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.
$2,648Sale Price|50% Off
Frits Henningsen solid oak table circa 1930-50s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This 1950s oak table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
$3,428Sale Price|40% Off
Frits Henningsen solid elm table circa 1940-50s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This 1950s elm table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
$4,500
H 21.66 in Dm 26.78 in
Midcentury Danish Low Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Mahogany
$1,800
H 21.66 in W 32.68 in D 17.33 in
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Mahogany
Art Deco Walnut Dressing Table circa 1930s
By Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co
Located in Dereham, GB
Art Deco Walnut Dressing Table circa 1930s, Very stylish with dark cross grain walnut veneer, & lighter figured walnut veneer Circular...
Walnut
$2,661 / item
H 31.5 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Handcrafted Console Vanity Table, Solid English Oak by SUM Furniture
Located in London, GB
Modernist console or vanity table designed and handmade in England using traditional furniture making techniques. Completely handcrafted from fully quarter-sawn English oak. Hand dov...
Oak
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
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 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
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
Frits Henningsen. A Cuban mahogany circular pedestal table.
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Frits Henningsen. A Cuban mahogany circular Art Deco pedestal table. One-pillar frame with 3 spraying legs and brass ends. Top of solid wood with carved raised edge. Made circa 1930...
Brass
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Dining Chairs, circa 1930s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern mahogany dining chairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, circa 1930s. They have probably been refinished and reupholstered at some point. Beautiful caramel color leather se...
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
Desk in oak by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large desk in patinated oak with three drawers and curved legs by Frits Henningsen.
Oak
$3,500
H 20.48 in Dm 18.12 in
Midcentury Danish Side Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant side table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Mahogany