Frits Henningsen Chairs
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 Rocco, 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 rereleased the iconic Signature chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Wood
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany, Cane
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Walnut
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Walnut
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Cane, Beech
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Oak
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Oak
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Oak
20th Century Danish Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Brass
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Post-Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Oak
1940s Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Velvet, Cane
1950s American Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Gold Leaf
1960s Hollywood Regency Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Velvet
19th Century European Hollywood Regency Antique Frits Henningsen Chairs
Giltwood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Teak
Early 20th Century Medieval Frits Henningsen Chairs
Wood
2010s American Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Wood
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Poplar
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Marble, Chrome
1940s Danish Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Sheepskin
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Beech
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Frits Henningsen chairs for sale on 1stDibs
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1940s Danish Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Sheepskin
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Linen, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Beech
1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Fabric, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
Cane, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Frits Henningsen Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Frits Henningsen Chairs
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