When the Copenhagen-based furniture maker Fritz Hansen opened for business more than 140 years ago, the company — which today styles itself The Republic of Fritz Hansen — adhered to the traditional, time-honored Danish values of craftsmanship in woodworking and joinery. Yet thanks to the postwar innovations of Arne Jacobsen and others, Fritz Hansen would become the country’s leader in Scandinavian modern design using new, forward-looking materials and methods.
Fritz Hansen started his company in 1872, specializing in the manufacture of small furniture parts. In 1915, the firm became the first in Denmark to make chairs using steam-bent wood (a technique most familiar from birch used in the ubiquitous café chairs by Austrian maker Thonet). At the time, Fritz Hansen was best known for seating that featured curved legs and curlicue splats and referenced 18th-century Chippendale designs.
In the next few decades, the company promoted simple, plain chairs with slatted backs and cane or rush seats designed by such proto-modernist masters as Kaare Klint and Søren Hansen. Still, the most aesthetically striking piece Fritz Hansen produced in the first half of the 20th century was arguably the China chair of 1944 by Hans Wegner — and that piece, with its yoke-shaped bentwood back- and armrest, was based on seating manufactured in China during the Ming dynasty. (Wegner was moved by portraits he’d seen of Danish merchants in the Chinese chairs.)
Everything changed in 1952 with Arne Jacobsen’s Ant chair. The collaboration between the architect and Fritz Hansen officially originated in 1934 — that year, Jacobsen created his inaugural piece for the manufacturer, the solid beechwood Bellevue chair for a restaurant commission. The Ant chair, however, was the breakthrough.
With assistance from his then-apprentice Verner Panton, Jacobsen designed the Ant chair for the cafeteria of a Danish healthcare company called Novo Nordisk. The chair was composed of a seat and backrest formed from a single piece of molded plywood attached, in its original iteration, to three tubular metal legs. Its silhouette suggests the shape of the insect’s body, and the lightweight, stackable chair and its biomorphic form became an international hit.
Jacobsen followed with more plywood successes, such as the Grand Prix chair of 1957. The following year he designed the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and its furnishings, including the Egg chair and the Swan chair. Those two upholstered pieces, with their lush, organic frames made of fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane, have become the two chairs most emblematic of mid-20th-century cool. Moreover, the Egg and Swan led Fritz Hansen to fully embrace new man-made materials, like foam, plastic and steel wire used to realize the avant-garde creations of later generations of designers with whom the firm collaborated, such as Piet Hein, Jørn Utzon (the architect of the Sydney Opera House) and Verner Panton. If the Fritz Hansen of 1872 would not now recognize his company, today’s connoisseurs certainly do.
Find a collection of vintage Fritz Hansen tables, lounge chairs, sofas and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Fritz Hansen 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests by Soren Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen sofa designed by Soren Hansen in the company's characteristic style of open armrests. Made from stained beech wood showing great blond color and with coi...
Wool, Beech
$1,558Sale Price|64% Off
Arne Jacobsen Violet Wool Chrome Steel 3300/2 "Airport" Sofa for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in San Gabriel, CA
First designed in 1956, this sofa has a foil label to the underside: FH / Fritz Hansen / Made in Denmark. The two-seater sofa, upholstered in violet-colored wool, is in very good con...
Chrome
$17,000 / item
Leather Swan Sofas by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Dallas, TX
Easily one of Arne Jacobsen's most recognizable designs is the rare 'Swan' settee model no. 3321, for The Republic of Fritz Hansen. Devised as an extension and produced in far fewer numbers than the famous Swan chair. The settee is a sculptural masterpiece that forgoes boring straight lines in favor of a unique shape composed of smooth curves and soft round edges with outstanding comfort, mounted on the polished aluminium base, an innovative design. Retains the original manufacturers label. Recently professionally reupholstered in leather with a very nice patina. It was an immediate star when it was unveiled at the opening of the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. Jacobsen was the principal architect and designer for the cutting-edge hotel. The furniture he created for the project make up some of his most iconic designs. Two available, price is per item. Literature: Arne Jacobsen, Thau and Vindum, pg. 470 An icon of Danish furniture design, Arne Jacobsen was first and foremost an architect, he used that skill to create a catalog of groundbreaking product designs. He embodied the spirit of simple, functional elegance that defined the movement now known as Danish mid-century modernism. Some of his designs include the iconic Series 7 Chair, Ant Chair, Egg Chair, Swan Chair and Settee, Mayor Sofa...
