Denmark has a long tradition of producing some of the most acclaimed furniture designers of the 20th century. Johannes Andersen is no exception — his name is synonymous with mid-century modern design. He elevated Scandinavian modernism’s prioritization of practicality and space conservation to new heights and worked with luxurious woods like teak, mahogany and rosewood for a range of designs that merged grace and function.
After completing his cabinetmaker apprenticeship in his early 20s, Andersen began to design for several furniture makers, including CFC Silkeborg and Trensum. A few years later, he opened his own workshop and enjoyed success from the outset. Free of the constraints of working under another studio, Andersen quickly developed his own, distinctive style that drew on Danish functionalism and human-centered design.
After the end of World War II, Andersen noticed the worldwide postwar consumption boom and the burgeoning interest in Scandinavian modern design. He took full advantage of this and began to sell his shapely and eye-pleasing tables, chairs and sideboards to markets outside of Denmark. Other Scandinavian manufacturers took notice of Andersen’s work, which led to many successful, career-long collaborations for the furniture maker.
Like Finn Juhl and Alvar Aalto, Andersen was deeply drawn to organic shapes and flowing lines. He transformed furniture’s traditionally square or rectangular panels and surfaces — like the tops of coffee tables and seat-backs of dining room chairs — into imaginative half-moons with rounded corners, beveled edges and fluid contours. His unexpected use of curves is the highlight of his sleek Capri line for Trensum and can be found in his comfortable saddle-shaped Allegra bar stool and playful but elegant Smile coffee table, which sports an anthropomorphic grin in the slot intended to hold magazines.
Andersen wanted his furniture to be compact — he experimented with reducing the footprints of bulky furniture, and his simple, iconic credenzas, sideboards and folding bar cabinets were born. These and other vintage Johannes Andersen furnishings are in high demand today by collectors and mid-century modern enthusiasts all over the world.
On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Johannes Andersen tables, seating, cabinets and other furniture.
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Stamford, CT
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut Johannes Andersen for Trensum Møbelfabrik Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Walnut and Fabric Curvaceou...
Fabric, Walnut
$18,480
H 31.5 in W 64.18 in D 35.44 in
Sofa MP-163, by Percival Lafer, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design
By Percival Lafer
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Crafted by the renowned master Percival Lafer in 1970, this exceptional piece of furniture boasts a striking and comfortable design. Its clean lines and unique details, such as elega...
Steel
$4,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 81.89 in D 31.5 in
Johannes Andersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Sofa in Bordeaux leather
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Dronten, NL
Magnificent 3-seater sofa designed by Johannes Andersen in solid rosewood with a concealed steel frame. The advanced design of this rare sofa makes it appear very light and transpar...
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Two-Seater Sofa by Jens Risom, Walnut Frame, 1955
By Jens Risom
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, vintage Mid-Century Modern American two seater sofa or settee with four pillows, designed and produced by Jens Risom Design, Model U-151, in good condition. The seat, back rest of the divano is slightly inclinated with a button-tufted back and two straight arms, supported by a hand crafted Walnut frame, standing of four small curved wooden feet. Newly upholstered in an orange velvet. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1955, New York, United States. Seat: 18.5" H x 44.5" W x 19.5" D Pillows: 20" H x 20" W x 7" D Jens Risom was a Danish, American furniture designer born in 1916, in Copenhagen, Denmark and passed away in 2016, in New Canaan, United States. He finished his apprenticeship as a designer at the Copenhagen School...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Walnut
$5,600
H 31.5 in W 92.13 in D 33.47 in
Johannes Andersen Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Royal Purple Upholstery and Oak
By AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Andersen for Trensums Fatöljfabrik, sofa, fabric, oak, Sweden, 1960s Swedish three-seat sofa designed by Johannes Andersen in the 1960s. The curved sofa features a striking...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
Danish Two Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s Wonderful Danish two seat sofa. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in good condition, showin...
Leather, Wood
Custom Modern Curved Sofa in Grey Textured Linen
By Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom modern curved sofa in grey textured linen. Designed and handcrafted here at Carrocel in Toronto Canada. A true masterpiece of design and styling. This sofa is made to order wi...
Fabric, Wood
$6,436
H 35.44 in W 84.65 in D 39.38 in
Gigi Radice Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet Curved Sofa for Minotti, 1950s
By Minotti, Gigi Radice
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Sofa designed by Gigi Radice for Minotti. Made with solid wood structure and ivory velvet upholstery and polished brass legs. The sofa is authentic, only the upholstery has been repl...
Brass
Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa
Located in Dronten, NL
Classic compact Danish 1940s sofa in original dark grey/brown upholstery. One-off piece made in the high end old school way with straps and horsehair interior that is made to last fo...
Fabric, Wood
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 108 in D 57 in
Custom Mid-Century Modern Inspired Curved Sofa Couch by Carrocel
Located in North York, ON
Custom Mid-Century Modern inspired curved sofa couch by Carrocel. Custom hand crafted by the artisans at Carrocel in a sleek modern fabric with unique curved design. Includes 2 match...
Fabric, Wood
$11,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 75 in D 30 in
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Settee Sofas
Located in North York, ON
Pair of Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Settee Sofas. Iconic Mid-Century design, 1970’s America. Masterfully restored in an ebony wood finish with brass foot caps. Completed in a l...
Brass
Alain Delon "Salon" Three Seat Sofa in Taupe Upholstery
By Maison Jansen, Alain Delon
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alain Delon for Maison Jansen, three seat sofa, fabric, France, 1970s. This ornate, comfortable sofa has a strong and playful design. The high, webbed back gives perfect support for...
Fabric, Wood
1960's Vintage Danish Sofa by Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning vintage Danish sofa, designed by Johannes Andersen. This model is called the ‘Hollywood’, it was made in Denmark by Trensum...
Bouclé, Oak