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.
Adjustable Brass and Bakelite Wall and Table Lamp 306 by Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
The original Kaare Klint Wall and table lamp 306 "Kiplamp". This unusual vintage wall & desk light was designed by Kaare Klint for Le Klint in Denmark. First produced in the 1940s t...
Brass
Le Klint, Scandinavian mid century table or wall lamps, brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in Forserum, SE
A pair of elegant table or wall lamps, model 340, designed by Kaare Klint and produced by the Danish manufacturer Le Klint in the 1950s. The freely adjustable counterweight construct...
Brass
Kaare Klint BV1 wall and table lamp in brass, Bergboms, Sweden, 1950s
By Bergboms, Kaare Klint
Located in Forserum, SE
This exceptional BV1 lamp, designed by renowned Danish architect Kaare Klint in 1945, offers the versatility of both a wall and table fixture. Originally designed for Le Klint as mod...
Brass
Kaare Klint, Table Lamps, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rubber table lamps or wall lights designed by Kaare Klint and likely produced by Le Klint, Denmark, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.25"H x 6"W x 8"D B...
Brass
Vintage Danish Le Klint Table Lamp in Brass & Paper by Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare early partially black model 306 table lamp with a base featuring solid brass accents, bakelite socket with on/of switch and a fluted of-white Le Klint paper shade. Designed by...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Danish Table or Wall Lamp Model 306 by Kaare Klint for Le Klint, 1960s.
By Kaare Klint, Le Klint
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Table or Wall Lamp Model 306 by Kaare Klint for Le Klint, 1960s. Iconic and stylish Danish Mid-Century modern original adjustable wall and table lighting designed by ...
Brass
Le Klint Brass Wall or Table Lamp by Kaare Klint "Model 306", Danish Modern
By Kaare Klint, Le Klint
Located in Odense, DK
Rare black edition of the "model 306" by Kaare Klint for Le Klint. Designed in 1945 the "Kip lamp" as it was known, can be used as either a table or wall lamp due to its ingenious ti...
Brass
Kaare Klint Table Lamp in Mahogany and Hand Folded Le Klint Shade, Denmark 1940s
By Kaare Klint, Le 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
Pair of Table Lamps / Sconces by Kaare Klint (1888-1954), 1950s.
By Kaare Klint
Located in MOUGINS, FR
Pair of brass desk lamps designed by Kaare Klint in 1945 and produced by Le Klint in the 1950s. Klint was inspired by boat lamps, with a tilting system allowing them to remain verti...
Brass
Model 306 Adjustable Table / Wall Lamp by Kaare Klint for Le Klint, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in New York, NY
Early model Danish modern lamps designed by architect Kaare Klint for Le Klint, Model 306. Conceived in the 1940s and produced through the 1950s, the design reflects Klint’s approach...
Brass
Bergboms, Table Lamps, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
By Bergboms
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and fabric table lamps, designed and produced by Bergboms, Sweden, c. 1970s. Wear consistent with age and use. Two spots of discoloration to base. Overall Dimensio...
Brass
$3,584
H 59.06 in Dm 31.5 in
Danish Modern Le Klint Floor Lamp Designed by Vilhelm Wohlert, 1960s, Denmark
By Le Klint, Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in Værløse, DK
An iconic Danish Modern Le Klint 325 floor lamp designed by Vilhelm Wohlert in 1957 and crafted in Oregon pine. This particular vintage version is from th...
Brass
Bergboms, brass and leather table lamp, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Bergboms Scanlight table lamp. Produced in Sweden during the middle of the 20th century. Luxurious design with brass wrapped in leather. A brass b...
Brass
$4,187
H 11.42 in W 5.91 in D 7.88 in
Rare & Adjustable Mid-Century Modern Stilnovo Wall or Table Lamp Italy 1950s
By Stilnovo
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern table / wall lamp by Stilnovo, Itlay, 1950. With adjustable diffusor in original green color. Executed in brass and painted aluminiu...
Aluminum, Brass
Table or Wall Lamp Vienna, 1950s
By Rupert Nikoll
Located in Wien, AT
Table lamp or wall lamp vienna 1950s Brass polished and stove enamelled Rare modell.
Aluminum, Brass
Danish Designer, Table Lamp, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass table lamp designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13.0"H x 6.25"W x 6.25"D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 6.0" Top Diameter x 10.0" Bottom ...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Table Lamp in Brass, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Table lamp in patinated brass, designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition. Comes with a new lampshade.
Brass
Vintage Le Klint Scissor Lamp in Oak from the 1960s
By Le Klint
Located in Søborg, DK
Iconic vintage Le Klint scissor lamp down light in oak from the 1960s. The oak has been lightly sanded and waxed without removing the beautiful dark patina to the wood. In great vin...