Aluminum
Two Leather Swan Sofas by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Dallas, TX
Easily one of Arne Jacobsen's most recognizable designs is the rare 'Swan' settee model no. 3321, for The Republic of Fritz Hansen. Devised as an extension and produced in far fewer numbers than the famous Swan chair. The settee is a sculptural masterpiece that forgoes boring straight lines in favor of a unique shape composed of smooth curves and soft round edges with outstanding comfort, mounted on the polished aluminium base, an innovative design. Retains the original manufacturers label. Recently professionally reupholstered in leather with a very nice patina. It was an immediate star when it was unveiled at the opening of the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. Jacobsen was the principal architect and designer for the cutting-edge hotel. The furniture he created for the project make up some of his most iconic designs. Literature: Arne Jacobsen, Thau and Vindum, pg. 470 An icon of Danish furniture design, Arne Jacobsen was first and foremost an architect, he used that skill to create a catalog of groundbreaking product designs. He embodied the spirit of simple, functional elegance that defined the movement now known as Danish mid-century modernism. Some of his designs include the iconic Series 7 Chair, Ant Chair, Egg Chair, Swan Chair and Settee, Mayor Sofa...
Aluminum
Original Arne Jacobsen Swan Sofa Settee, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, Excellent
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original magenta upholstery on this beautiful swan sofa loveseat designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, circa 1960s.
Aluminum
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Cognac Leather "Swan" Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Aluminum
$6,500 / set
H 30 in W 33 in D 24 in
Early Pair of Arne Jacobsen Swan Chairs Fritz Hansen Made in Denmark
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Rare early vintage set of two vintage Arne Jacobsen Swan Lounge Chairs by Fritz Hansen, made in Denmark. All original swivel chairs with alternate rare bases that have the option of ...
Upholstery
Louis XVI Style Black Leather Settee Sofa
Located in North York, ON
Louis XVI style black leather settee sofa. Luxuriously carved frame, made in Italy, in iconic Louis XVI style design. Finished in a rich medium w...
Metal
Vintage Settee Loveseat by Ralph Lauren
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Vintage Settee...
Cotton
1 Fritz Hansen Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Arne Jacobsen swan chair. Design Arne Jacobsen, 1958. Designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, for which designer Arne Jacobsen was the architect, the Swan Chair (1958) permitted guests to spin on its swivel base, thus becoming active participants in the busy hotel atmosphere. Now made of polyurethane foam, it’s marked by its flowing organic shape. A single upholsterer hand-sews the fabric onto the frame. Original design and licensed manufacture by Republic of Fritz Hansen...
Naugahyde
$2,850
H 30.5 in W 48.5 in D 33.5 in
1950s Paul McCobb for Planner Group Mid-Century Modern Loveseat Settee or Sofa
By Paul McCobb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Paul McCobb for Planner Group loveseat, settee or sofa. Upholstery needs to be updated as it has stains, foam is good. Price includes refinishing of legs. Measures: Seat 16" H, arm 1...
Upholstery, Wood
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The classic and iconic 'Egg' chair designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1967. Newly refurbished and reupholstered in a luxurious creamy/white leather from Maharam. M...
Aluminum
Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen Leather Swan Chair
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Napa, CA
The Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen (1958) Designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen for the lobby and lounge of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Swan Chair remains ...
Metal
$12,700
H 30.5 in W 56.5 in D 24 in
Vintage Cognac Leather "Swan" Sofa by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Swan sofa by Danish design pioneer, Arne Jacobsen, has become iconic and synonymous with Danish Modern. Reupholstered i...
Aluminum
Edward Wormley Pair of Sofas / Settees
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Highland, IN
These lovely, lightly scaled sofas or loveseats designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, are not only an uncommon form, having a matched pair available is also very rare. They are stru...
