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.
Set of Four Klint Red Chairs, Rud Rasmussen, Niger Leather and Mahogany
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern Design. An extraordinary set of four Kaare Klint red chairs, executed by cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. Profiled...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint KK47000 "Safari" Chair in Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Utrecht, NL
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari chair is a refined version of the chairs brought on an African safari by an American cinematographer and his wife. Klint noticed the chairs in the couple’s photos, and they were most likely based on Roorkhee Chairs, the seminal pieces of British campaign furniture used by the military...
Leather, Wood
Safari Chair by Kaare Klindt in Cognac Leather
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Karlstad, SE
Classic Safari chair by Kaare Klindt, manufactured by Rud Rasmusen, Denmark. This chair shows perfect original patina on the leather. Condition: The leather is well taken care of an...
Leather, Ash
Early Kaare Klint Red Chairs in Cuban Mahogany, circa 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Oakland, CA
Early model "Red" chairs model 3758 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen c1930s with original Niger leather with brass nails on Cuban Mahogany frames. Very rare design with orig...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Deck Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint deck chair in teak with brass fittings. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Cane, Teak
Set of ten Red Chair' dining chairs By Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of Ten 'Red Chair' Dining Chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1928 This set of ten dining chairs, known as the Red Chair, was designed by Kaare Klint in 1928 for D...
Leather, Mahogany
Armchair ‘The Red Chair’ Model 3758a Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair ‘The Red Chair’ Model 3758A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1930s. Mahogany, leather upholstery, and brass. This example was produced after 1930. The design detailing of this magnificent chair...
Brass
Armchair in Cuban Mahogany and Niger Leather by Kaare Klint, 1930's
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Armchair in Cuban Mahogany and Niger Leather by Kaare Klint, 1930's Additional Information: Material: Cuban mahogany and niger leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare armchair...
Mahogany, Leather
Pair of Kaare Klint Safari Lounge Chairs for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish lounge chairs designed by Kaare Klint in 1933 and produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1960s. This pair features an ash wood frame strapped together by camel-colored leather sling...
Brass
Set of six scandinavian chairs in turned wood with straw seat.
By Kaare Klint
Located in Milano, IT
COD-750 Six chairs in turned wood with straw seat. Attr. Kaare Klint, Denmark 1940's.
Straw
Midcentury Danish Design Lounge Chair in Patianted Leather by Klint
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Safari chair in leather. Designed by Maa. Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers of Denmark in 1933. Great original condition.
Leather, Ash
Pair of Safari Easy Chairs in Ash, Brass and Leather by Kaare Klint, 1950's
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Safari Easy Chairs in Ash, Brass and Leather by Kaare Klint, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Ash, brass and leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rud...
Brass
$11,366 / set
Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint pair of armchairs in mahogany and Niger leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNED...
Leather, Mahogany
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant Scandinavian Modern armchair / side chair designed by Kaare Klint featuring Cuban mahogany and the original natural leather upholstery. Made in Denmark by Rud Rasmussen ci...
Mahogany, Leather
Kaare Klint "Church" Chair in Stained Beechwood & Papercord, Fritz Hansen, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Early example of Kaare Klints iconic "Church" chair designed in 1936 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen. This beautifully worn piece retains the original papercord seat and...
Papercord, Beech
Kaare Klint Armchair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'red chair' in Cuban mahogany. Upholstered with Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, 1934-1938. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RA...
Mahogany, Leather
Kaare Klint Kirkestol, Fritz Hansen, 1940s Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Balen, BE
Historically important chair, the kirkestol or church chair, designed in 1936 by the godfather of Danish modern design Kaare Klint for the Bethlehem Church and became iconic for its ...
Papercord, Beech
Pair of Klint Chairs-Black Lacquered Oak/Natural Paper Cord-for Fredericia
By Kaare Klint, Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
The Klint Chair, designed in 1936, epitomises the philosophy of its creator, Kaare Klint, who laid the foundations for Danish design and inspired great designers such as Børge Mogens...
Papercord, Oak
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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/...
Brass
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 mokka aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Ru...
Leather, Ash
$2,483 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair, Black Leather & Ash Frame, Denmark, 1960s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Straps in new butt leather. Frame in solid ash black laquered ash. Model Safari chair, m...
Leather, Ash
$2,483 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair by Rud Rasmussen, Ash Frame & Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated lea...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint the "Red Chair" for Rud Rasmussen Model 3758
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Vienna, AT
Mahogany frame covered in Indian red leather designed by Kaare Klint in 1927 for the lecture hall of the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen...
