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.
"Tremme" Ottoman by Børge Mogensen for Fritz Hansen
By Børge Mogensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Denton, TX
"Tremme" Ottoman by Børge Mogensen for Fritz Hansen. New foam and Teddy faux fur upholstery.
Canvas
$1,614Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Honey Yellow Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and honey yellow fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavi...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Sea Blue Striped Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and sea blue striped fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took in...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Ash Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and ash fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian design...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and White Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and white fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian desi...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Charcoal Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and charcoal fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian d...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Golden Yellow Striped Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and golden yellow striped fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of S...
Wood, Teak, Fabric
$1,529Sale Price / item|15% Off
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' Pouf in Teak and Papyrus Fabric for Skagerak
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Outdoor 'Virkelyst' pouf in teak and papyrus fabric for Skagerak Skagerak was founded in 1976 by Jesper and Vibeke Panduro, who took inspiration from their love of Scandinavian de...
Wood, Teak
GEMMA Striped Organic Modern Pouf Ottoman in Green and Sand Velvet
Located in Viseu, PT
Like a talisman for the home, GEMMA velvet ottoman embodies elegance and modern sophistication. Its bold yet refined striped design is meticulously stitched by portuguese artisans, s...
Cotton, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Ottoman by John Stuart
By John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant vintage modern foot stool features black lacquered legs. Unique walnut cross beams connect each leg adding sturdiness and style. The sleek black vinyl top is molded for comfo...
Faux Leather, Walnut, Lacquer, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
$5,867 / set
H 33.47 in W 25.99 in D 38.98 in
Rare Pair of Model 2254 Lounge Chairs by Børge Mogensen with Ottomans 1950s Wool
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of Model 2254. ''Slaedestolen'' lounge chairs with matching pair of Model 2248. ottomans. Designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia in the 1950s. The Model 2254. lounge cha...
Leather, Wool, Oak
$1,050Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 20 in W 25 in D 16 in
Machine-Age Brushed Steel Ottomans By Norman Bel Geddes For Simmons
By Simmons Company Furniture, Norman Bel Geddes
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of art deco, machine-age, ottomans or foot stools designed by Norman Bel Geddes for Simmons Company Furniture feature brushed steel frames ...
Steel
Mushroom Ottoman in "Oxido-Honey" Specialty Fabric
Located in Fairfield, CA
A handmade mushroom shaped ottoman, upholstered in "Oxido-Honey" specialty fabric. Oxido-Honey is a woven fabric with multiple textures in taupe, dark brown, ivory, and muted yellow....
Fabric
$2,171 / item
H 15.75 in W 25.2 in D 25.2 in
Boris, soft round pouf in fabric, Dainelli Studio for Somaschini, Italy
By SOMASCHINI, Dainelli Studio
Located in Cabiate, IT
The last segment that makes up the body of an ant, the Boris pouf, combined with the Boris armchair, emphasizes the division of the structure into many elements, accentuating the par...
Fabric, Rubber, Ash, Beech
$663 / item
H 16.34 in W 25.6 in D 17.33 in
Baleri Italia Tato Pouf in White Fabric by Denis Santachiara
By Baleri Italia, Denis Santachiara
Located in Milano, Lombardia
To make pure, elementary, ideal form into something comfortable. Beneath these spheroidal forms, visually striking, but apparently uncomfortable, seemingly useless, the technology of...
Fabric
$616 / item
H 16.34 in W 25.6 in D 17.33 in
Baleri Italia Tato Pouf in Yellow Pastry Fabric by Denis Santachiara
By Baleri Italia, Denis Santachiara
Located in Milano, Lombardia
To make pure, elementary, ideal form into something comfortable. Beneath these spheroidal forms, visually striking, but apparently uncomfortable, seemingly useless, the technology of...
Fabric
$998
H 13.39 in W 48.43 in D 23.63 in
Italian modern pouf on brass wheels with orange and brown striped fabric, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern pouf on brass wheels with orange and brown striped fabric, 1970s Rectangular pouf covered in striped fabric in warm tones of orange, brown, beige and yellow. It has fo...
Brass
Barstool by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Piet Hein
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern pedestal style barstool with satin chromed steel bars - slightly arched to support a foot rest - and upholstered seat in dark blue leather. Designed by Piet Hei...