Upholstery, Wood
$1,800
H 44 in W 67 in D 32.5 in
Antique French Mahogany Loveseat or Settee, Lion Paw Feet Unrestored c1800's
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
Antique French settee or loveseat deconstructed and probably made in the late 1800's. When you take a hard look at the lion paw feet, you'll noti...
Fabric, Mahogany
$24,950 / set
H 38 in W 66 in D 28 in
Pair of Louis XVI Style Carved and Laqué Gilded Bergère Settees or Loveseats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of Louis XVI style carved and Laqué gilded bergère settees. The elegant pair of carved loveseats, upholstered in a blue velvet, with padded backs and sides and a cushion seat,...
Wood
Sold
H 32.5 in W 55 in D 28.5 in
Danish Settee from Mid-1950's in Beech and Wool Fritz Hansen Model 8112
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant settee or two-seat sofa model 8112 made by Fritz Hansen sometime in the early to mid-1950s in Copenhagen, Denmark. The frame is construed similar to Fritz Hansen's armch...
Wool, Beech
Fritz Hansen Attributed 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen sofa designed by Soren Hansen in the company's characteristic style of open armrests. Made from stained beech wood showing great gran and color and with ...
Wool, Beech
Fritz Hansen Model 8112 Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Denton, TX
Fritz Hansen Model 8112 Wingback sofa. In original condition with the original stamp on the bottom. This sofa is very rare and will look great recovered in new upholstery.
Upholstery, Beech
Fritz Hansen Loveseat by Poul Kjaerholm PK31-2
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish loveseat by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen. Beautiful mid-century design in a strong metal and leather covered frame. Please confirm location.
Leather
Sold
H 32.5 in W 55 in D 28.5 in
Danish Settee from Mid-1950's in Beech and Wool Fritz Hansen Model 8112
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant settee or two-seat sofa model 8112 made by Fritz Hansen sometime in the early to mid-1950s in Copenhagen, Denmark. The frame is construed similar to Fritz Hansen's armch...
Wool, Beech
Fritz Hansen Model 8112 Settee in Teak and Wool Danish Midcentury
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant settee or two-seat sofa model 8112 made by Fritz Hansen sometime in the early to mid-1950s in Copenhagen, Denmark. The frame is construed similar to Fritz Hansen's armch...
Wool, Mahogany
Sold
H 29 in W 58.5 in D 26 in
Fritz Hansen Attributed 1940s Sofa or Settee with Open Armrests and Lambswool
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic 1940s Fritz Hansen sofa designed by Soren Hansen in the company's characteristic style of open armrests. Made from stained beech wood and with coil springs in backrest and ...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 49.61 in D 31.11 in
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Black Leather Airport Sofa, Model 3302
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Madrid, ES
Two-seat sofa, model 3302, also called 'Airport' sofa, designed by Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971). Produced by Fritz Hansen. Jacobsen originally designed this sofa for the SAS Royal Hotel...
Steel
Sold
H 32.25 in W 56.75 in D 29 in
Original Arne Jacobsen Swan Sofa Settee, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1970
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Originally created for the SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, this is Arne Jacoben's sofa version of the famous Swan chair. Designed as a companion piece to the swan and egg chair. It's an ele...
Aluminum
Fritz Hansen Settee in Teak and Wool Danish Midcentury
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant settee or two-seat sofa model 8112 made by Fritz Hansen sometime in the early to mid-1950s in Copenhagen, Denmark. The frame is construed similar to Fritz Hansen's armch...
Wool, Mahogany
Sold
H 33 in W 58 in D 30 in
Fritz Hansen Danish Midcentury Model 8112 Loveseat in Teak and Wool, circa 1955
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very elegant settee or two-seat sofa made by Fritz Hansen sometime in the early to mid-1950s in Copenhagen, Denmark. The frame is construed similar to Fritz Hansen's armchairs of the...
Wool, Mahogany
Arne Jacobsen 3300/2 Airport Sofa / Loveseat and Chair in Gray, Restored
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Two-seat sofa settee and chair designed by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS airport in 1957 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark. These early examples have been fully restored and reup...
Chrome