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 Side Table with Shelf, Model no 1535, Denmark, c 1930s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Circular side table/coffee table by Fritz Hansen model no 1535 made of stained beech. Sanded countertop and leaf shelf made of French wicker. Original brand under the table. Traces o...
Beech
Danish Modern, Side Table in Lacquered Beech, Fritz Hansen, "Model 1535", 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A Danish Modern round side table, "Model 1535," designed by Fritz Hansen in the 1940s. Crafted in beech, it features a minimalist silhouette with clean lines. The lower shelf is wove...
Cane, Beech
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Folding Tray Side Table by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Versatile Danish Modern tray table designed by H. Engholm & Svend Åge Willumsen for Fritz Hansen in Denmark circa 1950s. This extraordinary and practical table design features a sculpted teak wood base with a spider leg base and a rounded teak tray...
Teak, Wood
2012 Kasper Salto for Fritz Hansen Little Friend Side Table
By Kasper Salto, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Little Friend Side Table, originally designed by Kasper Salto in 2005. This example was produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 2012. The table features a slim circular lami...
Aluminum
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Folding Table, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960-1969
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Belmont, MA
Midcentury folding tray table, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960-1969, teak. In good original condition, some minor staining on the top. Signe...
Teak
Mid Century Fritz Hansen Arne Jacobsen Three Leg Dot Table
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in New York, NY
Classic Arne Jacobsen Dot Stool, Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen. This is a vintage three leg example, prior to the revised four leg version released in the 1970's. This example i...
Chrome
1950's Side Table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and rare 1950's side table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Fritz Hansen. It was part of the AX series designed by the two designers for FH and it contained table...
Beech, Teak
Poul Kjærholm PK62 Coffee Table Marble Rolled Grey-White for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in New York, NY
In 1968, Poul Kjærholm set out to design a series of tables that could be combined with his collection of lounge chairs and sofas. The resulting PK62™ was created in connection with ...
Marble, Stainless Steel
1950s Mølgaard & Hvidt AX Coffee Table Teak and Beech for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
AX coffee table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard. 1950s. Teak with inlaid beech wood. Manufactured by Fritz Hansen A/S.
Wood
Danish Teak & Ebonized Circular Campaign Tray Tables by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Danish Teak & Ebonized Circular Campaign Tray Tables by Fritz Hansen Denmark, 1960s, Sold Individually This is a rare opportunity to acquire up to three iconic Danish Teak & Eboni...
Metal
Willumsen & Engholm Collapsible Tray Top Table by Fritz Hansen
By Willumsen & Engholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Highland, IN
Light, leggy, and incredibly useful, this tray-top table designed by Svend Aage Willumsen & H. Engholm and made by Fritz Hansen folds flat for easy storage when not in use. When open...
Teak
A "Shell" series side table by Hans J Wegner for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 'Shell' series side table by Hans J. Wegner for Fritz Hansen, featuring a laminated walnut surface mounted on tapering beech legs. Made in Denmark, the table is in original conditi...
Beech, Walnut
Coffee Table Made In Black High-Gloss Colour By Piero Lissoni From 2006
By Fritz Hansen, Piero Lissoni
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table, designed by Piero Lissoni and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in 2006, is a sophisticated piece that seamlessly blends modern design with high-quality materials. The...
Metal
Mid-Century Fritz Hansen Teak Wood Tray Folding Side Table
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Beautifully shaped, light and agile, the Tray Table was created for the staff of Fritz Hansen in 1958. An embodiment of classic elegance and practicality, the dual side table and fol...
Wood
Poul Kjærholm PK62 Coffee Table Slate for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
In 1968, Poul Kjærholm set out to design a series of tables that could be combined with his collection of lounge chairs and sofas. The resulting PK62™ was created in connection with ...
Slate, Stainless Steel
1960s H Engholm and Svend Aage Willumsen for Fritz Hansen Foldable Tray Table
By Hans Engholm, Svend Willumsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Round Tray Top Table in Teak, Model 4508, designed by Hans Engholm and Svend Age Willumsen for Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 1958. The design incorporates a round removable tr...
Steel
Side table In teak, Svend Willumsen & H Engholm, By Fritz Hansen From 1950s
By Svend Willumsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Side table designed by Svend Willumsen & H. Engholm and made in teak wood by Fritz Hansen around the 1950s. This side table represents a combination of excellent design and craftsmanship from an era known for its focus on functionality and aesthetics. The teak wood gives a warm and natural glow, while the designer duo's influence and Fritz Hansen's reputation for quality furniture give the table an extra dimension. A classic piece that fits in well with both modern and vintage decor...
Teak
$2,700Sale Price / set|40% Off
Mid-Century Modern Fritz Hansen design Spider Leg Side Tables
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A pair of spider leg side table designed by Fritz Hansen for the lounge at Scandinavian Airlines in Denmark. Nickel-plated base with enameled wo...
Metal
Pair of Fritz Hansen Side Table
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Brussels, BE
Fritz Hansen side table.
Metal
$1,438
H 15.56 in W 15.56 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Side Table by Verner Panton Pantonova Wire Cube for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
The "Cube" side table, designed by Verner Panton in the 1970s, is a striking piece from the Pantonova series produced by Fritz Hansen. This table features a sleek, minimalist design ...
Metal
Superb Midcentury Rosewood Folding Table
By Aarhus, Pernille Pontoppidan Pedersen, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Knud Andersen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Model ka 128 Beautiful and rare rosewood folding table made in Denmark. Designed for compact portability. This versatile table can be used and ...