Chrome
Pair Of Borge Jensen Danish Ottomans in Brown and White Cowhide
By Bernstorffsminde Møbelfabrik A/S
Located in New York, NY
A pair of midcentury Danish teak wood rectangular ottomans or stools with newly upholstered light whiskey and cream loose cushions designed by Borge Jensen & Sonner for Bersnstorffsm...
$10,865 / set
H 33.47 in W 33.47 in D 33.08 in
Set of Wulff ATD2 and Pouf ATD3 in Sheepskin/Honey & Oak for & Tradition
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Introducing Wulff, a lounge chair whose upholstered form pays tribute to the hand-crafted designs of the 1930s. Wulff promises superior craftsmanship and outstanding comfort with lu...
Sheepskin, Oak
Sold
H 17 in W 22.5 in D 16 in
1970 Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Egg Ottoman Danish Mid Century Modern
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Does your egg chair need an ottoman? Its rare to find one of these as they are always paired with their egg chair. This ottoman in an original vinyl upholstery is ready to be uphols...
Aluminum
Tabouret Pk33 Poul Kjærholm
By Fritz Hansen
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Tabouret PK33 Poul Kjærholm structure en acier et bois assise en cuir blanc. Hauteur : 33 diamètre 51 cm Né en 1929 à ØsterVrå, au Danemark, le designer Po...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair and Ottoman for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful excellent egg chair in red fabric by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Genuine with tags inscribed serial numbers and id tags. Iconic design. Ready to ship. Some minor mark...
Metal
Sold
H 42.5 in W 34 in D 38.5 in
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Egg Chair and Ottoman Distributed by Knoll
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen, Knoll
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally designed in 1958 for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, this 1999 authentic production Arne Jacobsen egg chair and corresponding ottoman were manufactured by Fritz Hansen and ...
Steel
Danish Ottoman in Lambswool and Stained Beech by Fritz Hansen 1940's
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Danish Fritz Hansen ottoman in stained beech made in 1940's. Newly re-upholstered in Lambswool. Overall very good condition.
Wool, Beech
Danish Modern Ottoman by Soren Hansen for Fritz Hansen
By Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Classic Danish Modern stool, designed by Soren Hansen for Fritz Hansen, circa 1960s. Teak structure with newly upholstered in cowhide. Cl...
Cowhide, Teak
Danish Stool by Søren Hansen for Fritz Hansen, 1964
By Fritz Hansen, Søren Hansen
Located in Uppsala, SE
Stool / ottoman in teak and black leather designed by Søren Hansen for legendary Danish manufacturer Fritz Hansen in the 1960s. This example made in 1964. Untouched vintage condition...
Leather, Teak
Egg Chair and Ottoman by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Egg chair and ottoman by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. This chair and ottoman has been upholstered in a nubby cream colored boucle. The chair retains the original Fritz Hansen labe...
Aluminum
Arne Jacobsen Ottoman Footrests for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of ottomans, footrests, designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Both are in original Salmon vinyl upholstery, which shows cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Otto...
Aluminum
Fritz Hansen Wingback Chair with Ottoman
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Thorald Madsen for Fritz Hansen, fabric and wood, Denmark, 1942. Classical high back chair, with beautiful tufted back. The chair is combined with a matching ottoman which makes ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 42 in W 35 in D 32 in
Arne Jacobsen Leather Egg Chair & Footstool for Fritz Hansen, Double Signed 1965
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
You can say that this particular example is the "Bees Knees" of Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs, an early year production (dated 1965) and double signed on both the base and the chair itself - indicating the leather is original and all parts are matching to the chair. The classic and timeless black leather is one of the most sought after and desirable of options - and the condition is superb for its age. We professionally cleaned and conditioned the leather so it is ready to be used immediately. This is the perfect gift for the consummate collector who has it all and wants only the best of the best. The Egg chair was originally conceptualized for the SAS Royal Copenhagen Hotel, Denmark, which Jacobsen designed in it's entirety from the building itself to the flatware. The biomorphic Egg chair cradles and supports the human body while allowing for conversation or privacy. This lounge chair stands on a cast aluminium four star base, offering 360° of movement and retains the original manufacturers stamp under the seat and under the base. The chair is paired with a matching Egg footstool...
Aluminum
Sold
H 38 in W 33 in D 27 in
Beautifully restored red Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen Egg Chair with Ottoman
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Ferndale, MI
Correctly upholstered over fresh foam early maybe first year production Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Egg chair. Textile is as original style M...
Aluminum