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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: DENMARK 50
Set of 4 Kaare Klint "Red Chairs"
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Mahogany Kaare Klint "Red Chairs" in brown Leather. Produced by Rud Rasmussen. One signed with label, the other 3 have markings where paper label was. Totally restored.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Armchair Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Mahogany frame. Marked with Rud Rasmussen and Kaare Klint's label. Arm Height is 27.75"
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint armchair designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Armchair Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Mahogany frame. Marked with Rud Rasmussen and Kaare Klint's label. Arm Height is 27.75"
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Fabric

Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Armchairs Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Mahogany frame. Marked with Rud Rasmussen and Kaare Klint's label. Arm Height is 27.75"
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Armchair Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Mahogany frame. Marked with Rud Rasmussen and Kaare Klint's label. Arm Height is 27.75"
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Armchair Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Mahogany frame. Marked with Rud Rasmussen and Kaare Klint's label. Arm Height is 27.75"
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint armchair designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Related Items
Exceptional pair of iconic Kaare Klint Mix Chairs in Niger Leather and Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KAARE KLINT & RUD RASMUSSEN SNEDKERIER SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A rare pair Kaare Klint and the iconic “Mix Chairs”, mahogany frame, upholstered in Nigerian goat hide and brass nails. Nigerian goat hide is very thick with natural patina, hence extremely durable due to its tight grain which with time gives the surface a beautiful sheen. Executed by cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark. An iconic piece of design and a collector's items. ABOUT Kaare Klint – the father of Danish Furniture Design – was also a pioneer in teaching. As head of the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen (1923-1954), he organised the department more as an architectural office, where he has lecturer, not only gave good advice but also sat down with the students at the drawings boards. Kaare Klint’s mix...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier). Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations. Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23. Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments. Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory. Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern design The iconic "The Red Chair" by Kaare Klint, model KK 3758A. Designed in 1927, executed in the 1950s by Rud. Rasmus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Pair of Red Chairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint pair of red chairs in mahogany, black horsehair and brass nails. Version of the chair with upholstered arms. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen,...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint pair of Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in grand Lancy, CH
Kaare Klint pair of Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Kaare Klint pair of Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
Kaare Klint pair of Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
H 34.26 in W 22.05 in D 22.05 in
Rare Set of Four Kaare Klint Armchairs in Mahogany and Niger Leather, 1920’s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Valby, 84
A rare and highly collectible set of four Kaare Klint armchairs, crafted from solid mahogany and upholstered in Niger leather. These chairs are a unique variation of the original des...
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

2020 KK37580 Dining Chair by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Walnut & Leather
By Kaare Klint, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a KK37580 Large "Red Chair" designed by Kaare Klint, produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The chair is made with a solid oiled walnut frame and a tan leather ...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Foam

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Pair of Safari chairs new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Ash

Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Four Dining Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of four dining chairs, fabric, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1928, made 1950s These dining chairs were designed in 1928 and made ...
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Kaare Klint "Safari chair" in patinated original cognac brown leather. Designed by Kaare Klint in 1933, produced by Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark.  
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather

Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint, a Pair of Safari Chairs in Ash & Leather, Rud. Rasmussen, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
A gorgeous pair of vintage Safari chairs in a lovely patinated cognac leather and solid ash. Designed in 1933 by Kaare Klint and manufactured by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood, Ash

Previously Available Items
Kaare Klint Leather Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Leather Settee
Kaare Klint Leather Settee
H 36 in W 52 in D 30 in
Set of 6 Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 6 Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Beech

Set of 6 Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
Set of 6 Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
H 35 in W 23 in L 35 in
Kaare Klint X Base Sofa
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint X-base sofa, Model #4118. Designed in 1930 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint X Base Sofa
Kaare Klint X Base Sofa
H 34 in W 78 in D 32 in
Set of Eight Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight Kaare Klint dining chairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Sofa
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint sofa designed in 1940 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Reupholstered in Alexander Girard fabric. NOTE: I have another one in need of reup...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Sofa
Kaare Klint Sofa
H 35 in W 81 in D 31 in
Set of Eight Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight Kaare Klint dining chairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Set of Eight Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
Set of Eight Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 21.5 in
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
H 35 in W 23 in D 22 in
Kaare Klint Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Has Tan leather piping. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Settee
Kaare Klint Settee
H 36 in W 52 in D 30 in
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
H 35 in W 23.5 in D 21 in
Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten Kaare Klint dining chairs in mahogany. Designed In 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Note: These chairs match the pair of armchairs I have on 1st Dibs.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
H 34 in W 20.5 in D 21 in
Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of ten Kaare Klint dining chairs in mahogany designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
H 33.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint X-base sofa, Model #4118. Designed in 1930 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Wool fabric with red leather piping. Cuban mahogany base. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DOD...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
H 34.5 in W 78 in D 32 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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