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.
1940s Fritz Henningsen Windsor Oak Chair Model CH 18A, Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Carefully refurbished. - Sturdy and stable. - Measure: height of seat 45 cm.
Oak
1960s Danish Frits Henningsen CH 18A High Back Chair in Oak by Carl Hansen & Son
By Frits Henningsen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Knebel, DK
CH 18A high back windsor chair in oak designed by Frits Henningsen and made by Carl Hansen & Søn. The chair features very skilled craftmanship by the cabin...
Oak
Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Son
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Windsor chair in oak with the original Nigerian goat red leather seat pad.
Leather, Oak
$1,350 / item
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Soaped Oak for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Soaped Oak for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to...
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Early 20th Century S. Bent & Bros Oak Brace Back Windsor Chair
By S. Bent and Bros.
Located in Germantown, MD
Early 20th Century S. Bent & Bros Oak Brace Back Windsor Chair. Measures 18.5" in width, 18 " in depth and 36.5" in height. Seat height is 18:
Oak
Iconic Hans J. Wegner “Wishbone” Oak Arm Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Oak Wood, Original Rush Chord Seats ________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this j...
Rush, Wood, Oak
$1,355 / item
H 29.9 in W 21.6 in D 20 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' Chair in Oiled Oak for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH24 Wishbone' 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 commitment to ...
Papercord, Wood, Oak
$8,450 / set
H 28.5 in W 21.25 in D 20 in
Set of Six Oak "Wishbone" Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Montreal, QC
Set of six oak and paper cord "Wishbone" chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son. CH24 'Wishbone' chair designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 and made in Denmark in 1965 by Carl Han...
Oak
Hans Wegner CH-27 Chair, Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A CH-27 chair designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1950s. Stamped with makers mark. The cane on seat has been professionally restored. Very good condition and ready...
Rattan, Oak
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965. Desk arm chair in solid mahogany, seat with original horse hair upholstery. Designed in 1930-1950. Hight to Armrest 65 cm Frits Henningsen was both a d...
Mahogany
$4,553
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 18.12 in
Rare armchair 'CH-34' by Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1960s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare oak and leather armchair model 'CH-34' designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1960s. Made in solid oak with tapered legs. Original black leather upholstery. Great original patina. Makers mark on bottom...
Leather, Oak
$1,615 / item
H 30.9 in W 19.8 in D 19.8 in
Hans Wegner 'CH23' Chair in Oiled Walnut & Oak for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner 'CH23' Chair in Oiled Walnut & Oak for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to bea...
Papercord, Walnut, Oak
New Edition Frits Henningsen Heritage Chair by Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen, Frits Henningsen
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
$1,195
H 33.5 in W 23 in D 21 in
Modern Windsor Chair by Yngve Ekström, Solid Oak, Scandinavian Design
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Southampton, NJ
A modern interpretation of the Classic Windsor chair form, in solid Oak, made in Sweden. Very clean, original condition newly upholstered with proportions that work well in a variety...
Upholstery, Oak
18th Century Bentwood Windsor Chair
Located in Stockton, NJ
An interesting late 18th century elm Windsor chair. Interesting and rare continuous bentwood hoop back construction.
Wood
Frits Henningsen 'FH38 Windsor' Chair for Carl Hansen & Son
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The iconic Windsor Chair, a masterpiece born from the creative genius of Danish architect and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in 1938. Embodying an enchanting blend of form and function
Oak