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.
Safari Chair by Kaare Klindt in Cognac Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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
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
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
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
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
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
Midcentury Danish Design Lounge Chair in Patianted Leather by Klint
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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
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
Pair of Klint Chairs-Black Lacquered Oak/Natural Paper Cord-for Fredericia
By Fredericia, Kaare Klint
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
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
$2,498 / 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
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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
$1,784 / set
H 35.44 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Pair of beechwood chairs with straw seat in the style of Charlotte Perriand
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Saint Ouen, France
Pair of beechwood chairs with straw seat in the style of Charlotte Perriand Charlotte Perriand was inspired by the Japanese rice straw designs. She uses the look of their mino, a rain cape...
Straw, Beech
$2,498 / 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
Abel Gonzalez Sling Safari Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Abel Gonzalez, sling safari chair, wood, leather, brass, Argentina, 1960s. This safari chair by the Argentinian designer Abel Gonzalez is based on a pro...
Brass
$2,950
H 34.6 in W 22.8 in D 21.6 in
2020 KK37580 Dining Chair by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Walnut & Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Kaare Klint
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 ...
Leather, Walnut, Foam
$3,568 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair with ottoman
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
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
$3,350 / set
H 31.11 in W 15.83 in D 18.19 in
Set of Six French Dining Chairs with Red Wooden Frame and Straw Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, straw, France, 1960s. Stunning set of French chairs with red beech frames and classic organic straw seats. This set of six dining chairs features a ...
Straw, Beech
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.
Leather
$4,960 / set
H 31.89 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint "Safari" Lounge Chairs in Black Leather & Ash, Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "Safari" chairs in deeply patinated black leather and dark stained solid ash. Designed by Kaare Klint in the 1930s and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud. Ras...
Leather, Ash
$2,617
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 24.7 in
Early Karin Mobring Model Cognac Leather Safari Lounge Chair Vintage Ikea, 1970s
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful design and amazing original condition chair. The design and the look and feel of this rare chair reminded me of what someone once taught me about good sculptures, "they look great from all angles". And what is particularly important for a chair, that it is very comfortable to sit in as well. Which it is. In this world people have very different thoughts about IKEA furniture and they are all right. Simply, because people all have different ideas about designs and quality and durabilty etc. The reality is that IKEA has never been bigger or more popular (worldwide) and especially some of the earlier design will be the antiques of the future. This rare, stylish and comfortable, midcentury modern chair from the early days of Swedish Ikea...
Leather, Wood, Pine
$4,163 / set
H 35.83 in W 18.12 in D 20.48 in
Set of six italian wood chairs leather seats by Afra e Tobia Scarpa, 1970s
By Mario Marenco, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Nicolosi, IT
This set of six sculptural dining chairs is a stunning example of Italian modernist design from the 1970s. Designed by the renowned duo Afra and Tobia Scarpa, the chairs feature a di...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 18.9 in D 19.3 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Ten 'Red Chairs' in Original Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of 10 dining chairs, 'The Red Chair', model 3949, original patinated leather, mahogany, Denmark, designed 1928, manufactured 1960s. These dining c...
Leather
Sold
H 34.06 in W 22.64 in D 21.26 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Four 'Red Chairs' in Niger Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of four dining chairs, 'The Red Chair', model 3758, original Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, designed 1927, manufactured 1930s These dini...
Brass
Sold
H 34.85 in W 22.45 in D 22.05 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Four 'Red Chairs' in Original Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of four dining chairs 'The Red Chair', model 3758, mahogany, original patinated Niger leather, brass nails, designed 1927, manufactured 1930s. Set of four dining chairs, designed by Kaare Klint in 1927 and manufactured by Rudolf Radmussen. These iconic chairs were initially designed for the lecture hall of the Danish Art and Design Museum. Later on they were also presented at the World Expositon in Barcelona, where the design won the grand prix medal in 1929. The chairs are therefore also called 'Barcelona Chair'. Kaare Klint designed the chairs with an historic reference in mind. The form was influenced by an 18th century English design Classic: The Chippendale chair...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Kaare Klint Safari Chair with Undyed Linen Drill and Leather Armrests
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari chair with cushion, ash wood, leather and undyed linen, Denmark, design 1933. Stunning safari lounge chair designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Ra...
Leather, Linen, Wood
Sold
H 33.47 in W 18.51 in D 15.75 in
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
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
Sold
H 35.04 in W 24.02 in D 22.05 in
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
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 Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
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