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.
Mid-Century Friso Kramer "Reform" Industrial Dining or Work Table
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
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
Dutch Friso Kramer Industrial 'Reform' Work Table in Metal
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
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
Large 'Reform' Table by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel, Netherlands, 1950s
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer
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
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
Antique Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1930. We offer a most unique antique Mexican Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table with outstanding patina. The stool is not included.
Wood
Antique Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1930. We offer a most unique antique Mexican Industrial Jeweler's Bench Work Table with outstanding patina. The stool and the typewriter is not included.
Wood
$2,450
H 30 in W 78.75 in D 39.375 in
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
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
19th Century Pine Lancashire Mill Dining Table
Located in Staffordshire, GB
19th century pine Lancashire Mill table Original finish in reclaimed condition with great color, wear & patination. Fantastic proportions with elegant narrow legs and stretcher ...
Pine
French Vintage Industrial Work Table
Located in Buchanan, NY
This antique industrial work table console is a remarkable and functional addition to any living space, featuring fluted neoclassical st...
Iron
Vintage Industrial French Work Table
Located in Buchanan, NY
This vintage French work table is a wonderful and rare find that would make an excellent addition to any home or workspace. Made from solid teak and measuring 36 inches in height and...
Teak
Bespoke English Oak Dining Table by Jonathan Field.
By Jonathan Field
Located in London, GB
English oak dining table commissioned for a private client's lakeside house in the Cotswolds, England. Made from several slabs of live edge oa...
Oak
19th Century Swedish Folk Art Work or Dining Table
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish work or dining table in folk art from the early 19th century, around 1820. The table is a Swedish antique, genuine and honest with a solid frame and simple design. The propor...
Pine
Industrial Work Table
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
Beautiful vintage work table with a unique, brushed, aged, steel patina and a beautifully worked, wood plank top. This cabinet features a flip-down and slide-away front that opens to...
Steel
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 Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld, 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 34.65 in W 38.19 in D 30.71 in
Dutch 1950's Industrial Drafting Table with Working Stool by Friso Kramer
By Marko, Friso Kramer
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 27.96 in W 25.2 in D 25.6 in
Reply Drawing Table + Stool by Friso Kramer & Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer
Located in Munster, NRW
The ‚reply‘ drawing table, designed in the 1950s by friso kramer & wim rietveld, is adjustable continuously from horizontal to vertical. so it works as a desk, bar table, flipboard – and, no joke, we have already sold it: as a diaper changing table...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 37.41 in D 35.44 in
Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld Ahrend Cirkel, 1959
By Wim Rietveld, Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Reply Dutch Design Architect drawing 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 fully adjustable by two rotary knobs, this table is in very good condition seen its age. Dark Brown coated...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 27.56 in
Friso Kramer 'Reform" Industrial Dining or Work Table, 1950 Netherlands
By Friso Kramer, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in The Hague, NL
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 de...
Metal
Sold
H 29 in W 47.5 in L 29 in
Reply Drafting Table by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel
By Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavinan modern, architects, drawing/drafting table by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel features a gray metal height and tilt adjustable frame with solid core ...
Metal
Wim Rietveld + Friso Kramer "REPLY" Drafting Table
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 by Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Cirkel in 1958. Grey Enameled Frame with Non-Original Wood Top. Fr...
Metal
Sold
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
Set Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer / Wim Rietveld & Result Chair
By Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Reply Dutch, Industrial Design, Architect drawing table designed by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend de Circel in 1959. Design Classic, awarded with the "Signe d’Or". The t...
Steel
Sold
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
Set Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer / Wim Rietveld & Pyramid Chair
By Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld, Ahrend de Cirkel
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Reply Dutch, Industrial Design, Architect drawing 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 fully adjustable by two rotary knobs, this table is in good condition given its age. Brown coated, compass, pyramid metal frame and we include a Galvanitas S21...
Steel
Friso Kramer Reform Working Table Ahrend de Cirkel 1955
By Friso Kramer
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Nice medium 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 dark grey linoleum 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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 39.38 in D 35.44 in
Reply Architect Drafting Table Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld Ahrend Cirkel, 1959
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Reply Dutch Design Architect drawing 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 f...
Steel
Sold
H 51.19 in W 39.38 in D 31.5 in
'Reply' Drafting Table by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld for Ahrend, Dutch design
By Ahrend de Cirkel, Friso Kramer, Wim Rietveld
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This 'Reply' drafting table was designed by Friso Kramer and Wim Rietveld for Ahrend de Cirkel in the 1950s. It has a brown lacquered steel frame and a ply wooden top that is adjusta...
Metal