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.
Pierre Chapo Large 'T20B' Dining Table with Set of Ten Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint, Pierre Chapo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of Pierre Chapo T20B dining table with set of ten 3758A dining chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier. Pierre Chapo, large dining table, m...
Leather, Fabric, Elm, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Dinning Table for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint dinning table in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGAD/KØBENHAVN, pencilled serial nu...
Mahogany
Mogens Koch Mahogany Folding Table for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Kastrup, DK
An elegant folding tray sofa table in a practical and timeless design, crafted from mahogany. The table can be easily folded and stowed away, making it ideal for flexible use in any...
Brass
“The Egyptian table” by Mogens Lassen for Rud Rasmussen in Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Lassen. The 'Egyptian Table' is a foldable coffee table crafted in mahogany, showcasing a beautiful grain pattern and a beveled edge tabletop. The cross-shaped base not only p...
Brass
$4,559Sale Price|39% Off
H 29.93 in W 101.58 in D 37.41 in
Large dining table or conference table in the style of Pierre Chapo, 1960 France
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Oirlo, LI
Large table made of light wood in perfect condition. The table has 2 heavy wooden legs. The table is in 1 piece and the top is fixed. This table could also serve very well in the off...
Wood
Richard Shultz for Knoll Petal Table
By Richard Schultz
Located in St. Louis, MO
Patio dining table by Richard Shultz, redwood petals and enameled metal base. New photos coming soon. Base has been repainted, redwood pedals refinished.
$5,787 / set
H 29.53 in Dm 43.71 in
Pine Round Dining Table with 4 chairs in style of Pierre Chapo, France 1965
By Christian Durupt, Pierre Chapo, Charlotte Perriand
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pine Round table with 4 chairs in style of Pierre Chapo, France 1965 The size from the table is: 111cm diameter, 75cm table height. Chairs: Height 92,5cm, width 35cm, depth 49cm. se...
Pine
$1,450 / set
H 15 in W 19 in D 19 in
Pierre Chapo Style Brutalist Oak Triangular Nesting Tables, Set of 3
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three graduated nesting tables in solid oak, each featuring a softly rounded triangular top and three cylindrical legs. The forms are organic and direct — thick, tactile surfa...
Oak
T21 Dining Table By Pierre Chapo
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by French master craftsman Pierre Chapo (1927–1987), this round dining table exemplifies his devotion to honest construction, geometric clarity, and the expressive potential...
Elm
Kaare Klint Coffee Table in Ash Wood for Rud, Rasmussen, Model 6687
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint (Danish 1888 - 1954). Round coffee table, model KK6687 "Rygebord," crafted from ash wood with a beautiful grain pattern. The table features an elegant raised edge around ...
Ash
Pierre Chapo Inspired Oak Nesting Tables, Set of 3
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three graduated oak nesting tables in the manner of Pierre Chapo. Each table features a thick solid oak top with softly rounded edges and four chunky, slightly splayed legs. T...
Oak
Kaare Klint Desk of Mahogany for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint desk of mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK and architect's monogrammed paper label.
Brass
Kaare Klint Games Table for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Games table of mahogany with folding top and adjustable frame. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK and ar...
Mahogany
$38,386 / set
H 33.08 in W 78.75 in D 66.93 in
Pierre Chapo, S35 & T35 Corner Dining Set in French Elm, France - 1980s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Pierre Chapo S35 “Banc à dos droit” or Straight-back bench executed in French elm combined with the T35 “Aban” dining table. As with all furniture by Chapo, this piece shows...
Elm
Rare Kaare Klint Table and Chair Set for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully crafted and detailed gaming or dining table set with four pull-in chairs, designed by Kaare Klint and made by the eminent Danish cabinet shop Rud. Rasmussen. Of (likely ...
Mahogany, Leather