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
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 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
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
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
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
$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
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
$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
Double Arm Brass Table Lamp, Sweden 1950s
By ASEA, Bergboms
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This unusual double arm table lamp was designed and manufactured in Sweden in the 1950s. It features a brass base with a clip-on off white linen lampshades. The lampshades can be mov...
Brass
Brass 1950s Sputnik Table Lamp
Located in Highland, IN
The "Sputnik" lamp was a popular design in the 1950s. The original was designed in 1954 by Gino Sarfatti and made by Lightolier as part of his "Astral" series. Many other manufacture...
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
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.45 in W 4.34 in D 14.97 in
Brass Table / Wall Lamp By Jean Boris Lacroix For Falkenbergs, Sweden 1950s
By Jean Boris Lacroix, Falkenbergs Belysning
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful designed table / wall lamp by Jean Boris Lacroix for Falkenbers Belysning in Sweden in the 1950s. The lamp is made of brass with a aluminum patrol color perforated shade an...
Aluminum, 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
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
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
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
Sold
H 16.15 in Dm 8.67 in
Le Klint Brass Wall or Table Lamps by Kaare Klint "Model 306", Danish Modern
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
Set of iconic "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 tilting mechan...
Brass
Sold
H 14.97 in W 5.12 in D 11.03 in
Kaare Klint, Adjustable Wall light / Table Lamp, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1950s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage wall light / table lamp by Kaare Klint for Le Klint. Designed in the 1940s. This example produced, circa 1950s-1960s. Illustrated used as a wall light, however is also a...
Brass
Sold
H 18.12 in Dm 12.6 in
Elegant & Rare Table Lamp or Wall Light by Kaare Klint for Le Klint Denmark
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern table lamp or wall light 'Kiplamp'. Designed by Kaare Klint for Le Klint, Denmark, 1950s. With original paper lamp shade. Executed in...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 11.25 in W 4.75 in D 7 in
Kaare Klint, Adjustable Modernist Table Lamp, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1970s
By Le Klint, Kaare Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage table lamp by Kaare Klint for Le Klint. Designed in the 1940s. This example produced circa 1970s. The lampshade is not included in purchase. Stated dimensions excluding ...
Brass