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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: Sigmar
Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Oak framed Classic sofa designed by Kaare Klint and made by Mastercabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. Beautiful crisscross frame-work. Original upholstery which will make a statement in any...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Marthe Armitage X Sigmar, Kaare Klint 4118 Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
This reupholstered Kaare Klint 4118 sofa is the centrepiece of our recent collaboration with Marthe Armitage Prints for London Design Festival 2023. ...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Kaare Klint Model 4118 Two-Seat Box Sofa by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A two-seat 4118 settee designed by Kaare Klint and made by a master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1940. The exquisitely sharp yet flowing lines of the sofa make the h...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Linen, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Model 5313 Two-Seat Leather Settee by Rud Rasmussen, 1935
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A two-seat model 5313 settee designed by Kaare Klint in 1935 and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, between 1935-1945. The economy of line in this design is su...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A vintage model 6092 three to four seat sofa designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940. The settee stands on eight tapered solid mahogany legs which give the design gracefulness and lightness despite its size. The sofa is upholstered in its original 'Greek Fabric...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Two-Seat Model 4118 Settee Made by Rud Rasmussen, circa 1940
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A two-seat 4118 settee designed by Kaare Klint and made by cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1940. The exquisitely sharp yet flowing lines of the sofa make the high-le...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Related Items
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 in Original Cognac Leather Rud Rasmussen, Denmark
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Two-seater sofa model 5011 in original cognac leather and six-legged mahogany base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather. Back covered in original canvas. Shown at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition in 1935. Signed with decal 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: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol.2, pg 94. 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 chair...
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Niger Leather 1930s, Scandinavian Modern
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern Rare 3-seater sofa model no 5011 designed by Kaare Klint and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussens Snedkerier in...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Mahogany, Leather

Safari Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Portland, OR
Iconic original safari chair by professor Kaare Klint. Designed 1927. This version dates to the 1960s and is executed in solid ash. Nice patina to the wood, and left unrestored. The ...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint. A three-seat sofa with mahogany legs, seat, sides and back with blue-, red- and whitestriped Greek Savak. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
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/...
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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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 Leather Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
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Early 20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Leather Settee
Kaare Klint Leather Settee
H 36 in W 52 in D 30 in
1940, Kaare Klint Model 3758 Mahogany Barcelona Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Knebel, DK
The Barcelona chairs were designed between 1927 and 1932 by Kaare Klint, who is considered to be the father of modern Danish furniture design. This chair was made by cabinetmaker R...
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1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Sofa Model 6092 with Savak Wool
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in London, GB
Three-seater sofa with eight tapering mahogany legs. Sides, seat and back upholstered with striped savak wool presumably in the last 10-20 years with natural leather pipings. Model 6...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint Sofa Model 6092 with Savak Wool
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 6092 with Savak Wool
H 34.26 in W 80.71 in D 31.5 in
Safari Chair by Kaare Klint, 1969
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning safari chair designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen’s Snedkerier, with patinated ash frame, seat, back, straps and l...
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Safari Chair by Kaare Klint, 1969
Safari Chair by Kaare Klint, 1969
H 32 in W 22.5 in D 23 in
Kaare Klint Model 4118 Box Sofa, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Rare Kaare Klint Model 4118 two-seat box sofa with profiled cross legged mahogany frame. Made by Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Upholstered...
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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 by Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers.
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Kaare Klint Bergere for Rud, Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Bergere for Rud, Rasmussen
H 36.23 in W 23.63 in D 28.75 in
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint three seat sofa with eight legs of Mahogany. Seat, sides and back upholstered with blue, red and white striped "Savak" wool, niger leather edgings. Executed by Rud. Rasmu...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Mahogany, Leather, Wool

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
Previously Available Items
Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A vintage model 6092 three to four seat sofa designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940. The settee stands on eight tapered solid mahogany legs which give the design gracefulness and lightness despite its size. The sofa is upholstered in its original 'Greek Fabric...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
H 34.26 in W 78.75 in D 27.56 in
Kaare Klint, Model 5763 Armoire Mahogany and Oak Cabinet, 1938
By Kaare Klint
Located in London, GB
An armoire in mahogany and oak designed by Kaare Klint and made by master cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen, Denmark. The tall, floor standing, cabinet, assigned model number 5763, was desi...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Mahogany

Kaare Klint Cuban Mahogany and Black Leather Model 5313 Chair, Early Production
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A Cuban mahogany model 5313 easy chair designed by Kaare Klint in 1936 and made by Master cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen in Denmark, between 1936-1945. The economy of line in this desi...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Model 6687 Lounge Table in Mahogany, Rud. Rasmussen, Danish, 1940s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A model 6687 lounge table in mahogany designed by Kaare Klint in 1929 and made by cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, circa 1940. On first inspection the design of the table seem...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

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Mahogany

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A vintage three-seat sofa by Kaare Klint, Denmark, 1940s. Reupholstered in a radiant green fabric with cognac leather trim, the sofa stands on eight solid mahogany legs and has six c...
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Leather, Canvas, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa
H 35.83 in W 75.2 in D 31.5 in
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Model 4118 Settee Made by Rud Rasmussen, circa 1940
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A two-seat 4118 settee designed by Kaare Klint and made by cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1940. The exquisitely sharp yet flowing lines of the sofa make the high-le...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Kaare Klint ‘Red’ Chair, Model No. 4751 by Rud, Rasmussen, circa 1930
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A fantastically well aged ‘Red’ chair designed by Kaare Klint for the Danish Museum of Art and Design’s lecture room, Copenhagen, circa 1930. Formally known as the model no. 4751, th...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Barcelona Armchair #1
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Vintage Barcelona Armchair model 3758A designed in 1927 by Kaare Klint and made by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1930. The armchair was named aft...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Mahogany

Barcelona Armchair #1
Barcelona Armchair #1
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in
Barcelona Armchair #2
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A vintage Barcelona Armchair model 3758A designed in 1927 by Kaare Klint made by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1930. The design won a prize at th...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Canvas, Mahogany

Barcelona Armchair #2
Barcelona Armchair #2
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 21.66 in
Kaare Klint Card Table Model No 5042 and Four Chairs No 7214
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A rare card table and four chairs suite designed by Kaare Klint in 1934 and made by Rud Rasmussen in 1960s. The tabletop consists of two halves, both made of three layers of wood, e...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint 'Bergere' Chairs, Model 4488, Made by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A pair of 'Bergere' or 'English Chairs' designed by Kaare Klint in 1932 and made by the cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, in the early 1940s. The chairs have solid mahogany ...
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Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Upholstery, Cane, Mahogany, Rosewood

Kaare Klint Mahogany Set of Three Nesting Tables by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Set of three Mahogany nesting tables designed by Kaare Klint and made by Rud Rasmussen. The proportions of the tables are exquisite and they nest together flush to each other. The qu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

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.

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