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.
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Leather Swing Chair by Illum Wikkelso, Denmark, 1950s
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Belmont, MA
Illum Wikkelsø (1919-1999) for Mikael Laursen, easy chair model no.103, in cognac leather and teak. Made in Denmark in the late 1950s. The leather is attached to the wood frame of t...
Leather, Teak
Fabric 'Croissant' Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI
By Illum Wikkelsø, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Fabric 'Croissant' Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI Playful, voluptuous and expertly crafted, the newly reimagined Croissant Collection from GUBI makes a powerful statement i...
Steel
Fabric 'Croissant' Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi
By Gubi, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Glendale, CA
Fabric 'Croissant' lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI. Playful, voluptuous and expertly crafted, the newly reimagined Croissant collection from GUBI makes a powerful statement ...
Steel
Illum Wikkelso Danish Pair of Plexus Chairs & Ottoman Teak & Original Upholstery
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This vintage Danish set is constructed of teak and retains the original striped wool upholstery. The visual lightness of this Nordic styling is complemented by an unparalleled comfor...
Upholstery, Teak
Leather 'Croissant' Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi
By Illum Wikkelsø, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Leather 'Croissant' lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø for GUBI. Playful, voluptuous and expertly crafted, the newly reimagined Croissant Collection from GUBI makes a powerful statement...
Steel
“Plexus” Oak and Cane Easy Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark circa 1970s
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
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, Oak
Easy Stool and Chair in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Stool and Chair in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original brown leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian ...
Rosewood, Leather
Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood with Stool by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare easy chair with matching stool, model V11, was designed by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark during the 1960s. Both pieces ...
Leather, Rosewood
1950s Illum Wikkelsø Nº 272 Rosewood Cocktail Table Danish Mid-Century Wikkelso
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very rare Brazilian rosewood Danish designed square side table.
Rosewood
Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Original Fabric by Illum Wikkelsø, 1964
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Original Fabric by Illum Wikkelsø, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare easy chairs ...
Rosewood, Fabric
Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Illum Wikkelsø easy chair, previously reupholstered in red nubuk leather, on tapered rosewood legs.
Leather, Rosewood
Easy Chair in Rosewood with Upholstered Kvadrat Fabric by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Rosewood with Upholstered Kvadrat Fabric by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and upholstered in Kvadrat™ fabric Style: Mid century, Sc...
Rosewood, Fabric
Very Rare Set of Four Dining Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Munich, DE
A set of four patinated oak side chairs, front legs with visible joints, seat and back stretched with brown painted colored leather. Manufactured by Mikael Laursen.
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chair in Sheepskin
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox C...
Sheepskin, Wood
$1,150
H 29.14 in W 26.78 in D 29.14 in
Danish Rosewood Capella Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This lounge chair No. 4 or the Capella chair was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in 1959 and manufactured by Niels Erik Eilersen in the early 1960s. It featur...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,500
H 28.5 in W 28.75 in D 28.25 in
Rare Illum Wikkelso for N Eilersen Woven Lounge Chair Danish Modern
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare ILLUM WIKKELSO for Niels Eilersen woven lounge chair. original paper cord on seat and back
Rope, Wood
$7,814
H 30.32 in W 30.71 in D 27.56 in
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model 451 by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 451 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
$4,200
H 315 in W 27 in D 30 in
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
Model 103 Lounge chair, Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Neuss, NW
Model 103 Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Laursen. High-quality frame made of solid teak with original seat and backrest made of cognac brown thick leather. Quality Featur...
Leather, 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
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
$8,250
H 31.5 in W 39.77 in D 40.75 in
Illum Wikkelsø for Ryesberg Møbler 'Apollo' Lounge Chair in Leather
By Ryesberg Møbler, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for Ryesberg Møbler, lounge chair model 'Apollo', leather, lacquered wood, Denmark, 1970s This distinctive lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø is of high-quality both in t...
Leather, Wood
$9,017 / set
H 31.5 in W 37.8 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for C F Christensen Silkeborg, 1972
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Pair of Lounge Chairs, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Silkeborg, 1972. Solid teak wood with a curved frame. Danish design from the 1970s with high-quality craftsmanship. We can orga...
Fabric, Teak
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
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair by Michael Laursen in Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Steel
Sold
H 34.06 in W 31.5 in D 38.78 in
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Easy Chair in Honey Yellow Upholstery and Walnut
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, leatherette, walnut, Denmark 1960s. An exquisitely designed easy chair in honey yellow leatherette by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, thi...
Faux Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Original Leather Lounge Chair
By Søren Willadsen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen, wingback chair 'Model 110', teak and black leather, Denmark, 1950s. This well-designed armchair shows an unusual elegance and great eye for det...
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair in Oak and Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø, Michael Laursen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Laursen, easy chair model 103, leather and oak, Denmark, 1960s. This easy chair is a design by Illum Wikkelsø but produced by master-carver and cabinetmake...
Leather, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø 'Genius' Chair in Rosewood and Black Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø by CFC Silkeborg, 'Genius' chair, leather and rosewood, Denmark, 1950s. This chair is made out of solid rosewood and features a cognac leather cushion on both seat ...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Suede and Teak, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen, lounge chair model 110, suede and teak, Denmark, 1950s. This well designed armchair shows an unusual elegance and great eye for detail, combine...
Suede, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Swivel Leather Lounge Chair, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for A. Mikael Laursen, swivel lounge chair model ML214, cognac leather and metal, Denmark, 1960s. Organic shaped easy chair in patinated cognac leather by Danish de...
Metal
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Leather and Steel
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø by Mikael Laursen, armchair model ML 230, steel, Denmark, 1960s This set is executed in with thick black leather and steel. The seat and back are smoothly upholster...
Metal
Illum Wikkelsø 'Pyramid' Chair in Teak and Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelso for Holger Christiansen, lounge chair model V11 'Pyramid,' teak and leather, by Denmark 1960s. Lounge chair in dark brown colored leather. This lounge chair was na...
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Set of 8 Dining Chairs for Brandon
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hi Brandon! The price is including shipping and for 8 chairs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Set of 8 chairs, in leat...
Leather, Teak
1960s pair of Danish armchairs attributed to illum Wikkelsoe
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, Lambeth
Wonderfully well crafted pair of Solid teak framed Danish armchairs with reupholstered soft fabric cushions Cc 1960s Danish
Teak
Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Illum Wikkelso Teak Chairs
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Illum Wikkelso Teak Chairs Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish...
Teak, Leather
Sold
H 34.26 in W 37.8 in D 37.41 in
Easy Chair and Stool in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair and Stool in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original brown leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian ...
Rosewood, Leather