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.
Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern rocking chair in ebonized wood model IW3 designed 1958 by Illum Wikkelsø.
Lacquer
$5,091
H 42.13 in W 24.81 in D 36.62 in
Scandinavian Modern Hans J. Wegner Rocking Chair, Red Lacquer, 1960s, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Rare early rocking chair model J16 by Hans J. Wegner manufactured by FDB in the 1960s. This rare red lacquered version were made in few numbers for a limited time-period and are a ra...
Papercord, Beech, Lacquer
$804Sale Price|20% Off
H 46.07 in W 23.63 in D 44.1 in
Midcentury Wooden Scandinavian Style Rocking Chair, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s, Czechoslovakia - Good original condition.
Wood
$2,664
H 34.65 in W 25.99 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Rocking Chair by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By Bramin Mobler, Frank Reenskaug
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish vintage rocking chair designed as model '182' by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin in the 1960s. This chair has a teak and has been reupholstered in a beige fabric. the rocking chair...
Fabric, Teak
$3,108
H 42.13 in W 24.81 in D 36.62 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Rocking Chair Model J16 by Hans Wegner, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian rocking chair Model J16 by Hans Wegner. Designer Biography : "Best known for his chairs and seating pieces — though a master of many furniture types like sofas and tables — Hans Wegner was a prolific designer whose elegant, often ebullient, forms and devotion to the finest methods in joinery made "Danish Modern" a popular byword for stylish, well-made furniture in the mid-20th century. Wegner considered himself a carpenter first and a furniture designer second. Like his peers Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl, Wegner believed that striking aesthetics in furniture were based on a foundation of practicality: a chair must be comfortable and sturdy before it is chic. In keeping with that tenet, several of Wegner’s best chair designs, seen in dealer listings below, have their roots in traditional seating...
Wood
$2,580
H 34.6 in W 26 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Rocking Chair by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By Bramin Mobler, Frank Reenskaug
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish vintage rocking chair designed as model '182' by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin in the 1960s. This chair has a teak and has been reupholstered in a beige decorative fabric.minor f...
Fabric, Teak
Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Ranst, VAN
Vintage sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Denmark 1960s. The sofa has a teak frame and the cushions have a cream beige fabric. The sofa is in great condition. Dime...
Teak
$497
H 38.59 in W 23.23 in D 28.35 in
Mid-Century Scandinavian Rocking Chair, Wood, Modern Design, 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Mid-Century Scandinavian Rocking Chair - 1960s Vintage - Scandinavian - Mid-Century Measures : 59cmx72cm H:98cm HS:37cm Material : Wood Wear consistent with age and use : No restor...
Wood
$1,657
H 28.75 in W 24.61 in D 20.48 in
Black Leather and Teak Desk Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen, 1960s.
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Vintage Danish Black Leather & Teak Desk Chair – There are many chairs out there but not many are quite as beautiful as this one. Designed by the Danish designer Illum Wikkelso for N...
Leather, Teak
$871Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.44 in W 22.45 in D 28.75 in
1960s Illum Wikkelso Gyngestol No. 3 Rocking Chair for Niels Eilersen, 2 items a
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - high of seat 42 cm
Wood
$1,834 / item
H 35.44 in W 29.53 in D 37.41 in
1 of 2 Danish Design Style 1950 New Modern Rocking Chair Walnut Brown Cashmere
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
From our own workshop and design collection this gorgeous 1950 danish design style rocking chair. Made out of solid walnut with a brown cashmere upholstery. The rocking chair looks ...
Fabric, Walnut
Rocking Chair Tapiovaara Model Fanett Scandinavian, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Finland rocking chair by Tapiovaara Model Fanett, 1960s.
Beech
Rocking Chair by Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual rocking chair by Danish architect Wikkelso. Made in Denmark ca' 1950's. A great example with nice patina, retaining original label.
Cherry