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.
Stool in Mahogany, Leather and Brass by Frits Henningsen, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare stool, designed by Frits Henningsen and produced by his own cabinetmaking workshop in Denmark during the 1940s, exemplifies his dedication to traditional craftsmanship...
Brass
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
Round Danish Stool in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Arnold Madsen
Located in Prague, New Town
Round Danish stool, tabouret, ottoman, made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. In the manner of Arnold Madsen (1907-1989). Made from wood, seat ...
Sheepskin, Wood
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
$30,000
H 39.25 in W 59.25 in D 21.5 in
Frits Henningsen High-Back Settee, Linen, Mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
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
$9,430 / set
H 34.26 in W 22.84 in D 25.2 in
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
Gilbert Rohde, Stool, Mahogany, Fabric, USA, 1940s
By Gilbert Rohde
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and mahogany stool designed by Gilbert Rohde and produced by Herman Miller, USA, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 22.5” H x 19” W x 20” D Seat Height: 16.5” All upholstered f...
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Style Danish 1940s Low Lounge Chair in Mahogany
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic 1930s-1940s solid mahogany and wool wingback chair in the style of Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Very elegant design that fits superbly into any mo...
Wool, Mahogany
1940s Frits Henningsen Mahogany Three-Seat Sofa, Denmark
By Fritz Heningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Sturdy and stable - Upholstery in good original condition with minor signs of use - Measures: High of seat 43cm.
Fabric, Mahogany
$7,700 / set
H 32.68 in W 24.81 in D 28.35 in
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
$8,664 / set
H 33.47 in W 22.84 in D 25.6 in
Scandinavian Vintage Lounge Chairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful lounge chairs by master carpenter Frits Henningsen, elegantly executed with curved armrests that create a striking silhouette. Midnight blue, smooth textile upholst...
Mahogany
$5,000
H 36 in W 104.75 in D 36 in
Beautiful Leather and Mahogany Sofa in the Style of Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful leather and mahogany sofa in the style of Frits Henningsen.
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
$1,526
H 44.49 in W 25.6 in D 20.87 in
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
Stool in Patinated Leather Designed by Frits Henningsen, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather, designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Great original condition.
Leather
Pair of midcentury stools by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful stools by Frits Henningsen, made from mahogany with rattan seats. Beautiful light design with curved legs.
Rattan, Mahogany
Sold
H 17.33 in W 18.12 in D 18.12 in
Frits Henningsen Pair of Stools in Mahogany and Patinated Leather
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of two stools, in mahogany and leather, by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s. A pair of stools in mahogany, upholstered in red and cognac leather. The great craftsmanship of Fr...
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Stool
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
A single mahogany and leather upholstered stool, Circa 1940s, with a square leather top and french nailheads, channeled and curved frieze raised on square tapered legs.
Mahogany