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 Console Table in Mahogany – Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant and refined console table designed and crafted by renowned Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1940s. Executed in beautifully grained mahogany, the table reflects Hen...
Brass
Danish Modern, Sculptural Oak Side / Console Table, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful vintage Danish table in stained beech from the 1950s. With a height comparable to a dining table, this versatile piece can function as a dining table, console table, or d...
Beech
Fine Sofa Table by Frits Henningsen 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine sofa table with 4 drawers (2 each side) and brass shoes and handles. Produced by the famous danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen Denmark. Made in finest wood and qua...
Wood
Frits Henningsen 1940s Danish Mahogany Desk
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, England
Frits Henningsen - Mahogany Writing Desk, 1940s Rarely seen design from master cabinetmaker of the early Danish Modern period: Frits Henningsen. Henningsen produced all of his desig...
Mahogany, Oak
Waterfall Style Console Table in Bone
By Karl Springer
Located in New York City, NY
Fusing Art Deco sensibility with handcrafted technique. This console table is imbued with camel bone chips that are individually mounted to form a herringbone pattern. The table work...
Bone
Frits Henningsen Danish Dining Table
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Mahogany dining table, designed by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1930s. This dining table is currently being refinished and the leaves will be re-veneered, as their veneer was missing when we purchased the set. It expands from a compact 43" circle to an impressive 108.5" oval with all three of it's leaves installed. We also have the matching dining chairs from the same estate currently listed on 1stdibs. Please see last photos. This listing and pricing is for the dining table only.
Metal
Organic Modern Inlaid Mahogany Console Table / Dining / Desk
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This table is incredible! The size makes it versatile but in a different way. The outer portion is mahogany, and the triangles are a mix of woods. It is unmarked and in very good con...
Ebony, Mahogany, Satinwood
$3,976
H 22.05 in W 55.12 in D 21.66 in
Frits Henningsen Oakwood Coffee Table with Ceramic Tiles, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant coffee table attributed to Frits Henningsen, Denmark, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship and understated charm of early 20th-century Danish furniture cabinetmaking. Gr...
Oak
$5,550Sale Price|40% Off
H 33.5 in W 75 in D 24 in
1940s French Onyx Marble and Gilt Mahogany Console Table
Located in Stamford, CT
A grand French mahogany and parcel-gilt console table, circa 1940s, the shaped onyx marble atop a serpentine-shaped frieze, raised on four legs with fluted details, possibly Maison J...
Marble
Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Console Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
This English mahogany console table is a rare period example of the elaborate Chinese Chippendale style. A study in symmetry and balance, this table combines the restrained elegance of the Georgian period with the intricate artistry of the Orientalist aesthetic. Elaborate fretwork on the frieze and pierced supports are beautifully matched by fluted legs. As a whole, it represents a stunning marriage of Chippendale craftsmanship and Eastern design. Small, decorative tables such as this represented the great influence that China had in European decorative and Fine art beginning in the 1600s. Since the Restoration of the monarchy, there had been a growing interest in Chinese-style design forms in England. Called "chinoiserie" in French, this style had become extremely popular by the middle of the 18th century, and designers such as Thomas Chippendale eagerly adopted the elaborate Eastern designs. By the mid-1750s, the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens were sporting "Chinese Pavilions...
Mahogany
$2,967
H 28.75 in W 29.53 in D 15.75 in
Danish Modern Console table in Caucasian nut tree. Copenhagen cabinetmaker 1960.
Located in København K, 84
This elegant danish modern console table in Caucasian Nut Wood with its long paw-like legs stands as a testament to the marriage of aesthetics and functionality that defines Danish d...
Fruitwood
Console Table, Italy 1940s
Located in Greding, DE
Art Deco console table on a U-shaped blackened wooden frame with intermediate metal struts and rectangular table top covered with white goatskin. In unrestored original condition wit...
Metal
$2,880
H 22.84 in W 55.12 in D 21.66 in
Danish Modern Oak Coffee Table / Console with Tiled Top, Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Odense, DK
A rare and characterful sculptural coffee table in solid oak, attributed to Danish master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, dating from the 1940s. The tabletop features twelve beautiful...
Ceramic, Oak