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.
Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
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...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,525Sale Price|25% Off
Ib Kofod-Larsen Selig Mid-Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Sofa & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Ib Kofod-Larsen Scandinavian Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa and ottoman / footstool for Selig. The ottoman measures 25"x 20.50" x 17" high with cushion. Both are marked Selig. If y...
Wood
Sofa in Rosewood and Reupholstered in Burgundy Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Reupholstered in Burgundy Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and newly reupholstered in burgundy leather Style: Mid cen...
Rosewood, Leather
Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth Sofa by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model U56 / Elizabeth designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark. Queen Elizabeth II purchased a pair of easy chairs in 1958 and since th...
Leather, Rosewood
$6,396Sale Price|38% Off
Kandidaten Three Seat Sofa in Knoll Bouclé by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Olof Person
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Deland, FL
This Kandidaten three-seater sofa was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured in Sweden by Olof Person in 1962. Constructed from solid teak this iconic design features cylindric...
Teak
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Walnut Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 75 wide x 30 deep x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 23.75 inches Fair Vintage Conditio...
Upholstery, Walnut
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 12 (to frame) a...
Walnut
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
A mid century modern Danish, Ib Kofoed-Larsen Sofa, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A stunning Mid-Century Modern vintage sofa from Ib Kofoed Larsen. The model `Kandidaten` stands out as a perfect piece of vintage Danish Design history.
Leather
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sette for Carlo Garhn, Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ib Kofod Larsen design small sofa or settee for Carlo Garhn, Denmark. Rare design in very limited production for manufacturer Carlo Garhn. High lighting the sculpted lines and float...
Wool, Teak
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 73.5 wide x 29.5 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 13.75 and arm height of 20.25 inches Good Vint...
Teak
$14,390 / item
Set of 2 Ib Kofod-Larsen sofas model "President", 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-seater Ib Kofod Larsen sofa in original black leather, very good condition. Produced by OPE in Sweden, 1960s. Please note: matching 4-seater so...
Leather
Kandidaten 3 Seat Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Olof Persons 'OPE', Sweden, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Olaf Person
Located in Deland, FL
This Kandidaten three-seater sofa was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured in Sweden by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (O.P.E.) in 1962. Constructed from solid teak this iconic...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculpted Exoskeleton Walnut Sofa for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
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 precis...
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Rare Ib Kofod-Larsen Sofa, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare 4-seater Ib Kofod Larsen sofa in original black leather, very good condition. Produced by OPE in Sweden, 1960s.
Leather
$5,995 / set
H 30.5 in W 29 in D 32 in
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These exceptional Danish modern lounge chairs represent a masterful collaboration between renowned architect and furniture designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and Selig, dating to the 1960s. Ea...
Fabric, Walnut
Vintage Sculptural Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig Denmark
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home an iconic chair from one of the biggest names in Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern design with this breathtaking sculptural rocking chair made by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig o...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Beech
$113,922 / 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 Christensen & Larsen, Ib Kofod-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
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 30 wide x 32 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance of 22.75 inch...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,500 / set
H 38 in W 28 in D 33 in
Danish Modern Oak Reclining Lounge Chair Ottoman Set By Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Scandinavian Modern reclining lounge chair ottoman set was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig, circa 1960. The lounge chair features a beautifully sculpted oak frame with arm...
Metal
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Amazing Danish modern teak lounge chairs designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. These chairs are truly stunning! The solid handcrafted teak frame is expertly ...
Brass
$5,312
H 25.6 in W 69.3 in D 29.14 in
Knoll- Antimot Walnut Three Seat U-Vorm Sofa by Walter Knoll, Germany
By Knoll Antimott, Walter Knoll
Located in Antwerp, BE
A unique set of three armchairs and a three-seater sofa in the original setting with a walnut U-Shape frame and the original upholstery in woven wool. A beautiful living room set de...
Wool, Walnut
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 27 in W 89 in D 34 in
Glamorous Selig Jack Lenor Larsen Style Sofa Mid-Century Modern
By Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Glamorous Selig sofa with Jack Lenor Larsen style cut velvet fabric. The original fabric is in remarkable condition and is even more fabulous in person. This is a true vintage gem an...
Upholstery
90in Vintage Mid-Century Knoll Three-Seat Sofa
By Florence Knoll
Located in Pasadena, TX
Iconic Florence Knoll three-seat sofa in original berry fabric. Chrome legs. Chrome has been restored. Measures: 90 in.
Chrome
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.58 in W 30 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wayne, NJ
Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...
Walnut
A mid century modern Danish, Ib Kofoed-Larsen Sofa, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A stunning Mid-Century Modern vintage sofa from Ib Kofoed Larsen. The model `Kandidaten` stands out as a perfect piece of vintage Danish Design history.
Leather
Sold
H 31.3 in W 72.05 in D 23.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Sofa or Bench by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Frõscher, 1970s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Fröscher Sitform
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Mid-Century Modern sofa or bench. Design by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Frõscher KG Germany. Striking Danish design from the 1970s. Solid rosewood and original rosewood ...
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage Danish Candidate Sofa by IB Kofod Larsen for OPE
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning vintage Danish Candidate sofa by Ib Kofod Larsen for OPE. It is Danish designed but was made in Sweden, it dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quali...
Bouclé, Wood
Sold
H 27.75 in W 56.5 in D 29.75 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth Sofa for Christensen & Larsen, Model U56, Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Oakland, CA
IB Kofod Larsen Elizabeth settee, Model U56, handcrafted by master cabinetmakers Christensen & Larsen in 1956, Denmark. The rare, settee features a finely sculpted teak frame that su...
Leather, Teak
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 Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
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
Mid-Century “Blade” Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig, Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century sofa designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig, Denmark. This sofa is appropriately named the “Blade” sofa due to its sculpted features made from Eu...
Walnut
Mid-Century “Blade” Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig, Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century sofa designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig, Denmark. This sofa is appropriately named the “Blade” sofa due to its sculpted features made from Eu...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Kofod Larsen Three Seat Danish Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic three seat sofa designed by IB Kofod Larsen, manufactured in Denmark and distributed through Selig. Frames restored, new straps, re...
Wool, Ash
Ib Kofod-Larsen Three Seater Teak Sofa For Ope, 1950's Sweden
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
Located in The Hague, NL
Stunning vintage three-seater sofa designed by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for Ope, Sweden. This model Kandidaten sofa features a stylish 1950’s design, teak afrormosia frame and...
Fabric, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Daybed
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Seffle Möbelfabrik
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ib Kofod-Larsen 1922-2003. Sofa / daybed in solid teak designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s. The back rest and side rest are supported by ...
Steel
Ib Kofod Larsen: Kandidaten model sofa for OPE
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in PARIS, FR
Kandidaten sofa by Ib Kofod Larsen for OPE (Olof Persons). The armrests of this sofa are made of oak and teak, they are also connected to the central s...
Oak, Teak
Sold
H 30 in W 69 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Walnut Frame Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen Newly Upholstered
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid-Century Modern Danish Walnut frame sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen Newly Upholstered in a High End Ivory Sheep's Wool Shearling Elegant Danish modern sofa designed by architect and fur...
Wool, Wood, Walnut
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid-Century Walnut Settee, Pair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
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