Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Danish, b. 1929
With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
203
2
to
11
154
44
205
204
204
205
151
203
2
198
3
30
133
3
201
87
81
65
40
204
202
197
2
1
275
739
599
513
497
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Kai Kristiansen
Kai Kristiansen Twelve Refinished Dining Chairs in Oak, Inc. Reupholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 12 model 42 oak dining chairs with swivel backrest by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegant design that make them...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Danish Teak Mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Knebel, DK
Mirror number 306 in teak frame designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjaersgaard in the 1960s.
The mirror is stamped by Aksel Kjaersgaards workshop o...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Mirror, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Paper Knife Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Pair of paper knife model lounge chairs, 1955.
Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark in rosewood. New cushions upholstered in soft grey wool fabric.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Vintage Armchair
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Exotic wood armchair, circa 1960
Produced by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri A/S. Exotic wood frame with upholstered seat and back in Kvadrat Hallingdal wool fabric.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool
Kai Kristiansen Set of Three Walnut Nesting Tables, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Organic Modern Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik trio of Walnut stacking tables. Featuring smooth, rounded rectangular dark, beautifully...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Kai Kristiansen Easy Chairs Model 150 by Christian Jensen Møbelsnedkeri
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare pair of easy chairs model 150 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Christian Jensen Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Cane, Oak, Fabric
Midcentury Blanket Chest in Teak by Kai Kristiasen, Danish Design
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Blanket chest in teak. Designed by Kai Kristiasen and made by Aksel Kjærsgaard cabinetmakers. Made in the 1960s. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Set of Ten Fully Restored Teak Dining Chairs, Custom Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Model 31 is one of the most well-known chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen - a true Classic with its curved backrest, crooked angles, straight lines and is as all of Kai Kristiansens ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in rosewood. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rare Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen Model OD69
By Kai Kristiansen, Odense Maskinsnedkeri
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremely rare dining chairs, model OD69, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured in Denmark by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri. The chairs are made fro...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in rosewood. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Nesting Table Model 33 by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare nesting table model 33 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Danish Modern Petite Teak Cocktail End Table by Kai Christiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple elegant Danish modern petite teak cocktail end table, versatile beautiful freshly refinished nice solid and sturdy.
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage Kai Kristiansen Trolley in Dark Wood with Glass, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Discover the charm of the 60s with this stylish Kai Kristiansen trolley. Manufactured in Denmark, this piece of furniture is known for its high-quality design and functionality. The ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Glass, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wall System by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish wall system by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960's. Fantastic double bank wall system with stunning book-matched veneer and dovetail construction. Modular components mount with...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wall System by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish wall system by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960's. Fantastic double bank wall system with stunning book-matched veneer and dovetail construction. Modular components mount with...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wall System by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak Danish wall system by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960's. Fantastic double bank wall system with stunning book-matched veneer and dovetail construction. Modular components mount with...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Danish Teak Secretary Desk by Kai Kristiansen for HJN Mobler 1960.
By HJN Møbler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian secretary with straight shapes.
A clever tray that opens by sliding onto 3 small drawers and 2 small interior shelves. On the lower part 3 large drawers.
High-en...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern chest of drawers in Brazilian rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
This ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rosewood console and mirror by Arch. Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1950s, Rare
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Forest, BE
This is a elegant hallway floating console and mirror. The model offered in rosewood. Made of the finest veneer. The mirror is made of massive rosewood. There is one open space. Comp...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Cabinet by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern cupboard cabinet in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s. This lovely case ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of 'Paper Knife' Easy Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Magnificent pair of ‘Model 121’ easy chairs designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark. Beautifully crafted solid teak frames with the signature arm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Teak and Wicker Sewing Stand
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Garnerville, NY
Stylish Danish Modern teak and wicker sewing stand designed by Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik, Denmark. Circa 1960. Featuring a roomy slide ou...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Chest of Drawers Model 394 in walnut wood, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful Chest of Drawers (Model 394 / 1D-4) designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured recently by Kai Kristiansen & Friends ApS, Denmark. The Entre serie was originally produced...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Set 6 Sculptural Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark
By K.S. Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set 6 sculptural teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark. Nice original condition. Finish and patina. Extremely c...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Naugahyde, Teak
Pair of Midcentury Chest of Drawers in Oak by Kai Kristiasen, Danish Design
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of chest of drawers in oak. Designed by Kai Kristiasen and made by Aksel Kjærsgaard cabinetmakers. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Chest of Drawers, Dresser by Kai Kristia
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern chest of drawers in teak designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
This exquisite case...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Nightstand, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Model 384 Bedside Cabinets, circa 1960.
Restored rosewood nightstand cabinet, produced by cabinetmaker Aksel Kjaersgaard in Odder, Denmark, circa 1960. The cabinet ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen 1950s Rosewood Dressing Table
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kje...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Danish Mid-Century Commode in Oak by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Commode in Oak designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Great original condition, 1950s.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Bedside Cabinets, Rosewood
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Bedside Cabinets, circa 1960.
Pair of Brazilian rosewood bedside cabinets, produced by Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder, Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Kai Kristiansen furniture 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 Kai Kristiansen furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 404 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kai Kristiansen were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Arne Vodder, Niels Otto Møller, and Johannes Andersen. Prices for Kai Kristiansen furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $72 and can go as high as $27,370, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,761.
Creators Similar to Kai Kristiansen
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Kai Kristiansen Dining Room Chairs
Kai Kristiansen Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Kai Kristiansen Side Chairs
Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Kai Kristiansen Desks and Writing Tables
Kai Kristiansen Dressers
Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs
Kai Kristiansen Cabinets
Kai Kristiansen Credenzas
Kai Kristiansen Armchairs
Kai Kristiansen Wall Mirrors
Kai Kristiansen Side Tables