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.
Rare early 20th century Sofa by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare and elegant early 20th century mahogany and leather sofa by Frits Henningsen with leather-covered back, with Neoclassical tapered legs terminating in cube feet. ca 1930s Denmark...
Leather, Mahogany
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
$9,520
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
Three Seat Sofa by Frits Henningsen 1930s. Original Condition
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Three seat sofa by the famous danish cabinetmaker and designer Frits Henningsen 1930s. In original untouched condition, with blue fabric. This is upholstered by Frits henningsen's fa...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Large Scale Sofa 118" Width Reupholstered
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Sofa, designed by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1940s. This sofa is currently being reupholstered and can be completed in your fabric. Simply send us 14 yards of you...
Upholstery, Wood
Classic Danish Midcentury Three-Seat Sofa by Frits Henningsen 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines by one of the early Danish iconic designers made around early between 1945 and 1950. Backrest and seat nice and firm and frame raised on Cuban mahogany...
Wool, Beech, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Walnut and Pink Upholstery
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa, walnut, pink fabric, Denmark, 1930s This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. The basic design i...
Fabric, Walnut
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Three-Seater Sofa, Denmark, 1938
By Frits Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Mahogany frame sofa with eight legs and exposed wood panels on either side. Designed and made circa 1938 by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Fully restored to reveal the mahoga...
Upholstery, Mahogany
1930s Danish Art Deco Sofa In Cuban Mahogany By Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A striking Danish 3-seater sofa in Cuban mahogany by Frits Henningsen. In competition with his teacher Kaare Klint, Henningsen was one of the outstanding designers of the early 20th...
Wool, Hardwood
Frits Henningsen 3 Seater Sofa 1960's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Fritz Henningsen, born in 1889, operated his own workshop primarily in Copenhagen, overseeing the entire process from design to furniture production. His high-quality furniture, whic...
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Blue Upholstered Sofa
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This refined blue upholstered sofa by Frits Henningsen is a beautiful example of understated mid-century elegance. The sofa features a gently curved high backrest with subtle button ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Frits Henningsen: 1930s 3-seat sofa upholstered with red velour
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
Does not require reupholstery. The velvet is in good condition without stains. The sprung base is supple and supportive. There is some wear to the edge braid on the left side but thi...
Velvet
$1,742Sale Price|39% Off
H 31.89 in W 72.05 in D 34.65 in
1960s, Danish "Banan" 3 seater sofa, original condition, velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish "Banan" sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Sofa was checked by craftsman. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs...
Velvet, Beech
$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
Hepplewhite Velvet Sofa, Brass Casters, Early 20th Century, USA
Located in Southampton, NJ
An early 20th Century Hepplewhite sofa upholstered in deep Flamingo pink velvet with loose tufted, down filled cushion raised on tapering legs with brass casters. From an estate in P...
Brass
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
20th Century French Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant 20th-century French sofa exemplifies the Louis XVI style, combining neoclassical design elements with timeless sophistication. The solid beech wood frame is hand-carved ...
Upholstery, Beech
$8,000
H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 28.35 in
1950s Danish Cabinetmaker Sofa in Oak with Wool, Attributed to Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant cabinetmaker sofa crafted in solid oak and upholstered in wool fabric with classic stripes. Produced in Denmark during the 1950s, the piece reflects the high level of craftsm...
Wool, Oak
Frits Henningsen 3 Seater Sofa 1960's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Fritz Henningsen, born in 1889, operated his own workshop primarily in Copenhagen, overseeing the entire process from design to furniture production. His high-quality furniture, whic...
Fabric, Mahogany
$4,209Sale Price / set|75% Off
H 30.71 in W 90.16 in D 32.29 in
Black Leather Sofa and Armchair Attributed to Frits Henningsen, C1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This black leather sofa and armchair were probably made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, circa 1950. The original black leather is well patinated with signs of wear and some cracking to leather. The backrest reclines significantly, making this a comfortable and usable sofa...
Leather
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
$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
$5,321
H 29.53 in W 77.96 in D 27.56 in
Frits Henningsen: 1930s 3-seat sofa upholstered with red velour
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
Does not require reupholstery. The velvet is in good condition without stains. The sprung base is supple and supportive. There is some wear to the edge braid on the left side but thi...
Velvet
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Dining Chairs, circa 1930s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern mahogany dining chairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1930s. They have probably been refinished and reupholstered at some point. Beautiful caramel color leather se...
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Teak and Cognac Leather
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa, teak, cognac leather, Denmark, 1930s This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1930s. The design is well-bal...
Leather, Teak
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Mahogany and Aqua Green Fabric
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa in mahogany and green fabric, Denmark, 1930s. This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. The bas...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.71 in W 95.28 in D 32.29 in
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Mahogany and Cognac Leather, circa 1930
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa in mahogany and cognac leather, Denmark, 1930s. This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. This ...
Leather, 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.
Wool, Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1930s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and beige fabric sofa designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.75"H x 88.25"W x 31.0"D Seat Height (inches): 17.75" ...
Fabric, Mahogany
1950s Danish Sofa by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Victoria, BC
A rare find in Canada, we are thrilled to present this exquisite Danish sofa, designed and handcrafted in the studio of Frits Henningsen in the late 1940s to early 1950s. Showcasing ...
Wood
Classic Frits Henningsen Sofa in Cuban Mahogany Danish Midcentury DN
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This elegant and generously sized three-seat sofa was designed and made by the Danish Master Cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen in various size up through the 1930s till about 1950. This...
Wool, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 88.59 in D 33.47 in
1930s Danish Art Deco 3-Seater Sofa in Mahogany by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A striking 3-seater sofa in Cuban mahogany and black silk by Frits Henningsen. In competition with his teacher Kaare Klint, Henningsen was one of the outstanding Danish designers o...
Silk, Hardwood
Frits Henningsen, Three Seat Sofa
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen three seat sofa new upholstered with brandy coloured aniline leather Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Classic Frits Henningsen Sofa in Cuban Mahogany Danish Midcentury
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This elegant and generously sized three-seat sofa was designed and made by the Danish Master Cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen in various size up through the 1930s till about 1950. This...
Wool, Mahogany
Rare Frits Henningsen Box Sofa, Denmark, 1940s-1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Frits Henningsen box sofa, Denmark, 1940s-1950s. Designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen. Mahogany frame and original wool fabric. Wood frame in good vintage cond...
Fabric, Wood
Classic Frits Henningsen Sofa in Cuban Mahogany Danish Midcentury
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This elegant and generously sized three-seat sofa was designed and made by the Danish Master Cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen in the 1930s and most likely produced between 19335-45. Th...
Wool, Mahogany