Ahrend de Cirkel, 1960s Adjustable working surface. Beautiful vintage patina.
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 45.28 in D 35.44 in
XL Dutch Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld Ahrend, 1959
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel, Wim Rietveld
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Reply Dutch Design Architect drafting table designed by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Circel in 1959. Design classic, awarded with the "Signe d’Or". The table top is fu...
Steel
Friso Kramer Reform table Ahrend de Cirkel The Netherlands 1955
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice industrial “Reform” table designed by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, The Netherlands 1955. The Reform series contained a lot of variety of tables in different sizes and...
Metal, Aluminum
