Architect, teacher and furniture designer Kaare Klint is among the most important figures in Scandinavian modernism. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint sought to pay homage to historical furniture styles and prized functionality as essential to designing for modern living. He established the design school at Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and his students became mid-century legends of cabinetry and furniture-making.
Klint prioritized functionalism and drew on an array of influences in his own work. Furniture experts will observe the influence of 18th-century English seating in his Red chair, while Klint’s iconic Safari chair had roots in campaign furniture. The other exemplary chairs, sofas and tables for which he is known bear the mark of Thomas Chippendale and Biedermeier furniture as well as Greek and Roman forms.
Klint's father was Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint, a formidable architect of his day. The younger Klint initially followed in his father’s footsteps, studying under him as well as distinguished architect Carl Petersen. Alongside Danish architect Ivar Bentsen, he headed the renovation of the Designmuseum Denmark in Copenhagen from 1920–26 (Klint also furnished the institution as part of the project). Around the same time, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the Royal Danish Academy. The impact of his role as an instructor there cannot be overstated — he mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher.
A prominent advocate of ergonomics, Klint valued comfort and functionality over style. Painstaking research went into each piece of sophisticated yet wholly unadorned furniture he designed, as he endeavored to build structures that took into consideration human proportions and scale. And like the Shakers, Klint believed that quality craftsmanship and good materials were integral to the design of durable furniture that was free of embellishment.
The humble grace of Klint’s style characterizes legendary seating designs that continue to charm today’s legions of mid-century modern enthusiasts. His Safari chair, Faaborg chair, Ravenna armchair and Propeller stool — as well as most of the seating created by Danish modernists generally — have warmed interiors and influenced furniture designers all over the world.
Find vintage Kaare Klint furniture and other Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.
2020 KK48650 Addition Sofa by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Oak & Black Leather
By Kaare Klint, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a KK48650 Addition Sofa designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid oak frame and Thor black leather seat/b...
Leather, Oak
Set of Six Dining Room Chairs "Kirkestolen" by Kaare Kllint for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Kaare Klint
Located in Vienna, AT
Beech frame, papercord seat, designed by Kaare Klint for Fritz Hansen in the 1960s in Denmark. Price for "as is" restoration on request possible.
Beech
Kaare Klint Table Lamp in Mahogany and Hand Folded Le Klint Shade, Denmark 1940s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
Early Le Klint table lamp Model 301 in beautifully patinated solid mahogany wood with hand folded Le Klint shade. The lamp was designed by Kaare Klint in the 1940s and is associated ...
Acrylic, Ash
Model 9662 - Faaborg chair in mahogany by Kaare Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model 9662 - ‘Faaborg Chair’ in mahogany with seat in patinated natural leather. Designed by Kaare Klint made by Rud Rasmussen.
Leather, Mahogany
Minimalistic Coffee Mahogany Table by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Denmark 1934
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in München, BY
Exceptional coffee table in a minimalistic design by Kaare Klint. 1932. Manufactured by Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark in 1934 (by Rud Rasmussen confirmed). Makers label under th...
Wood
Extending Dining Table by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 4229 dining table in solid mahogany with two extension leaves.
Mahogany
Kaare Klint "Nørrevold" Armchair with Original Leather by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare armchair designed by Kaare Klint, model "Nørrevold," produced by Rud Rasmussen in Copenhagen. Crafted in solid mahogany, the chair retains its original patinated leather upholst...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Black Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Kaare Klint "Safari chair" in patinated black leather with original seat cushion. Designed by Kaare Klint in 1933, produced by Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark.
Leather
Kaare Klint Safari Chair in Cognac Leather, Danish Design, 1933, Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in PARIS, FR
Ce fauteuil Safari est une version rafinée créée en 1933 par le père du design danois Kaare Klint, de la chaise de campagne Roorkhee des officiers angl...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Kaare Klint Black Leather Safari Chairs, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of Kaare Klint "Safari chair" in patinated black leather with original seat cushions. Designed by Kaare Klint in 1933, produced by Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark.
Leather
Pair of Safari Lounge chairs by Kaare Klint, Rasmussen, Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of Safari lounge chairs by Kaare Klint, Rasmussen, Denmark Pair of Safari Lounge Chairs, in leather and wood, model KK47000 by Kaare Klint (1888-1954) for Rud. Rasmussen Snedke...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Pristine Midcentury Lounge Chairs in Patinated Leather by Kaare Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of safari chairs in patinated leather. Designed by Maa. Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinetmakers of Denmark in 1933. Great original condition.
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Dinning Table for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint dinning table in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGAD/KØBENHAVN, pencilled serial nu...
