The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair In Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, Denmark 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and rare easy chair in oak and teak for Soren Willladsen from the 1950's. Curved armrests in teak sweeping around the sides and back of the chair. Legs and frame made from so...
Wool, Teak
$6,100 / set
Illum Wikkelsøe Capella Series Armchairs, 1950
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful pair of easy chairs from the Capella series, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, produced by Niels Eilersen in Denmark, designed in 1959, solid teak wood frames with loose cushions...
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair and Ottoman with Canvas Seat
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christiansen, easy chair and ottoman model 272, teak, off-white canvas, leather, Denmark, 1963 Easy chair with matching ottoman by Danish designer Illum Wikk...
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chair, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1950s Comfortable lounge chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair is characterized by the high backrest t...
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chair, fabric, oak, Denmark, 1960s. This lounge chair was designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Mikael Laursen in Denmark in the 1960s. This lounge c...
Fabric, Oak
Leather and Elm Armchair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels E. Eilersen, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Sculptural Danish armchair in elm designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Cabinetmaker Niels Eilersen. It was made in Denmark during the 1950s. It has been reupholstered with dark brown lea...
Leather, Elm
1960s Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany and White Fabric
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Knebel, DK
The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and produced by CFC Silkeborg in Denmark. The armchairs are in good condition and features a frame in Mahoga...
Mahogany
1960s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø, model ML 140 with stool, reupholstered.
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Laursen & Son. Armchair model ML 140 with stool. Completely renovated-reupholstered in quality grey furniture wool. Teak legs re...
Wool, Teak
llum Wikkelsø 1960s chromed steel swivel chair, upholstered with black leather.
By Poul Kjærholm, A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø, E. Kold Christensen
Located in København K, 84
Rare 1960s swivel chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Laursen, executed in chromed steel with a refined, architectural clarity that resonates with the period’s exploration of...
Chrome
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery and Oak
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, armchair, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s This well-designed armchair shows an unusual elegance and great eye for detail, combined with outstanding craftsmanship, which ...
Fabric, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chairs with Ottoman Model Capella
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Vienna, AT
Illum Wikkelsø. Solid hardwood armchair, new upholstered in black leather. Related stool H. 35 cm. Manufactured by N. Eilersen, model Capella. Traces of age and wear, including among...
Leather, Hardwood
Illum Wikkelsø "Capella" Three Seater Sofa in Rosewood, 1950
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable 3-seater sofa from the Capella series, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, produced by Niels Eilersen in Denmark, designed in 1959, solid rosewood frame with loose cushions in ori...
Wool, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Set of Easy Chairs and Ottoman with Canvas Seats
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christiansen, pair of easy chairs and ottoman model 272, teak, off-white canvas, leather, Denmark, 1963 Very rare easy chairs and ottoman by Danish designer ...
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Leather and Tubular Metal Lounge Chair, Denmark, c. 1950
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in New York City, NY
Danish lounge chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø is comfortable and is in original leather which is in good vintage condition. Steel frame has walnut caps at top of backrest.
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Illum Wikkelso pair of 'Capella' armchairs with pouf Denmark 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, IDF
Illum Wikkelso a pair of 'Capella' armchairs with ottoman made in Denmark around 1960. Rio Jacaranda and cognac leather. Good Condition
Leather, Jacaranda
Scandinavian Easy Chair and Ottoman Model 272 Designed by Illum Wikkelsø
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very rare easy chair and ottoman model 272 in rosewood and leather designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Beautifully designed chair in rosewood and black saddle leather. The solid rosewood le...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany by CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus easy chairs in mahogany The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and manufactored in the 1960 - 1970´s by CFC S...
Mahogany
Pair of High Back "Capella" Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A pair of rosewood "Capella" series lounge chairs designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen. The unique armrest inlay is a highlight of the design. Original fabric cushions attac...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Vintage Danish Capella Armchairs by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
A stunning pair of Danish Capella armchairs by Illum Wikkelso. They were made in Denmark in the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, the frames are beautifully constructed and have g...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Armchairs in Elm by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant pair of Danish armchairs designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen in the 1950s. Crafted from elm, the chairs showcase a timeless Scandinavian design with beautifully bal...
Leather, Elm
$5,675 / set
"Capella" armchairs Illum Wikkelsø Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of rosewood and leather armchairs with capitonné upholstered seat. "Capella" model by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark 1960s. Pair of "Capella" model armchairs designed by Illum Wikkels...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of armachairs by Illum Wikkelso leather and rosewood
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armachair by Illum Wikkelso in brown leather and rosewood By Niels Eilersen Model Capella. In good condition from 1960.