Beech
$6,400 / set
H 31.5 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. ...
Leather, Wood, Ash
$3,552 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair with ottoman
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. With ottoman. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Rud Rasmussen.
Leather, Ash
On Hold|$4,499 / set
H 35.04 in W 22.45 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint a pair of armchairs in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGADE/KØBENHAVN and architect's monogrammed pa...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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/...
Brass
$29,244 / set
H 35.83 in W 24.02 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Kaare Klint Model 4488 Bergere Chairs in Mahogany and Rosewood
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in London, England
Kaare Klint - Model 4488 Bergere Chairs, 1931. A stunning pair of the iconic Bergere chairs by the father of the Danish Modern movement: Kaare Klint. The chairs were produced by mas...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
$7,800
H 31.89 in W 49.61 in D 28.35 in
Pristine Wingback Chair in Patinated Leather by Kaare Klint, 1940s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking wingback chair in patinated black leather, designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen in 1946 model 5313. Made in Denmark. Original condition.
Leather, Rosewood
Safari Chair in Black Leather Wood Brass
By M. Hayat & Bros Ltd.
Located in Waalwijk, NL
M. Hayat & Brothers Pakistani, 'Safari' lounge chair, leather, stained wood, brass, Pakistan, 1970s This Safari-inspired armchair exemplifies refined elegance through its meticulou...
Brass
$22,000
H 35.83 in W 76.19 in D 30.32 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Sofa '5011' in Cognac Leather and Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, sofa model '5011', leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1935, made 1960s Kaare Klint originally designed the present three-seat sofa, known as 5011, in ...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.37 in D 17.72 in
1914 Faaborg Chair – Iconic Danish Design by Kaare Klint with Curved Cane Back
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
W: 69.5 cm / 2' 3 3/8" D: 47 cm / 1' 6 1/2" H: 73 cm / 2' 4 3/4" SH: 43 cm / 1' 4 15/16"
Leather, Rattan, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Pair of Red Chairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint a pair of Red Chairs in mahogany, niger leather and brass. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Pair ‘Safari’ Easy Chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Bochum, NRW
Lovely pair ‘Safari’ model 4700 easy chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s. This set features a frame made out of stained oak with leather straps. Frame in oak with ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud Rasmussen, Original Niger Leather and Mahogany frame
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen - Scandinavian Modern A beautiful Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' or 'Barcelona Chair' by Kaare Klint with deep patina in original Niger leather, profiled legs o...
Leather, Mahogany
Pair Of Kaare Klint KK47000 Safari Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint, Danish 1888-1954 Two safari chairs, model KK4700 by Kaare Klint. Solid ash with beautifully patinated cognac leather. For Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s. Original unto...
Leather, Ash
Sold
H 33.25 in W 20.5 in D 20 in
Set of 13 Kaare Klint Church Chairs for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Fritz Hansen, Kaare Klint
Located in Norwalk, CT
Step into a world where history, craftsmanship, and artistry converge with our exquisite set of 13 Kaare Klint Church Chairs, exclusively cura...
Beech
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 21.26 in
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers Denmark, 1914. Mahogany, woven cane, and leather. Designed in 1914 for the Faaborg Museum. This example ...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Sold
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 21.26 in
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘The Faaborg Chair’ designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers Denmark, 1914. Mahogany, woven cane and leather. Designed in 1914 for the Faaborg Museum. This example w...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Set of 8 Kaare Klint Red Chairs, Niger Leather, Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern Design. An extraordinary set of eight Kaare Klint red chairs, executed by cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. (8 chair...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.4 in D 22.4 in
KK47000 Safari Chair in Ash Oil with Natural Fabric by Kaare Klint ** Custom
By Kaare Klint, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Burlington, NJ
*** ASH OIL finish is a discontinued finish. Please note it's proclivity to yellow over time. This is a custom made-to-order request, and no returns will be accepted. *** Kaare Klint...
Ash
Kaare Klint Armchair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'red chair' in walnut. Upholstered with Niger leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, 1934-1938. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØR...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 22.45 in W 22.45 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Midcentury Danish Design Lounge Chairs in Canvas by Kaare Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of safari chairs in canvas. Designed by Maa. Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers of Denmark in 1933. Great condition.
Leather, Ash, Canvas