Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
Ib Kofod-Larsen "Elizabeth" Settee, Leather, Rosewood, Denmark, 1950s
By Christensen & Larsen, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in High Point, NC
A black leather and rosewood settee, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by Christensen & Larsen, Denmark, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 14.63" Arm Height (inches): 22.5" All ...
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Armchair in Rosewood
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ib Kofod-Larsen armchair in partly solid rosewood. New upholstered with tan vintage aniline leather.
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod Larsen Elizabeth Lounge Chair, Set of Two
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Miami, FL
Acclaimed design by Ib Kofod-Larsen, the sculptural wooden frame is sublime. Excellent original finish with minor age wear, original leather upholstery in very good condition. This...
Leather, Wood
$38,000 / set
H 28.25 in W 31.5 in D 28.5 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth Chair and Ottoman Christensen and Larsen 1950's
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Christensen & Larsen
Located in Troy, MI
Ib Kofod Larsen Elizabeth Chair and ottoman Edition Christensen and Larsen Model U56 Denmark circa 1956-1958 Solid teak frame with sculpted armrests and shell seat paired with orig...
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Lounge Chair, Beech & Walnut, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in San Diego, CA
This authentic Ib Kofod-Larsen lounge chair is a refined example of mid-century Danish modern furniture at its finest. Designed in Denmark during the 1950s, Kofod-Larsen's lounge cha...
Wool, Beech, Walnut
$110,835 / set
H 27.96 in W 30.71 in D 28.75 in
Scandinavian Modern "Elizabeth" Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen, Denmark, 1963
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Christensen & Larsen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “Elizabth” lounge chairs and footstool by Ib Kofod Larsen, made with rosewood frames and beautiful, smooth cognac colored leather. Iconic design with great silhouet...
Leather, Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Leather, Oak
IB Kofod-Larsen Wingback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1950
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chicago, IL
IB Kofod-Larsen Wingback Lounge Chair, Denmark 1950’s. Original upholstery shows wear consistent with age and use. Measures 32” long 33.5” wide 32” tall seat heightn 14” seat depth ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$7,259 / set
H 29.5 in W 23 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Lounge Chair, Solid Beech & Cane, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural icon of Danish modernism, this rare lounge chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen pairs a lyrical frame with a transparent, light-as-air seat. Crafted in solid beech that has been pro...
Cane, Beech
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Chairs in Original Leather
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chairs model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 A pair of armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larsen hi...
Leather, Oak
$9,825 / set
H 30.32 in W 28.35 in D 31.5 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen pair of Canditate easy chairs, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of Candidate lounge chairs, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1950s. This elegant pair of Danish easy chairs beautifully captures the refined, sculptural style that makes ...
Fabric, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 A rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish architect-designer Ib Kofo...
Leather, Rosewood
IB Kofod-Larsen Selig Penguin Chair Iron Frame Green Leather 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An iron frame IB Kofod Larsen lounge chair attributed to Selig. The iron frame is original and has a wonderful patina, as is the seat back. The green leather upholstery is fresh as a...
Iron
Sold
H 27 in W 52.5 in D 29 in
Mid Century Modern Danish Walnut Sofa, Love Seat or Settee by Kofod Larsen Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed and crafted sofa by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig circa 1960's. It features a solid walnut frame and original upholstery. Manufacturers stamp is present. Fabric is...
Fabric, Wood
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid-Century Walnut Settee, Pair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig mid-century walnut settee - pair. Each settee measures: 53 wide x 32 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 22.75 inches All p...
Upholstery, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Slipper Settee by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This dainty settee has a tailored look that would add style and character to a variety of spaces. Fabric is not original to the piece but is in good useable condition. We'd be happy ...
Teak
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Settee
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for selig mid century settee The settee measures: 52 wide x 30.5 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 19 inches and arm height/...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Two Seat Sofa by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic love seat in walnut with elegant and subtle lines totally restored with new cushions and webbing. Designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig C1958. Seat hgt. is 16.5.
Fabric, Rubber, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Slipper Settee by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This dainty settee has a tailored look that would add style and character to a variety of spaces. Fabric is not original to the piece but is in good useable condition. We'd be happy ...
Teak
Sold
H 27.25 in W 74.5 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Settee or Sofa for Selig by Ib Kofod-Larsen COM
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Houston, TX
Sleek Mid-Century Modern settee made from teak wood in the Danish style. This sofa is by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. The customer can reupholster the pillows COM.
Velvet, Teak
Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Carlo Gahrn
By Carlo Gahrn, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Littleton, CO
In 1957, IB Kofod-Larsen designed this elegant sofa for Carlo Gahrn, and it was produced for only a brief number of months. The sculptural teak frame fea...
Chenille, Teak
Danish Modern Walnut Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Danish modern sofa designed by architect and furniture designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. This iconic sofa features a solid...
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 30.32 in W 80.71 in D 32.29 in
Scandinavian Midcentury Kofod Larsen Sofa Upholstered in Black and Gold Linen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, GB
Danish 1950s three-seat sofa by Kofod Larsen with a modernist look. This 20th century sofa is upholstered in black and gold colored linen mix fabric and rests on a black wooden frame...
Linen
Sold
H 27.25 in W 74.5 in D 31 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Settee or Sofa for Selig by Ib Kofod-Larsen COM
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Houston, TX
Sleek Mid-Century Modern settee made from teak wood in the Danish style. This sofa is by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. The customer can reupholster the pillows COM.
Velvet, Teak
Ib Kofod Larsen Settee for Carlo Garhn
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ib Kofod Larsen design settee or small sofa for Carlo Garhn, Denmark, 1957. Newly upholstered and refinished.
Teak