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.
A Frits Henningsen Settee in Linen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A high-backed settee designed by Frits Henningsen, featuring linen fabric upholstery and blackened mahogany legs. Produced by the renowned Danish master cabinetmaker, this piece show...
Linen, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Loveseat c. 1960's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Danish Mid Century Modern Loveseat by Frits Henningsen. Newly reupholstered in Newly reupholstered with Kvadrat blended boucle navy ...
Bouclé, Beech
Price Upon Request
Frits Henningsen Settee
By Frits Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Frits Henningsen settee of oak and its original ivory leather upholstery with nailhead trim. Features a high wingback and half moon armrests. Designed in Denmark, circa 1940.
Leather, Oak
$4,750
H 31.25 in W 76.75 in D 31 in
Modern Danish 1950s Sofa with Stained Birch Frame by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Frits Henningsen is famous for his Classic sofa designs most of which were produced between 1935 and late 1940s. This sofa is supposedly one of his later designs a with sharper and m...
Wool, Rosewood
Louis XVI Style Black Leather Settee Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Louis XVI style black leather settee sofa. Luxuriously carved frame, made in Italy, in iconic Louis XVI style design. Finished in a rich medium w...
Metal
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
Frits Henningsen Sofa
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Frits Henningsen Marking(s); notes: no marking(s) apparent Country of origin; materials: Denmark; wood, wool and silk upholstery Dimensions (H, W, D): ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
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
Hepplewhite Style Settee in Decorative Paint Finish
By George Hepplewhite
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Hepplewhite style settee in decorative paint finish. The settee nhas three shied back elements, carved and curved arms, and spade feet. It is in good, original condition, sho...
Upholstery, Wood
Isamu Kenmochi Sculptural Wicker Settee
By Isamu Kenmochi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous woven wicker settee by Isamu Kenmochi. Perfect scale, and very good condition. Rare, early piece of his work.
Wicker, Rattan
Vintage Settee Loveseat by Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Settee...
Cotton
Frits Henningsen, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A stained mahogany and yellow horsehair fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 25.25" All ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Danish 1940's Settee attributed To Ole Wanscher
By Kaare Klint, Frits Henningsen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and unique settee that seem to draw on famous designs from Kaare Klint and Frits Henningsen. The settee is most likely by Ole Wanscher who made...
Wool, Mahogany
Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Richmond, VA
Great, sleek midcentury settee recently upholstered. No markings but very similar to Niels Vodder's model NV53.
Upholstery, Wood
Slip Covered Settee Bench in Stone Washed Linen
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing the Brussels Settee Bench, a versatile furniture piece that can serve as a bench, settee, or banquette in any space. This slip-covered beauty comes in a luxurious heavy c...
Linen, Foam, Wood
Classic Midcentury Danish Frits Henningsen Settee, ca. 1950
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish settee by the Master himself, Frits Henningsen. Very elegant and stylish yet simple and refined. Comfortable and supportive. Solid and sturdy design. Upholstered at a...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 32.5 in W 54 in D 27.5 in
Classic Frits Henningsen Settee or Loveseat Danish, Midcentury ca. 1950
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines by one of the early Danish iconic designers made around late 1940's to around 1950. Backrest and seat nice and firm and frame raised on Cuban mahogany ...
Wool, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Hand-Carved Mahogany Three-Seater Sofa, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A commodious and elegant piece of historic seating design, here we have a three-seat, eight-leg sofa in by the inimitable Fritz Henningsen in solid hand carved mahogany and gorgeous ...
Wool, Mahogany
1940s Frits Henningsen Salon Suite
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite salon suite by Frits Henningsen, consisting of two armchairs, a settee, and a drop-leaf center table. Made in the 1940s. Henningsen's modern furniture design differed fr...
Velvet, Mahogany
Modern Danish 1950s Sofa with Rosewood Frame by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Frits Henningsen is famous for his Classic sofa designs with flared armrests and wooden frames extending into the tapered legs most of which were produced between 1935 and early 1940...
Wool, Rosewood
Classic Frits Henningsen Settee or Loveseat Danish, Midcentury
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines by one of the early Danish iconic designers made around late 1940's to around 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on Cuban mahogany legs remain...
Wool, Mahogany
Wonderful Frits Henningsen Settee
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Munich, DE
Wonderful Frits Henningsen settee with original fabric in perfect condition. LOCATED IN HAMBURG