Best known for his chairs and other seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century.
Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic.
In keeping with that tenet, several of Hans Wegner’s best chair designs have their roots in traditional seating forms. The Peacock chair (designed in 1947) is a throne-like adaptation of the Windsor chair; pieces from the China chair series (begun in 1944) as well as the 1949 Wishbone chair, with its distinctive Y-shaped back splat, are derived from 17th-century Ming seating pieces, as is the upholstered Ox chair (1960). Wegner’s comfy Papa Bear chair (1951) is an almost surreally re-scaled English wingback chair.
Wegner’s most representative piece, the Round chair (1949), gained a footnote in political history when it was used on the TV stage of the first Kennedy-Nixon debate of 1960. That chair, along with Wegner’s more bravura designs — for example, the 1963 Shell chair, with its curved surfboard-shaped seat — bring a quietly sculptural presence to a room.
Wegner was a designer who revered his primary material — wood — and it shows. His wood gathers patina and character with age; every Hans Wegner piece testifies to the life it has led.
Find vintage Hans Wegner lounge chairs, armchairs, daybeds and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Teak Model RY-100 Wall Unit / Room Divider by Hans Wegner for Ry Møbler, c. 1965
By Hans J. Wegner, Ry Møbler
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare Model RY-100 three bay wall unit by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler. Constructed from a mix of solid and veneered teak this cleverly designed and expertly crafted pie...
Metal
Single Hans Wegner for Ry Mobler Refinished Single Oak Wall Shelf, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Hans Wegner RY 23 wall mounted double Oak shelves by Ry Møbelfabrik, Denmark. Featuring sturdy, solid Oak rectangular wall hanging shelves, separated in two sections with center div...
Oak
Pair of Hans J. Wegner Oak & Teak Bookshelves RY8
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of mid century bookshelves in oak and teak. Design by Hans Wegner. Manufactured by RY. Model RY8. Denmark 1960s. One shelf with 5 boards and one with 3 boards. H. 181.5 cm / W. ...
Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Pair of RY8 Oak Bookcases, Denmark, c.1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
A refined pair of RY8 bookcases designed by Hans J. Wegner in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted from oak, each bookcase displays the understated elegance, precise proportions and exc...
Oak
Hans Wegner for Ry Mobler Oak Shelf Cabinet or Bookcase
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Hans Wegner for RY Møbler Cabinet RY100 in Oak. Top sits on bottom. Rattan fronts.
Rattan, Oak
Tambour Front Cabinet by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple storage cabinet in white oak having a finely slatted tambour front that conceals adjustable shelves and file storage.
Oak
Cabinet with Tambour Door by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak cabinet with a drop down tambour door concealing letter trays, filing compartment and shelving.
Oak
Danish Modern Rosewood Revolving Bookcase circa 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Rosewood Revolving Bookcase, Denmark, circa 1960s. Great way to organize your books and give yourself easy access to them.
Metal
$4,479
H 27.96 in W 39.38 in D 19.3 in
Scandinavian Modern Hans J. Wegner "RY" Chest of drawers in Oakwood, 1962
By Hans J. Wegner, Ry Møbler
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully crafted example of mid-century Danish design, this early “RY” chest of drawers by Hans J. Wegner reflects his talent for combining practicality with a clean, understa...
Oak
$4,750
H 51.5 in W 71 in D 19.25 in
Hans Wegner RY-33 Teak, Steel, Oak & Rattan Sideboard Cabinet -Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Southampton, NJ
An exceptionally rare Model RY-33 high-board designed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Mobler. Teak case having detailed oak interior featuring 4 adjustable shelves to the left, 3 canter she...
Stainless Steel
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Teak Bookcase, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern bookcase and cabinet in teak. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. In the style of Carlo Jensen/Hundevad/Børge Mogensen...
Teak
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for Gubi in Oak
By Mathieu Matégot, Gubi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mathieu Matégot 'Démon' 5-Shelf System for GUBI in Oak. The Démon Shelf, or the Biblio-Démon in Matégot’s original 1954 sketches, was part of a “plan d’execution de la bibliothèque," or his ideal model of an interior home library and study...
Metal
Pair of Mogens Koch Cabinets in Oak for Rud, Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets in oak and maple. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Oak
Midcentury Modern Danish Design Rosewood Bookcase, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Bookcase Danish design midcentury moder bookcase in beautiful rosewood veneer. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify the designer and maker of the quality cabinet. But that does ...
