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Frits Henningsen

Danish, 1889-1965

Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.

Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.

Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.

Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.

Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.

Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.

The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.

Average Sold Price
$5,762
Styles
Materials
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Frits Henningsen Solid Mahogany Writing Table and Chair Set
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Frits Henningsen, Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker (1889-1965). Solid Cuba mahogany writing table and chair. The writing desk displays a rectangular top with molded edge ...
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Frits Henningsen Round Pedestal Mahogany Coffee Table
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A striking 3-seater sofa in Cuban mahogany and green velvet fabric by Frits Henningsen. In competition with his teacher Kaare Klint, Henningsen was one of the outstanding Danish des...
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Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Beech by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
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Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Slid mahogany stained beechwood. Very elegant design that fits superbly into a...
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen

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Frits Henningsen Mahogany Desk, c1940s
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Frits Henningsen - Writing Desk, c1940s Rarely seen design from the master cabinetmaker of the early Danish Modern period: Frits Henningsen. Henningsen produced all of his designs a...
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Frits Henningsen Mahogany Desk, c1940s
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H 29.14 in W 63 in D 31.5 in
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Frits Henningsen Sofa
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H 29.75 in W 88.5 in D 33 in
Frits Henningsen Rosewood Coffee Table
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Handsome and exquisitely constructed 4-drawer Cuban rosewood coffee table with traditional brass drawer pulls and sabots. Lovely carved edge and deep rosewood grain.
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1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen

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Pair of Frits Henningsen Easy Chairs in Mahogany, c. 1940's
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Presenting an exquisite pair of easy chairs produced by the renowned Frits Henningsen in the 1940's. Crafted with sophistication and attention to detail, these armchairs encapsulate ...
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More Frits Henningsen Designs
Frits Henningsen Ch 18a
Frits Henningsen Ch 18a
Average Price
$8,681
Number Available
2
Frits Henningsen Ch 18a
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Frits Henningsen furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Frits Henningsen furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Frits Henningsen furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 152 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 11 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Frits Henningsen were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Grete Jalk, Nanna Ditzel, and Sibast. Prices for Frits Henningsen furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $812 and can go as high as $62,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,697.

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