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.
Pair of Frits Henningsen Armchairs in Mahogany, Cane and Leather, Denmark, 1931
By Frits Henningsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed and produced by Frits Henningsen in Denmark in the early 1930s. The frames are crafted from solid mahogany, showcasing warm tones and finely...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Wingback Chair with Original Patinated Red Leather, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback lounge chair / armchair original red patinated leather upholstery Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Chair, Requires Reupholstery, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Frits Henningsen chairs, Denmark, 1940s. Designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen. The chiar requires reupholstery. It is priced as is but for in house reu...
Fabric, Mahogany
New Edition Frits Henningsen Heritage Chair by Carl Hansen
By Frits Henningsen, Carl Hansen
Located in London, GB
Carl Hansen now produces the FH419 Heritage Chair by Frits Henningsen. This chair is a new production and was a display model. Oak legs and green wool upholstery. The chair is cha...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Frits Henningsen Wingback Chair in Walnut and Green Rubelli Fabric, 1930s
By Rubelli, Frits Henningsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed and made by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the mid-1930s. The particular model was exhibited at the 1933 exhibition held at the Industr...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
1950s Pair of Frits Henningsen Armchairs in Birch Wood, Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Sturdy and stable - Armrests dimensions: 64.5cm.
Wood, Birch
Frits Henningsen High-Back Oak Armchair, 1950s, Sand Canvas
By Frits Henningsen, Rud Rasmussen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Frits Henningsen high-back oak armchair with profiled edges. Chair upholstered with sand colored canvas and fitted with brass nails.
Upholstery, Oak
Danish Mid Century Wingback Armchair by Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
This exceptional Danish mid-century wingback armchair was designed by Frits Henningsen and produced in Denmark during the 1950s. The chair features a sculptural solid wood frame comb...
Fabric, Wood
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965. Desk arm chair in solid mahogany, seat with original horse hair upholstery. Designed in 1930-1950. Hight to Armrest 65 cm Frits Henningsen was both a d...
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair with Lillehammer wool
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen lounge chair new upholstered with blue Lillehammer wool fabric. Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Mahogany, Wool
Frits Henningsen Double Layer Caned Back Transitional Modern Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This armchair was designed and built by master Danish cabinet maker Frits Henningsen. The chair features a double layered cane back, new wool-linen blend upholstery in a flax/pale sa...
Cane, Beech
$19,000
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen easy chair with mahogany frame in fabric.
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare easy chair of leather and mahogany with nail head trim. Designed by Frits Henningsen. Reupholstered in soft red leather and refinished mahogany with brass nail-heads.
Brass
Pair of Danish Modern Armchairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
These exceptional armchairs are constructed on solid wood frames with mahogany-stained beech legs joined by stretcher bars, demonstrating the high level of craftsmanship associated w...
Fabric, Mahogany
Armchair Made In Red Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Frits Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance. Upholstered in sumptuous red velvet and crafted with exquisite mahogany, it exudes soph...
Velvet, Mahogany
1950s Frits Henningsen Armchair with carved frame and light fabric upholstery
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
Frits Henningsen Armchair with carved frame. Seat, back and armrests upholstered with light patterned fabric. Stamped 6416. Made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Marks and stains to...
Fabric, Hardwood
Frits Henningsen Easy Chairs with Fluted Legs, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
‘Danish master cabinetmaker’ or “snedkermester” has become a commonly used term for Danish furniture makers, even though the expression is quite exclusive and only applies to certain craftsmen. Frits Henningsen is justly one of the most renowned master cabinetmakers, with this pair of easy chairs illustrating why. The typical elements of Danish modern furniture, the straight lines, the clear design, had developed with time, starting on the long path from the historical style that was still predominant in the 1920s. Architect and furniture maker, Frits Henningsen had a significant role in paving this path. As an active member of the Cabinetmakers Guild from 1927, he was admired by his peers for the high quality of his craftsmanship. The shape of this chair model shows Henningsen’s opposition to the younger designers in the 1940s who preferred strictly straight lines. Henningsen on the other hand, believed furniture design needed to maintain curvature which contributed to a homely look. These easy chairs were designed in this period and feature the uncompromising designer’s personal...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of 1950s Danish Armchairs by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, London
Pair of lounge chairs By Frits Henningsen Newly upholstered in Baluchi Natural fabric by Designers Guild Measure: seat height 42cm. Denmark 1950s.
Fabric, Beech
Danish Modern Armchair by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1960s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
Designed by the celebrated Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, this elegant armchair is an outstanding example of authentic Danish Modern craftsmanship from the 1960s. The chair sh...
Fabric, Wood
Easy chair in mahogany by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Easy chair in patinated mahogany upholstered in new 'Alencon' textile (colour: Caramel). Designed and made by Frits Henningsen.
Fabric, Mahogany
Armchair Made In Blue Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Fritz Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance. Upholstered in sumptuous blue velvet and crafted with exquisite mahogany, it exudes sop...
Velvet, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Armchair Produced by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare armchair designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Son
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Windsor chair in oak with the original Nigerian goat red leather seat pad.
