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Kaare Klint Furniture

Danish, 1888-1954

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.

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Creator: Kaare Klint
Dealer: Galleri Feldt
Early Kaare Klint Armchair, 1930, in Cuban Mahogany and Nigerian Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Early Kaare Klint 'Red chair' with frame of Cuban mahogany and original patinated Nigerian leather. Designed 1930 and executed at Rud. Rasmussen, De...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Pair of Kaare Klint Bergere Chairs
Pair of Kaare Klint Bergere Chairs
H 36.23 in W 24.22 in D 25.6 in
Early Kaare Klint 'Red' Chair
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Located in Copenhagen, DK
The large version Kaare Klint 'Red' chair. Designed 1927 and executed by cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. This is an early version from the 1920s, underside with manufactu...
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Early Kaare Klint 'Red' Chair
Early Kaare Klint 'Red' Chair
H 34.85 in W 22.84 in D 18.71 in L 34.85 in
Kaare Klint Pair of 'Safari Chairs' for Rud. Rasmussen
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A pair of Kaare Klint 'Safari chairs' with ash frame, upholstered with original patinated natural leather. Designed by Kaare Klint 1933, manufactured by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhage...
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Foldable Kaare Klint Gaming table
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Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Cuban mahogany games or small dining table. Foldable top and adjustable frame of solid Cuban mahogany, hidden tray for smaller storage. ...
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1930s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

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Foldable Kaare Klint Gaming table
Foldable Kaare Klint Gaming table
H 27.56 in W 36.23 in D 27.96 in
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By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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Kaare Klint Cuban mahogany games or small dining table. Foldable top and adjustable frame of solid Cuban mahogany. Hidden tray for smaller storage. Designed by Kaare Klint 19...
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1930s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Games Table in Cuban Mahogany
Kaare Klint Games Table in Cuban Mahogany
H 27.76 in W 36.03 in D 18.12 in

Kaare Klint furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Kaare Klint furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Kaare Klint furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 198 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kaare Klint were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Rud Rasmussen, Peter Hvidt, and Henning Kjærnulf. Prices for Kaare Klint furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $765 and can go as high as $148,124, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.
Questions About Kaare Klint Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In 1933, Kaare Klint created the safari stool for noted furniture retailer Carl Hansen and Son. This chair was inspired by an officer’s chair Klint saw in a travel guide. It was one of the first DIY pieces of furniture that came unassembled but was easily put together without tools. Shop a collection of Carl Hansen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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