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.
Side Table In Teak By Illum Wikkelsø From 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Square teak table by Illum Wikkelsø. Danish design from the 1960s with a timeless design. — Designer: Illum Wikkelsø — Period: 1960s — Material: Teak — Shape: Square — Dimensions: H...
Teak
Scandinavian Side Table Model 272 Designed by Illum Wikkelsø
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very rare side table chair model 103 in rosewood designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Beautifully designed side table in rosewood. The solid rosewood legs show a beautiful grain and lean sli...
Rosewood
Illum Wikkelso 'Capella' Set of 2x Black Leather Sofa & Side Table Denmark 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Berlin, DE
Original condition 'Capella' Set consisting of one 2 -seater sofa, one 3-seater sofa and a side table by Danish furniture designer Kristian Illum Wikkelsø (1919-1999) for Niels Eiler...
Leather, Wood
Danish Foldable Side Table in teak Designed by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare & Unique! This Mid-century modern Danish design foldable triangular table by Illum Wikkelso for Silkeborg, Denmark circa 1960. Crafted from teak with attention to detail & a un...
Teak
1960 Illum Wikkelso Fully Restored Danish Oak Plexus Side Table by CFC Silkeborg
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Knebel, DK
1960 Illum Wikkelso fully restored DanishoOak Plexus side table by CFC Silkeborg The well designed side table can be used as both side table and with a pillow on top of it also as ...
Oak
Illum Wikkelsø side table for N. Eilersen, Denmark 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Neils Eilersen
Located in Voorburg, NL
A wonderful jatoba side table by Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen, Denmark 1960s. Very solid and functional table. The color of the Jatoba and the warm wood grain is spectacular. Wi...
Wood
$5,446
H 28.35 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s.
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s. Beautiful and elegant three seater sofa designed by renowned Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Da...
Oak
$1,184
H 19.69 in W 23.63 in D 57.88 in
Illum Wikkelsø Rosewood Coffee Table, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Illum Wikkelsø coffee table veneered in rosewood. Two extension leafs. Made by Kofoed's møbelfabrik.
Rosewood
Sexy Midcentury Side Table Design by Monteverdi Young
By Monteverdi-Young
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sexy pair of side table by Montervi Young, the patina is allot nicer in person, made of walnut wood.
Wood, Walnut
$1,026 / item
H 18.31 in Dm 16.54 in
“Triumph Side Table” White Carrara Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Triumph Side Table is a minimalist style side table consisting of a treated Carrara marble base, a white lacquered aluminum round shaped top and...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Aluminum, Brass
$2,128 / item
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
"Fit Side Table" Minimalist Travertine Cream Marble Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Fit Side Table is a minimalist style low table made of treated Travertine marble. This side table is composed by five marble pieces, all of them ass...
Marble, Travertine
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Teak, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 21.5” H x 23.25” W x 17.75” D
Teak
Midcentury Modern Side/Tray Table in Teak Sweden 1960s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This neath teak tray table made in teak was made in Sweden during the early 1960s. The tray in nicely looking teak and removable. Good vintage condition with some wear and pati...
Teak
$1,266 / item
H 18.51 in Dm 13 in
“Plus Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Plus Side Table is a minimalist style side table made of treated Marquina marble. This side table is composed of a circular marble top, supported b...
Marble
$1,025 / item
H 18.31 in Dm 16.54 in
“Triumph Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Triumph Side Table is a minimalist style side table consisting of a treated Marquina marble base, a black lacquered aluminum round shaped top an...
Marble, Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Danish Teak Side Table, 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak side table, 1960s Elegant Danish Mid-century modern side or coffee table with underlying shelf. Table top with wrapped gri...
Teak
$1,574 / item
H 16.54 in Dm 14.57 in
“Minus Side Table” Black Marquina Marble Minimalist Side Table by Aparentment
By Josep Vila Capdevila
Located in Terrassa, Catalonia
The Minus Side Table is a minimalist style side table made of treated Marquina marble. This side table is composed of a circular marble top, supported...
Marble
Illum Wikkelso Teak Coffee Table
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in New York, NY
Danish designed T118 teak coffee table with glass top designed by Illum Wikkelso. A sculptural modern design with a natural wood finish . The glass gracefully floats on top .
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 17.13 in W 24.81 in D 23.23 in
Scandinavian Modern Side Table, Illum Wikkelsø, Hjørring Møbel, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare Scandinavian Modern side table, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, manufactured by Hjørring Møbel, Denmark, 1960s. Teak. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Teak
Midcentury Folding Tables in Rosewood by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Folding Tables in rosewood, designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Johannes Andersen's 1960s Palisander and Wicker Side Table.
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø, Johannes Andersen
Located in Lejre, DK
Mid-Century Palisander Sideboard with Woven Shelf, Designed by Johannes Andersen and Illum Wikkelsø, Crafted by C.F.C. Silkebord Møbelfabrik circa 1960s Step into the epitome of mid...
Palisander
Pair of Tables, Nightstands, Illum Wikkelso
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
A matching pair of side / end tables or nightstands designed by Illum Wikkelso for Silkeborg, Denmark. Produced early 1960s. These slick modernist tables fold flat and so can be tucked away...
Brass
Sold
H 11.03 in W 24.02 in D 21.66 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak & Red Lacquered Stool / Side Table by Illum Wikkelsø
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful Scandinavian Modern side table or stool by Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø. The stool is made from red lacquered wood and teakwood and features a big upholstered cushion in...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Tables, Nightstands, Illum Wikkelso
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
A matching pair of side/end tables or nightstands designed by Illum Wikkelso for Silkeborg, Denmark. Produced early 1960's. These slick modernist tables fold flat and so can be tuc...
Brass
Illum Wikkelso Folding Triangle Table
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
Folding triangular table by Illum Wikkelso for Silkeborg, Denmark circa 1960. Superb design. Great condition. Folds with ease and pops into sturdy place when opened. An unusual and ...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 19.69 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of side tables in rosewood with trays, designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Sold
H 18.51 in W 16.74 in D 16.74 in
Pair of Foldable Side Tables Designed by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
Denmark. 1950’s. Rosewood. Measures: H: 42.5 cm/ 1' 4 3/4" D: 47 cm/ 1' 6 1/2".
Rosewood
Coffee Table Made In Teak Designed By Illum Wikkelsø From 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
The coffee table designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s is a quintessential example of mid-century Danish design. Crafted from rich teak wood, it exudes warmth and elegance. Wikkels...
Teak
1960s Pair of Vintage Danish Teak Side Tables by Illum Wikkelso
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
A top quality and very smart pair of Danish teak vintage side tables, these are from the Plexus range, designed by Illum Wikkelso and made by CFC Silkeborg. They date from the 1960s ...
Teak
Illum Wikkelso T118 Table
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stylish Danish modern glass top table with a sculptural teak base. Designed by Illum Wikkelso, circa 1950s. Glass top is 1/2 and inch thick. Great piece sure to make an impression in...
Glass, Teak