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Kaare Klint Settees

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
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote can be...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Wool, Hardwood

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 natura...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Wool

Kaare Klint Model 4118 Box Sofa, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in LEWES, GB
Rare Kaare Klint Model 4118 two-seat box sofa with profiled cross legged mahogany frame. Made by Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Upholstered...
Category

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

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Sofa by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A majestic sofa having a sculptured body resting on eight (8) tapered mahogany legs, retaining the original red, navy and beige striped wool fabric. Desi...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Model 5313 Two-Seat Leather Settee by Rud Rasmussen, 1935
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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 Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Related Items
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated lea...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

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Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
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H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
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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 Settees

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Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
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H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
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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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Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
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H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
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Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
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$5,630
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Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern design The iconic "The Red Chair" by Kaare Klint, model KK 3758A. Designed in 1927, executed in the 1950s by Rud. Rasmus...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
$5,630
H 34.65 in W 22.45 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with 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: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23. 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...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
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...
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
$22,205
H 34.26 in W 78.75 in D 27.56 in
Sofa in Wool by Kaare Klint For Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Stylish sofa upholstered in wool designed by MAA Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers in 1940. Great original condition.
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

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Sofa in Wool by Kaare Klint For Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
Sofa in Wool by Kaare Klint For Rud Rasmussen, 1950s
$9,000
H 35.04 in W 81.11 in D 31.11 in
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofa on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen. ...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Settees

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Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
$15,014
H 33.86 in W 52.76 in D 31.89 in
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas. Frame of mahogany. Sides, seat and back upholstered with fabric. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
$4,457
H 36.23 in W 53.55 in D 29.53 in
Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece t...
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1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

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Fabric, Wood

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa on eight-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated red leather. Model 4118. Executed by Rud. Ras...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Settees

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Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
$19,354
H 33.86 in W 78.35 in D 31.89 in
Previously Available Items
Model 6092 Sofa by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A vintage model 6092 three to four seat sofa designed by Kaare Klint (1888-1954) for Rud Rasmussen. The sofa stands on eight tapered solid mahogany legs and is upholstered in its original 'Greek Fabric...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Wool, Mahogany

Model 6092 Sofa by Kaare Klint
Model 6092 Sofa by Kaare Klint
H 34.65 in W 79.93 in D 30.71 in
Kaare Klint Leather Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Leather Settee
Kaare Klint Leather Settee
H 36 in W 52 in D 30 in
Kaare Klint, Settee, Black-Dyed Nigerian Leather, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1940s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in High Point, NC
An early all-original settee / two-seat sofa. Designed by Kaare Klint, produced by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Model 5011, designed in 1935. Legs in mahogany.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Sofa in Original Leather
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, sofa, original leather, teak, Denmark, 1930s Classic and elegant Scandinavian two-seat sofa by Kaare Klint for manufacturer Rud Rasmussen. The piece...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Leather, Teak

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 Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

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 Settees

Materials

Leather, Linen, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Has Tan leather piping. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Settee
Kaare Klint Settee
H 36 in W 52 in D 30 in
Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint X-base sofa, Model #4118. Designed in 1930 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Wool fabric with red leather piping. Cuban mahogany base. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DOD...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Fabric, Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
Kaare Klint X-Base Sofa
H 34.5 in W 78 in D 32 in
settee by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A settee with Cuban mahogany legs and original upholstery with leather welting.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Settees

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery, Leather

settee by Kaare Klint
settee by Kaare Klint
H 34 in W 53 in D 27 in

Kaare Klint settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Kaare Klint settees 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 settees, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original settees by Kaare Klint were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider settees by Rud Rasmussen, Ole Wanscher, and Frits Henningsen. Prices for Kaare Klint settees can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $9,500 and can go as high as $21,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $15,140.

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