Mahogany
Midcentury Danish Design Lounge Chair in Patianted Leather by Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Safari chair in leather. Designed by Maa. Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers of Denmark in 1933. Great original condition.
Leather, Ash
Faaborg Chair Model 9662 Made In Mahogany By Kaare Klint For Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Faaborg Chair made in light mahogany with wicker. Designed by Kaare Klint and made by Rud Rasmussen. Early model from 1950s. The Chair is in great condition. Dimensions: H:73,5cm ...
Mahogany
Pair of Klint Armchairs-Oiled Oak/Natural Paper Cord-Kaare Klint for Fredericia
By Fredericia, Kaare Klint
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The Klint Chair, designed in 1936, epitomises the philosophy of its creator, Kaare Klint, who laid the foundations for Danish design and inspired great designers such as Børge Mogens...
Papercord, Oak
$30,208 / set
Kaare Klint Addition Sofa for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Sectional sofa/stools in mahogany and leather. Executed by cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark
Mahogany
Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.
By Kaare Klint
Located in Milano, IT
COD-750 Six chairs in turned wood with straw seat. Attr. Kaare Klint, Denmark 1940's.
Straw
Klint Armchair-Oiled Oak/Natural Paper Cord, by Kaare Klint for Fredericia
By Fredericia, Kaare Klint
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The Klint Chair, designed in 1936, epitomises the philosophy of its creator, Kaare Klint, who laid the foundations for Danish design and inspired great designers such as Børge Mogens...
Papercord, Oak
Kaare Klint, Barcelona chairs model 3758, set of four
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Barcelona chairs model 3758, set of four Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Denmark, 1937 vinyl, oak 35 h x 22.5 w x 18.5 d in (89 x 57 x 47 cm) Decal manufacturer's label to u...
Oak
$27,772
KK 5313 Sofa by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5313 - 3-seater sofa in black Niger leather and legs in mahogany. Design 1935. Maker Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather
Kaare Klint Easy Chairs Model 5313 Produced by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model 5313 designed by Kaare Klint. Produced by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak, Wool
Kaare Klint Bergere for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint bergere of mahogany. Sides, seat and back with woven cane. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with patinated leather. Executed...
Leather, Mahogany, Rosewood
2021 Carl Hansen KK47000 Safari Chair by Kaare Klint in Cognac Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Kaare Klint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK47000 Safari Lounge made with an oiled ash wood frame and cognac leather seat. The chair, designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to c...
Leather, Ash
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and finely detailed armchair mahogany that retains its original striated horsehair fabric, leather welting and patinated brass tacks.
Brass
Pair of coffee tables, designed by Kaare Klint Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of coffee tables, designed by Kaare Klint, Denmark, 1950s. H: 54 cm / 1' 9 1/4" W: 53.5 cm / 1' 9 1/16" D: 53.5 cm / 1' 9 1/16"
Mahogany
Kaare Klint Easy Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint easy chair with legs of mahogany. Seat, sides and back upholstered with blue wool. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper...
Wool, Mahogany
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant Scandinavian Modern armchair / side chair designed by Kaare Klint featuring Cuban mahogany and the original natural leather upholstery. Made in Denmark by Rud Rasmussen ci...
Mahogany, Leather
2021 KK48651 Addition Sofa / Bench in Leather w/ Dark Wood Legs by Kaare Klint
By Carl Hansen, Kaare Klint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK48651 Addition Sofa made with a tan leather seat and walnut legs (or perhaps dark stained oak). The bench, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in De...
Leather, Wood
2021 KK48650 Addition Sofa by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Walnut w/ Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Kaare Klint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK48650 Addition Sofa designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid walnut legs and full grain grey seat/back. The sof...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Klint Armchair in Black Lacquered Oak/Natural Paper Cord by Kaare Klint
By Fredericia, Kaare Klint
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The Klint Chair, designed in 1936, epitomises the philosophy of its creator, Kaare Klint, who laid the foundations for Danish design and inspired great designers such as Børge Mogens...
Papercord, Oak
Pair of Klint Chairs-Black Lacquered Oak/Natural Paper Cord-for Fredericia
By Kaare Klint, Fredericia
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The Klint Chair, designed in 1936, epitomises the philosophy of its creator, Kaare Klint, who laid the foundations for Danish design and inspired great designers such as Børge Mogens...
Papercord, Oak
Price Upon Request
Mix Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Radmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in San Francisco, CA
A “Mix” lounge chair by Kaare Klint made in the Rud Rasmussen factory. Upholstered in a deep cordovan leather with a mahogany frame. The top has a convex shape while the seat is conc...
Leather, Mahogany