Brass
$1,533 / set
H 29.93 in W 24.81 in D 20.08 in
1930s Pair of Restored Thonet Side Tables No. 206, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished and finished in shellac - Labeled
Wood
$3,800 / set
H 17.52 in W 17.52 in D 17.52 in
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood Designed by Aksel Kjærsgaard, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of side tables rosewood. Designed by Aksel Kjærsgaard in 1960s, Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
1970s Fully Restored Danish Rosewood Side Table
Located in Knebel, DK
1970s fully restored Danish rosewood side table Elegant, minimalistic well crafted small Danish sidetable table. The side table has been fully restored and refinished by our cabi...
Mahogany
French Art Deco Side Table with Marble Top, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Art Deco side table. Striking French design from the 1930s. Solid oak with original colored marble top. The drawer has the original brass handle. This wonderful Art...
Marble, Brass
1940s Italian Side Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side table, walnut, Italy, 1940s This small Italian table from the 1940s is a graceful piece with excellent woodwork. The first thing you notice is the round tabletop with its sligh...
Walnut
$10,186
H 22.05 in W 25.6 in D 17.72 in
Peter Hvidt Side / Tray Table Model No 1775 by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side / tray table model no 1775 designed by Peter Hvidt. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Walnut
On Hold|$4,400 / set
H 20.75 in W 22.25 in D 15.15 in
Danish Designer, Side Tables, Wood, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and brass side tables likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.75"H x 22.25"W x 15.15"D ...
Brass
Art Deco side table, Poland, 1930s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco side table, Poland, 1930s. Very good condition, professionally restored. Wood: walnut Dimensions: height 71 cm, width 72 cm, depth 39 cm
Walnut
Severin Hansen, Side Tables, Teak, Denmark, 1960s
By Severin Hansen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak side tables designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.25"H x 19.25"W x ...
Teak
Serving Tray on a Folding Stand
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Palm Beach, FL
British colonial style serving tray with a removable top with a herringbone reed surface in a bamboo frame with brass handles on a mahogany folding base carved with a palm leaf motif...
Bamboo
Sold
H 20 in W 17 in D 17 in
Little Friend KS11 Height-Adjustable Table, Fritz Hansen, White Top, Denmark.
By Fritz Hansen, Kasper Salto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Little Friend Height Adjustable Table, Fritz Hansen, White Top and Polished Aluminum Base, Denmark. Little Friend by Kasper Salto is a flexible, multifunctional and portable solutio...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen Model 3514 Side Table for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c.1965
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Arne Jacobsen Model 3514 Side Table for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, c.1965.
Aluminum
Sold
H 20 in W 17 in D 17 in
Little Friend KS11 Height-Adjustable Table, Fritz Hansen, Walnut, Denmark.
By Fritz Hansen, Kasper Salto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Little Friend Height Adjustable Table, Fritz Hansen, Walnut & Black, Denmark. Little Friend by Kasper Salto is a flexible, multifunctional and portable solution to the challenges of...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
AX Table Hvidt & Mølgaard Denmark, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
An 'AX' table designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. This table was made during the 1950s for Fritz Hansen. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen designed their 'AX' collec...
Beech, Teak
Sold
H 16.54 in Dm 20.48 in
Vintage Danish Teak Side Table, Engholm & Willumsen For Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen, Willumsen & Engholm
Located in London, GB
An elegant Danish mid century side table which doubles as a serving tray. The circular teak tray curves up at the edges for practicality but retains a delicate refined design, sittin...
Teak
Sold
H 16.54 in Dm 23.63 in
Teak folding tray table by S.A. Willumsen & H. Engholm, Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen, Willumsen & Engholm
Located in Hägersten, SE
Folding tray table designed by S.A. Willumsen & H. Engholm. Produced by Fritz Hansen during the 1950-60s. Folding base made from solid teak and metal hinges. Tray made from laminated...
Metal
Sold
H 16.75 in Dm 23.75 in
Engholm & Willumsen for Fritz Hansen Teak Side Tables Pair Mid-Century Danish Mo
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of folding side tables in teak wood. Made in Denmark circa 1957. Model FH4508 tray tables designed by H. Engholm & Svend Åge Willumsen for Fritz Hansen...
Wood, Teak
Sold
H 14.57 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Rosewood coffee table Arne Jacobsen for St. Catherine’s College Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Rare danish side- or coffee-table in Rosewood designed by Arne Jacobsen. Very nice original state. Arne Jacobsen created the extension of the St. Catherines College of Oxford in 195...
Plywood, Rosewood
Sold
H 17.72 in Dm 14.57 in
Arne Jacobsen Stool Model "AJ3170" in Teakwood & Brass, Fritz Hansen, 1950s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important Arne Jacobsen stool model AJ3170 from the earliest production at Fritz Hansen in the 1950s. The stool was designed by Jacobsen in 1954 in collaboration with Fritz ...
Brass
Sold
H 26.78 in W 22.84 in D 13.39 in
Fritz Hansen Sewing Box in Beechwood and Leather by Søren Hansen, Denmark, 1933
By Fritz Hansen, Søren Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important piece of design from the early beginning of the Danish Modern furniture era. This sewing box was made at Fritz Hansen & Son, Copenhagen in the 1930s. It is made fr...
Leather, Beech
Stool in Teak Plywood and Steel by Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen, 1960s
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen, Søren Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Three-legged stool made at Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen in the 1960s. The stool was inspired by Arne Jacobsen and Søren Hansen designs made at the same manufacturer a few years earlier. ...
Steel
Fritz Hansen Steel Tube Side Table 1930’s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and important Fritz Hansen steel tube side table variation of model S-213 from around the 1930’s. Fritz Hansen was one of the first danish man...
Steel