Oak
Brass Table Lamps by Bergboms, Sweden, 1970s
By Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Table lamps model B-55 in brass manufactured by Bergboms, Sweden, 1970s.
Brass
$1,579
H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 29.53 in
Le Klint Scissors "Sax" Wall Lamp by Erik Hansen, Model 332, Denmark 1970s
By Erik Hansen, Le Klint
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful vintage example of the iconic Model 332 wall lamp, designed by Erik Hansen for Le Klint in 1952. Commonly referred to as the “Sax” or scissor lamp, this enduring Danish d...
Fabric, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Brass Gooseneck Desk Lamp, Adjustable, USA, 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Small, 1950s brass gooseneck, desk lamp with black paint base and shade Very nice brass accent and adjustable brass neck. A useful little table lamp that can also be used as a wall ...
Metal, Brass
$5,973 / set
H 24.02 in W 17.72 in D 12.01 in
Swedish designer leather and brass table lamps, Bergboms, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of model 'B132' table lamps produced by Bergboms, Sweden, during the 1960s. Adjustable height. Neck wrapped in green leather.
Brass
Kaare Klint, Table Lamps, Brass, Rubber, Sweden, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rubber table lamps or wall lights designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Bergboms, Malmö, Sweden, c. 1950s. With makers stamp as illustrated. Oxidation present ...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in Dm 14.18 in
Classic Danish Mid-Century Table Lamp 306 "Kiplamp" Designed by Kaare Klint
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The grand father of Danish design Kaare Klint designed this beautiful brass lamp in 1945 and added a functionality to the lamp that hasn't been seen before at that time: The lamp cou...
Brass
Large Danish Origami Flush Lamp by Kaare Klint for Le Klint
By ERCO Leuchten, Kaare Klint, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Le Klint, Aloys F. Gangkofner
Located in München, DE
Very beautiful and large Danish ceiling lamp from the 1960s. Wonderful and contemporary design. A highlight for every room. A warm and decorative light is created. Manufacturer: Le ...
Metal
Sold
H 17.72 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Adjustable Brass and Bakelite Wall and Table Lights 306 by Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Le Klint
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
The original Kaare Klint Wall and table lamp 306 "Kiplamp". Set of two. These unusual vintage wall & table lamps were designed by Kaare Klint for Le Klint in Denmark. First produced...
Brass
Adjustable Oak Wall Lamp from Le Klint
By Luxus Vittsjö, Kaare Klint, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Le Klint, Kaiser Idell
Located in München, DE
Wonderful large Danish wall lamp from the 1960s. Exceptional design with a fantastically cozy look. Very nice swiveling and extendable oak arm. The lampshade creates a very cozy atmo...
Fabric, Oak
Kaare KLINT, Teak Scissor Wall Light, Denmark 1960s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This beautiful wall light was designed by Kaare Klint and manufactured in Denmark in the 1950s. It features a teak scissor adjustable lamp arm and a pleat...
Plastic, Teak
Kaare Klint, Table Lamps, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rubber table or wall lights designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Le Klint, Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.5” H x 4.75” W x 7” D...
Brass
Kaare Klint, Table Lamps, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rubber table or wall lights designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Le Klint, Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.4”H x 4.7” W x 7” D D...
Brass
Kaare Klint Early Table or Wall Lamp in Brass for Le Klint, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very early model 306 hybrid wall or table lamp with base in solid tubular brass, bakelite socket and fluted Le Klint shade. Designed by architect and professor Kaare Klint in 1945. This example dates from the 1950s and has a model-correct more recent shade. This Versatile functionalist lamp...
Brass
Kaare Klint Floor Lamp
By Kaare Klint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint (1888, Frederiksberg – 1954, Copenhagen). Floor lamp Model 301 in beautifully patinated solid mahogany. Tapered turned stem with 'rings'. The lamp was designed by K...
Mahogany
Sold
H 19.3 in W 5.91 in D 7.88 in
Adjustable Black Brass and Bakelite Wall or Table Lamp 306 by Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
The original Kaare Klint wall and table lamp 306 "Kiplamp". This unusual vintage wall & desk light was designed by Kaare Klint for Le Klint in Denmark. First produced in the 1940s...
Brass
Sold
H 17.72 in W 7.09 in D 5.91 in
Adjustable Brass and Bakelite Wall and Table Lamp 306 by Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
The original Kaare Klint Wall and table lamp 306 "Kiplamp". This unusual vintage wall & desk light was designed by Kaare Klint for Le Klint in Denmark. First produced in the 1940s...
Brass