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of “Plexus” Oak and Cane Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark circa 1970s
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø believed that furniture should be built to last, to indulge the body and to please the eye. He belonged to a group of designers who represent...
Fabric, Cane, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Wingback Armchair Model 110 in Cognac Leather, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wingback armchair Model 110 designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik, Denmark. The organically shaped wing back provides a plesant shelter for its user. Upholstered...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Danish Armchairs, Teak, fabric and leather, model Capella Illum Wikkelso
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian Armchairs model No. 4 Capella. Remarkable woodwork on the armrests which are inlaid with a darker part to offer an elegant and refined design. The sides are full...
Fabric, Teak
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø, armchair model "Plexus", teak wood.
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø. Armchair model "Plexus". Laqered teak wood, flowers furniture fabric, furniture mesh. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and s...
Fabric, Rattan, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Wikkelsoe Leather Teak Armchair Chair Ocher Niels Eilersen
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with thick ocher aniline leather. Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen. Great comfort with...
Leather, Teak
Danish Mid Century Olive Green Leather Wooden "V12" Armchair by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Danish mid century "V12" armchair in thick original olive brown / green leather with beautiful matching dark stained wooden feet by Illum Wikkelsø produced by Holger Christian...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair with Canvas Seat
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christiansen, easy chair model 272, teak, off-white canvas, leather, Denmark, 1963 Easy chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø in teak and canvas. The solid...
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Set Of 2 Armchairs Model Capella Made In Teak By Illum Wikkelsø For N. Eilersen
By Eilersen 1, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of two Capella armchairs in teak, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen in the 1960s. Beautiful armchair. If other upholstery is desired, we have the option to reupholster a...
Fabric, Teak
Armchair Model Capella Made In Teak By IIlum Wikkelsø For N.Eilersen From 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Capella armchair made of teak with cushions upholstered in green fabric. Designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by N.Eilersen from the 1960s. Designed by Illum Wikkelsø, who is...
Teak
Black Leather and Elm Armchair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels E. Eilersen, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This sculptural Danish elm armchair was designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen. It was manufactured in Denmark during the 1950s. It has been reuphols...
Leather, Elm
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø, furniture wool fabric, oak wood legs.
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø. Furniture wool fabric, oak wood legs, springs in the seat cushion. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manu...
Wool, Oak
Danish Modern Armchair IW2 in Oak by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s.
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Armchair IW2 in Oak by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century modern oak chair designed by Danish architect Kristian Illum Wikkelsø ...
Oak
$7,766 / set
Illum Wikkelsø, Pair of Danish Armchairs, 1958
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Pair of Danish armchairs model N°450 designed by Illum Wikkelsø in 1958 and produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik, Denmark. Excellent condition. Original pieces from t...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
$1,328Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø, model Capella for Eliersen Møbler, teak.
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Illum Wikkelsø, model Capella for Eliersen Møbler. Teak wood. Very good condition: no smells and no stains. New reupholstered in a few years ago.
Wool, Teak
Illum Wikkelso easy chair and Table Mod '272' for C.F. Christiansen Sweden 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, IDF
Illum Wikkelsø C.F. Christiansen, easy chair and table model 272, Rosewood, black leather, Denmark, 1962 Very rare easy chair and table by Illum Wikkelsø. The Rosewood legs are taper...
Leather, Rosewood
Model 110 armchair by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen - Denmark 1950s
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Torino, IT
The Model 110 armchair, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen in the 1950s, is one of the finest expressions of postwar Danish design. Wikkelsø, a learned and independent fi...
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia" Denmark 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, IDF
Very Rare Illum Wikkelsø Armchair Model "Australia" Beautiful & confortable armchair made in rosewood and wool fabric - good original condition...
Wool, Rosewood
Vintage Danish Armchair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A classic vintage armchair designed by Illum Wikkelsø and crafted by renowned cabinetmaker Niels Eilersen in Denmark during the 1960s. Constructed from beautiful elm wood and featuri...
Elm
Illum Wikkelsø Leather Armchair Chair Brown Niels Eilersen
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with brown aniline leather. Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen. Great comfort with the org...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern pair of armchairs Model "Australia" by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1950s.
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Illum Wilkelsø teak armchairs for Niels Eilersen, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Firenze, FI
Pair of teak wood armchairs designed by Danish designer Illum Wilkelsø (1919-1999) and made by Niels Eilersen 1960s This pair of armchairs, made in the 1960s by XX for the Cappell ...
Wood
Illum Wikkelso Leather Sofa in Rosewood and Woven Rattan Cane
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare bench by Danish designer Illum Wikkelso Rosewood and wicker structure, fawn leather cushion with a beautiful patina.
Leather, Palisander