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 Wikkelso Danish Pair of Plexus Chairs & Ottoman Teak & Original Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
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
$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 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 ...
Steel
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
“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
Leather 'Croissant' Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Gubi
By Gubi, Illum Wikkelsø
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
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 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
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
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.
$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
$1,153
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
$7,834 / set
H 24.81 in W 25.6 in D 24.41 in
Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, 1962
By Finn Juhl, Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful rare pair of lounge chairs, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Holger Christiansen in the 1960ies. Both chairs are in very good original condition with just ...
Leather, Wood
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 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
$7,834
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
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
$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
$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
$9,040 / 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 Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
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 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 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
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
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Ringstol Woven Hoop Chair by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern "Ringstol" chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark features a round, birch hoop frame with a woven cord seat and back. A striking accent chair for any...
Cord, Birch
Sold
H 29.93 in W 19.89 in D 20.48 in
Set of Eight Dining Chairs Designed by Illum Wikkelsö, Denmark, 1950s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of eight dining chairs designed by Illum Wikkelsö, Denmark, 1950s. Rosewood, rattan and fabric. Extremely rare model. This set of eight very rare dining chairs was desi...
Fabric, Rattan, Rosewood
Sold
H 36.25 in W 31.13 in D 36.63 in
Illum Wikkelsø Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman for Søren Willadsen, circa 1955
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Illum Wikkelsø Leather Lounge chair & ottoman for Søren Willadsen, circa 1955. This chair and ottoman retains its original black leather. The teak legs have been professionally resto...
Leather, Teak
Niels Eilersen/Ilium Wikkelso Pink 'Capella' Chair, 1960's Denmark
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960's Danish Mid-Century pink upholstered lounge chair by Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilersen. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century Modern "Ringstol" Woven Hoop Chair by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-century Illum Wikkelso "Ringstol" hoop chair. This unique Danish modern hoop chair features a sturdy beech hardwood construction, a sleek ...
Seagrass, Beech
Illum Wikkelsø Ringstol Lounge Chair Mid-Century Modern
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Ringstol Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, corded woven seat. All original and untouched. Some minor marks on the cording. Stunning accent chair fo...
Cord, Wood
Sold
H 29.5 in W 33.5 in D 27.5 in
Pair of Illum Wikkelso for Koefoed Mobelfabrik "Wikki" Teak Lounge Chairs
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Danish modern pair of Illum Wikkelso for Koefoed Mobelfabrik "Wikki" teak lounge chairs. The chairs are structurally sound and in good condition....
Upholstery, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair
By Ryesberg Møbler, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1968 by the Danish Illum Wikkelsø for Ryesberg Møbler, these high backed lounge chairs feature the original leather upholstery and industrial stylings on the matte chrome...
Steel
Iconic Danish Modern Ringstol Chair by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in New York, NY
Truly a midcentury Danish modern classic, the Ringstol chair is stylish, comfortable, and chic. Woven seat and backrest on solid teak frame. This exampl...
Cord, Teak