Rosewood
Hans Wegner Tambour Roll Up Cabinet Danish Teak
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Fraser, MI
Danish Teak Tambour Desktop Cabinet. Designed by Hans Wegner.
Brass, Steel
Mogens Koch Cabinets in Oak for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets in oak. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DANMARK.
Oak
$10,895
H 31 in W 78.75 in D 19.25 in
Hans J. Wegner "President" Teak Tambour-Door Credenza for Ry Mobler
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
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 precisio...
Steel
Sideboard Model RY-25 Made In Oak By Hans J. Wegner From 1960s
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Oak sideboard designed by Hans J. Wegner of the model RY-25 manufactured in the 1960s. The Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner and his designs are produced all over the world an...
Oak
Bookcase, rosewood, Danish design, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A shelf from the 60s, a piece of furniture imported from Denmark. The upper part of the shelf is open with many shelves. Partially mirrored backs, making it an ideal place to set de...
Glass, Rosewood
Sold
H 70.87 in W 39.38 in D 13.19 in
High Bookcase In Oak With 4 Shevels By Hans J. Wegner For Ry Furniture
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Tall oak bookcase designed by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. Classic Danish design with 4 shelves. — Designer: Hans J. Wegner — Manufacturer: Ry Møbelfabrik — Mater...
Oak
Ry100 Wall System in Teak by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Danish wall unit in teak. Designed by Hans J.Wegner, manufactured by Ry Møbler. Mod. RY100 Denmark, 1960s. The wall system consists of 4 cabinets (inside wit...
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 81 in W 41.5 in D 15 in
Hans Wegner Model Ry 100 Wall Unit / Room Divider Shelving with Drop Down Desk
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
Hans J Wegner RY 100 Room divider / wall unit Ry Møbler, Denmark circa 1965 Teak, plated steel, and aluminum. with manufacturer's labels This configuration features three adjustable shelves, a drop-down desk with cabinet...
Teak
Vintage Bookcases Hans Wegner RY8 R.Y. Mobler
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lemmer, NL
Vintage bookcases Hans Wegner RY8 R.Y. Mobler Period 1950s Designs Hans Wegner Ry Mobler model RY8 Denmark Conditions good light signs of us...
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 71.07 in W 39.38 in D 19.3 in
Oak Mid-Century Modern RY-100 Bookcase by Hans J. Wegner for RY Mobler, 1974
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern RY-100 bookcase. Design by Hans J. Wegner for RY Mobler. Striking Danish design from 1974. Solid oak and oak veneer. This wonderful bookcase comes in ...
Oak
Sold
H 71.07 in W 58.67 in D 19.3 in
Oak Mid-Century Modern RY-100 Bookcase by Hans J. Wegner for RY Mobler, 1974
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern RY-100 bookcase. Design by Hans J. Wegner for RY Mobler. Striking Danish design from 1974. Solid oak and oak veneer. This wonderful bookcase with a wr...
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Bookcase
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner bookcase with shelves and sliding doors. Made by Ry Møbler. Model 100.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Wall Unit for Ry Møbler, circa 1960
By Ry Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Hans J. Wegner wall unit for Ry Møbler, circa 1960. This wall unit can be separated into three individual sections. This piece has been professionally...
Teak
1960s Hans J. Wegner RY100 Teak Shelving or Storage Wall System from Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hudson, NY
Versatile Hans Wagner teak shelving or wall system with adjustable shelves, two four-drawer chests and sliding door cabinet. Includes three extra shelves. Signed RY Mobler from the e...
Stainless Steel
Wall Shelves by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler, 1950s, Set of 2
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of oak shelves with white paint. Designed by Hans Jorgen Wegner and manufactured by Ry Møbler i Denmark during the 1950s or 1960s. The price is for the pair.
Oak
Wall Shelves by Hans J. Wegner for Ry Møbler, 1950s, Set of 2
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of oak shelves with white paint. Designed by Hans Jorgen Wegner and manufactured by Ry Møbler I Denmark during the 1950s or 1960s. The price is for the pair.
Oak
Sold
H 25.5 in W 32 in D 19 in
1960s Danish Tambour Door Storage Unit by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Hans Wegner designed tambour door storage case in solid active grained walnut wood with a locking roll down panel. Three (3) available with diff...
Teak