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.
Frits Henningsen Wingback Chair in Walnut and Green Rubelli Fabric, 1930s
By Frits Henningsen, Rubelli
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed and made by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the mid-1930s. The particular model was exhibited at the 1933 exhibition held at the Industr...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
Frits Henningsen, Wingback Chair with Original Patinated Red Leather, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback lounge chair / armchair original red patinated leather upholstery Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric lounge chair designed and produced by cabinet maker Frits Henningsen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Large tears, fraying fabric, and loose trim from heavy wear...
Fabric, Wood
$4,200
H 37 in W 33.75 in D 32.5 in
Frits Henningsen Attributed Highback Lounge Chair in Golden Mohair, 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair with smooth backrest made in Denmark around 1950 attributed to Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tal...
Teak, Mohair
Antique Blue Leather Wingback Chair
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Generously proportioned antique wingchair with Mahogany frame and original blue leather upholstery. Serpentine top above a deep back, upholstered scroll arms with nail head detail th...
Metal
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
Frits Henningsen Style Leather Wingback Chair and Ottoman
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
Frits Henningsen style leather wingback chair and ottoman. The chair and ottoman is dark blue leather with a wood frame.
Leather, Wood
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and purple fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 37.25” H x 29” W x 36” D Seat height: 16.5”
Fabric, Mahogany
$5,576
H 42.92 in W 25.6 in D 32.68 in
Danish Mid Century Wingback Armchair by Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
This exceptional Danish mid-century wingback armchair was designed by Frits Henningsen and produced in Denmark during the 1950s. The chair features a sculptural solid wood frame comb...
Fabric, Wood
Large Chippendale Wingback Chair
Located in East Hampton, NY
Large late 18th century American Chippendale wingback chair. Newly upholstered in wool check.
Tall Slim Frits Henningsen Style Highback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair with buttoned backrest made in Denmark around 1950. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tall silhouette and somewhat angular lines in the...
Wool, Teak
Frits Henningsen Style Vintage Leather Wingback Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Coronado, CA
A large, vintage, wingback chair in the manner of Frits Henningsen, featuring a high curved back, pointed arms, button tufting, and tall curved legs with carved detail. This unique, ...
Leather, Wood
Otto Schulz 1940s Sheepskin Swedish Wing Chair
By Otto Schulz
Located in London, England
Otto Schulz Wing chair, c1940s An imposing and impressive wing chair from Swedish master designer Otto Schulz, produced by hiss own company Boet in Gothenburg Sweden in the 1940s....
Sheepskin, Elm
$5,800 / set
H 41.5 in W 34 in D 34 in
Pair of English Georgian Style Ruby Red Leather Wingback Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning pair of mid-century leather wingback chairs or wing chairs featuring a dramatic ruby red leather upholstery. Made in the grand English Georgian taste with a mahogany hardwoo...
Brass
Danish Peter Hvidt Designed Lounge Chair by Fritz Hansen
By Frits Henningsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s lounge chair by Peter Hvidt made in Denmark between around 1950 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chairs exhibit the rolled armrest detail often preferred by Peter ...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 43 in W 25.25 in D 33 in
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Mahogany by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s mahogany and wool wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Very elegant design that fits superbly into any modern desig...
Wool, Mahogany
Sold
H 42 in W 25 in D 32 in
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Beech by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Slid mahogany stained beechwood. Very elegant design that fits superbly into a...
Wool, Beech
Danish Mahogany Wingback Easy Chair by Frits Henningsen, c. 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Norwalk, CT
Introducing an exquisite wingback easy chair by the legendary Frits Henningsen, a master of Danish design whose legacy continues to captivate enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Dati...
Fabric, Wood
Frits Henningsen Danish Wingback Lounge Chair, c. 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century wingback chair, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop wit...
Mahogany
Sold
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 25.6 in
Frits Henningsen, Wingback Chair with Original Patinated Red Leather, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback lounge chair / armchair original red patinated leather upholstery Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 43 in W 25.5 in D 33 in
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Mahogany by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s solid mahogany and wool wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Very elegant design that fits superbly into any modern design making a strong yet refined statement. We love the wooden wingbacks...
Wool, Mahogany
Sold
H 37.41 in W 26.38 in D 24.81 in
Midcentury Lounge Chair by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Danish Design, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Midcentury lounge chair upholstered in Fabric. Designed by Danish architect Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark. Great condition.
Mahogany, Fabric
Pair of Frits Henningsen Wingback
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of exceptionally rare 'Wingback' armchairs in original patinated natural leather with solid oak legs. Designed in 1935 and manufactured in the same period. By Frits Henningsen.
Leather
Frits Henningsen Mahogany and Upholstered Wing Chair, Circa 1940-50
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
A Frits Henningsen mahogany high backed wing chair, Circa 1940-50, with strong and graceful lines exhibiting the confidence of Copenhagen cabinet maker, Frits Henningsen. Re-French p...
Mahogany
Sold
H 46 in W 22 in D 36 in
Frits Heningsen Mahogany and Mohair High-Backed Wingback Armchair, 1940, Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Frits Heningsen mahogany and Mohair high-backed wingback armchair, 1940s, Denmark. Henningsen was both the proprietor of and designer for a furniture-making workshop with a team of m...
Velvet, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Wingback Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback chair. Frame of mahogany Newly upholstered with striped upholstery. Designed in the 1930s, made by Frits Henningsen.
Wool, Mahogany