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.
2021 FH430 Signature Footstool by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen in Oak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Frits Henningsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an FH430 Signature Footstool with an oiled solid oak frame and a light (minty) green leather cushion. The footstool, designed by Frits Henningsen and produced by C...
Leather, Oak
2021 FH430 Signature Footstool by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen in Oak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Frits Henningsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a FH430 Signature Footstool with an oiled solid oak frame and a white fabric cushion. The footstool, designed by Frits Henningsen and produced by Carl Hansen & Son...
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
Danish Midcentury Settee by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant Danish settee or loveseat from circa 1950s by Master Furniture Maker, Frits Henningsen Solid and sturdy small piece with a strong presence and charming demeanor. Coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Hobbit Poodle Footstool in Red Oak
By James Loewen
Located in Goshen, IN
Use a foot-stool in the kitchen to reach that top shelf, by the fireplace to peek inside the Christmas stocking, or at the back door to sit on when you change your shoes. The Poodle ...
Hardwood, Oak
Frits Henningsen Settee
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Unlike many of the great Danish designers, Frits Henningsen also ran his own cabinet-making shop. He cared deeply about quality of materials, and was uncompromising in the constructi...
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, two seat Coupe sofa, model FH436
By Frits Henningsen, Carl Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Hennignsen two seater Coupe sofa with fabric and leather tubings. Frame of oak. Model FH436, made by Carl hansen.
Leather, Wool, Oak
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
$792
H 13.78 in W 20.08 in D 15.75 in
Oak Footstool by Heinz Heger for PGH Erzgebirge, Annaberg-Buchholz, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Oak Footstool by Heinz Heger for PGH Erzgebirge, Annaberg-Buchholz, 1960s A scarce hand-crafted oak footstool designed by Heinz Heger for PGH Erzgebirge Arts and Crafts in Annaberg-...
Rope, Oak
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
$20,437
H 35.83 in W 25.99 in D 27.96 in
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Leather, Mahogany
$3,215 / item
H 39.4 in W 23.7 in D 26.5 in
Frits Henningsen 'FH38 Windsor' Chair in Oiled Oak for Carl Hansen & Son
By Frits Henningsen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
Frits Henningsen 'FH38 Windsor' chair in Oiled Oak for Carl Hansen & Son. The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitme...
Wood, Oak
$1,165
H 18.51 in W 22.05 in D 15.75 in
1960s Swedish Lamino Footstool Ottoman In Sheepskin By Yngve Ekstrom For Swedese
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A vintage 1960s "Lamino" sheepskin footstool ottoman by Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom. Both ‘’Lamino’’ armchair and stool were listed among the greatest designs of the Scandinavian...
Sheepskin
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
$20,437
H 37.01 in W 25.99 in D 36.62 in
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak