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.
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 & Kähler Sofa Table in mahogany, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen, Jens Thirslund, Kähler
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in mahogany with Kähler tiles made by Jens Thirslund Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1930s.
Ceramic, Mahogany
Japanese Antique Low Table 1900s-1940s / Sofa Table Wabi Sabi
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique low table made in Japan. Crafted in the early Showa period (1900s–1940s), it was originally used in a rural farmhouse, quietly supporting everyday life over many y...
Cherry
Italian Brass Swan Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
A chic and elegant 1950s Italian brass swan coffee table with swan head legs and original glass. Well-made and heavy. Dimensions base: Wid...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
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
$1,500
H 11.82 in W 36.03 in D 22.05 in
Organic Modern Japanese Antique Low Table 1920s-1940s / Sofa Table Wabi-Sabi
By Axel Vervoordt
Located in Chōsei District Nagara, JP
This is an antique Japanese solid wood low table. It is believed to date from the early Showa period (1920s–1940s). From the tabletop to the legs, the entire piece is crafted from so...
Wood
$6,900
H 23.75 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Vintage Mahogany Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A square, vintage Mid-Century modern Swedish coffee table made of hand crafted polished Mahogany, designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn in good condition. The Scandina...
Metal, Brass
On Hold|$4,707
H 20.67 in Dm 18.51 in
Frits Henningsen Three Legged Side Table in Mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare side table was designed by Frits Henningsen and produced in Denmark in the 1940s. The table is stamped with the model number 1570 on the underside of the top. Executed in ...
Mahogany
$1,435
H 20.87 in W 32.68 in D 1.58 in
Frits Henningsen Sofa Side Table in Oak with Dutch Faience Tile Inlay
By Fritz Heningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) Sofa/side table designed by Frits Henningsen, crafted in oak. Finely executed craftsmanship with elegant, profiled details – characteristic of Henningse...
Oak
$7,900
H 16 in W 26 in D 25 in
Original Carl Aubock Walnut Tree Trunk Coffee Sofa Table, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An authentic vintage sculptural „Baumtisch“ tree trunk table from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Carl Auböck II. This unusual minimalist piece is made from a walnut wood slab wit...
Brass
Frits Henningsen Art Deco Mahogany Pedestal Table, Model 7352
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Round pedestal table, model number 7352, designed by Frits Henningsen and executed at his own workshop in Copenhagen, circa 1930–39. Crafted in Cuban mahogany with a rich depth and ...
Brass
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
Large Iron & Stone Coffee Table - France, 1950s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Unusually wide and long coffee table with an iron and cast-iron base, with traces of beige paint. Comblanchien (Bourgogne) stone top.
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Side Table, Denmark c. 1945
By Fritz Heningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
This side table or lamp table, designed by Frits Henningsen, features a central pedestal stem that elegantly branches into four feet, all crafted from solid mahogany. The round table...
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa Table in rosewood, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in rosewood. Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1950s.
Rosewood
Frits Henningsen round Sofa Table in solid mahogany, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen round table in solid mahogany. Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1950s.
Mahogany
Sold
H 22.05 in W 51.19 in D 21.66 in
1930s-50s Frits Henningsen Solid Oak Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This 1940s oak coffee table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1930s-50s is a another example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabi...
Oak
Sold
H 21.26 in W 52.37 in D 21.66 in
1940s Frits Henningsen Solid Oak Coffee Table with Cabriole Legs
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This 1940s oak coffee table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1930s-50s is a another example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabi...
Oak
Sold
H 20.08 in W 26.78 in D 20.48 in
Frits Henningsen & Kähler Sofa Table in mahogany, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen, Jens Thirslund, Kähler
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in mahogany with Kähler tiles made by Jens Thirslund Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1930s.
Ceramic, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa Table in rosewood, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in rosewood. Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1950s.
Aluminum
Frits Henningsen Sofa Table in rosewood, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in rosewood, with aluminium details. Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1950s.
Aluminum
Frits Henningsen Sofa Table in Oak, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in solid oak with great details in the craftmanship. Made by Frits Henningsen in the 1950s.
Oak
Frits Henningsen Round Table in Cuba Mahogany
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen round table in Cuba Mahogany. Designed in the 1930s, made by Frits Henningsen.
Mahogany
Circular Side Table in Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965. Side table in solid mahogany with elegant details with a touch of Art Deco. Raised on a tripod base. Designed and produced in the 1940s-1950s by cabinet...
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Side Table in Cuba Mahogany
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen side table in Cuba Mahogany. Designed in the 1930s, made by Frits Henningsen.
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa Table in Rosewood and Brass
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa table in rosewood and brass details. Four drawers. Designed in the 1930s, made by Frits Henningsen.
Rosewood