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.
Bar Cabinet on Wheels in Rosewood, Formica and Steel by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet on Wheels in Rosewood, Brass, Formica and Steel by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass, formic...
Rosewood, Formica
1960s I. Wikkelso Palisander Cabinet, Three Folding Tables by Silkeborg, Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø, Silkenborg
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item was carefully refurbished - labeled by producer - Dimmensions of the 3 Tables: 43x44x41 cm
Wood, Palisander
Bar Cabinet Carmen by Comité De Proyectos
Located in Geneve, CH
Bar cabinet Carmen by Comité De Proyectos Dimensions: large: W 45 x D 90 x H 110 cm Materials: Huanacaxaxtle Wood, Sisal Fiber, Steel, Wicker, Mirror, Leather. We are an interior a...
Steel
$1,562 / item
H 66.9 in W 31.5 in D 11.4 in
"Perf" Bar Cabinet in Varnished Steel by Moroso for Diesel
By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
"Perf" is a bar cabinet, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, in varnished steel black mat, with doors in varnished steel available in these colors: copper, b...
Steel
Outstanding And Unique Bar Cabinet by Osvaldo Borsani ca' 1940's
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An outstanding bar cabinet (bar mobile) by Osvaldo Borsani for Arredamenti Borsani, 1940's, documented. Leather covered doors reveal mirrored, lighted back with glass/brass shelves i...
Brass
$3,895
H 43 in W 43.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Rosewood Bar Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1970 Scandinavian bar cabinet in dramatically figured rosewood veneer features two sliding glass doors on the top section over three felt lined drawers on one side and a storage compartment with internal shelf on the other. Tapered legs. Unknown maker. Very good overall vintage condition. Open Shelf Sections...
Glass, Rosewood
$3,295
H 35.5 in W 37.5 in D 18 in
Rosewood Dry Bar Cabinet by M. Hayat & Bros, Brass Inlay, Mid-Century
By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.
Located in Southampton, NJ
Midcentury bar cabinet of radiant grain solid Rosewood with intricate brass inlay details throughout. Substantial mirrored top panel & drop forward serving surface open simultaneousl...
Brass
$4,212Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.41 in W 29.53 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury Extravagant Bar Cabinet by Umberto Mascagni, 1950s
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Rome, IT
This fancy bar cabinet designed in Italy by Umberto Mascagni .This piece features a cream colored vinyl with anodized aluminium and centered by colorful Italian landscape prints. An ...
Wood
$1,404
H 55.12 in W 33.47 in D 22.05 in
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Corner Cabinet / Bar Cabinet, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant Danish corner cabinet from the 1960s crafted in richly grained rosewood. Features beautiful leaded dark glass and generous storage space inside. A stylish and functional piec...
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Danish Teak Cabinet with Drawer
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
A lovely compact cabinet from the 1960s, made in Denmark in the Scandinavian modern style. The piece is built from warm teak wood with a beautiful natural grain pattern throughout. T...
Teak
Bronze Mirrored Bar Cabinet by Ello
By Ello Furniture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A two-part mirrored cabinet on chest, perfect for a bar. Two mirrored doors above three mirrored drawers with modern inset brass campaign handles, on a brass base with brass sides. G...
Brass
$10,531
H 77.56 in W 48.04 in D 27.56 in
Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet in Wood, Mirror and Glass, Italy, 1960s
Located in Rome, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian bar cabinet in rosewood and glass with the peculiarity of being composed of two separate units. The larger one is a wall unit characterized at the top ...
Metal, Brass
Danish Brutalist Oak Cabinet, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Charming Danish oak cabinet from the 1960s, featuring a distinctive brutalist design with numerous beautiful details. Its light and elegant expression makes it a versatile piece that...
Oak
Corner Bar Cabinet Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960's
Located in Lejre, DK
This stunning midcentury teak corner cabinet is a perfect choice to update any modern home decor. Beautifully carved with atomic styles, this piece adds a unique charm and character ...
Glass, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Dry Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar cabinet by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, rosewood, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C....
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Teak Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bar cabinet by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, teak, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C. F...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Rosewood Bar Cabinet
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, rosewood, brass, glass, mirror, Denmark, 1960s. This elegant high-legged cabinet is designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by C. F. Christens...
Brass
Teak Bar Cabinet with Harlekin Mirrors by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Cocktail or bar cabinet cabinet, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen Denmark. Made in teak. This cabinet has two doors that open to a mirrored interior with harlekin mirr...
Mirror, Teak