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen 1940s Danish Lounge Chair in Velvet
Located in London, England
Frits Henningsen - Lounge Chair, 1940s An elegant and graceful armchair designed and produced by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen c1940s. Henningsen was a key member of the Cop...
Velvet, Beech
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Lounge Chair with New Upholstery
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Frits Henningsen Danish modern lounge chair. Tastefully reupholstered in grey heather textile with cinnamon accented piping. Solid mahogany legs retain original finish and appearance...
Textile
$2,950
H 39 in W 28.75 in D 34 in
Tall Slim Frits Henningsen Style Highback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair with buttoned backrest made in Denmark around 1950. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tall silhouette and somewhat angular lines in the...
Wool, Teak
$1,920
H 42.52 in W 31.5 in D 32.68 in
Wingback Lounge Chair in Reupholstered Bouclé Fabric, Praque 1950s
Located in Almelo, NL
Wing Back Lounge chair in Reupholstered Bouclé Fabric, Praque 1950s Large midcentury wingback armchair in re-upholstered bouclé fabric, Czech r...
Fabric, Wood
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965. Desk arm chair in solid mahogany, seat with original horse hair upholstery. Designed in 1930-1950. Hight to Armrest 65 cm Frits Henningsen was both a d...
Mahogany
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
$5,800 / set
H 37.8 in W 25.6 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of Classic midcentury lounge chairs upholstered in fabric and standing on solid mahogany legs. Designed by Danish architect Frits Henningsen, circa 1940. Made in Denmark. Great ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Style Vintage Leather Wingback Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Coronado, CA
A large, vintage, wingback chair in the manner of Frits Henningsen, featuring a high curved back, pointed arms, button tufting, and tall curved legs with carved detail. This unique, ...
Leather, Wood
$26,885
H 28.75 in W 84.65 in D 29.93 in
Frits Henningsen "Box Sofa" in Mahogany, Denmark 1940s, 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Hellouw, NL
A rare box sofa by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, dating from around the 1940s. Its enclosed wooden frame and carefully shaped upholstery reflect Henningsen’s refined approach...
Mahogany
Antique Blue Leather Wingback Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Generously proportioned antique wingchair with Mahogany frame and original blue leather upholstery. Serpentine top above a deep back, upholstered scroll arms with nail head detail th...
Metal
Pair of Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s Sheepskin Armchairs
By Hans Hansen
Located in London, England
Hans Hansen & Son - Pair of Armchairs, c1940s A pair of lounge chairs produced in Denmark, between 1940-1950 by cabinetmakers Hans Hansen & Son, based in Odense on the island of Fun...
Sheepskin, Beech
Frits Henningsen Wool Felt and Mahogany Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Frits Henningsen mahogany accent chair upholstered in an orange wool felt c. 1935.
Wool, Felt, Mahogany
Sold
H 38.98 in W 20.48 in D 20.48 in
Danish CH18A Oak Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn, 1960
By Frits Henningsen
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
Beautiful Danish high-back armchair designed by Frits Henningsen and made by Carl Hansen & Søn in the 1960s. This model, CH18A, is crafted in solid oak and features a sculptural spin...
Wood
Midcentury Frits Henningsen Armchairs - A Pair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Frits Henningsen and made in the 1950s, these armchairs consist of mahogany frame and olive-green wool upholstery with pale yellow rope trimming. Henningsen's design is o...
Wool, Mahogany
Mahogany and Caned Armchair by Frits Henningson, c. 1940
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Danish mid-century armchair, designed by renowned furniture maker Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), dates back to the 1940s. Henningsen, who ran a furniture workshop in cent...
Cane, Mahogany
Danish Modern Black Leather Armchair by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
This black leather armchair was designed by Frits Henningsen. Made in the 1960s, it is a Danish Modern take on a traditional armchair - smooth-lined while maintaining an open, inviti...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 17.33 in W 26.78 in D 24.02 in
1950s Frits Henningsen Pair of Hardwood Beech Armchairs with Green Velour
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
1950s Frits Henningsen Pair of Mahogany Stained Beech Armchairs with green velour fabric and gold coloured piping and edging. Reupholstered circa. 1990. Edging missing on one armrest...
Fabric, Beech
Sold
H 32.29 in W 24.02 in D 27.56 in
Frits Henningsen, Pair of Lounge Chairs with Brandy Aniline Leather
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen pair of lounge chairs new upholstered with brandy coloured aniline leather. Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 42 in W 25 in D 32 in
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Beech by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
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...
Wool, Beech
Pair of Frits Henningsen Easy Chairs in Mahogany, c. 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Norwalk, CT
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 ...
Fabric, Wood
Frits Henningsen Danish Mahogany & Caned Armchair, c. 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century armchair, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop with a te...
Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.26 in W 26.78 in D 31.7 in
Easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen for Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen for Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s. Mahogany, brown leather, and brass. H: 87 cm / 2' 10 1/4'' W: 68 cm / 2' 2 3/4'' D: 80.5 cm / 2' 7 3/4...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in
Frits Henningsen, Wingback Chair with Original Patinated Red Leather, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback lounge chair / armchair original red patinated leather upholstery Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany