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 coffee tables, 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.
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Creator: Kai Kristiansen
Coffee Table Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table is an impressive piece of furniture art that exudes both elegance and functionality. Made of rosewood and designed by the renowned Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møb...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Teak Coffee Table for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Berlin, DE
Kai Kristiansen (b. 1929) is best known for his work in designing chairs, tables, and storage solutions. His designs often feature clean lines, organic shapes, and functional details...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Six Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Kai Kristiansen set of six fully restored teak dining chairs by Schou Andersens Møbel Fabrik including custom upholstery.
The A-frame model 31 dining chairs were designed by Kai Kri...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Oak by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in oak. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristensen Teak Side Table w/Drawer Danish Modern
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Kai Kristensen designed Teak side table or night stand, with a drawer. Made in Denmark.
Pair of solid teak leg, in between a rectangular teak table to...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Tambour sliding door cabinet by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in MIJDRECHT, NL
Designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s, this compact teak sideboard/cabinet was crafted to the highest quality standards. The slits that form the tambour doors are ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Eight Restored Ebonized Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 8 restored and ebonized oak dining chairs, inc. reupholstery with swivel backrest by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chai...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Teak Model 42 Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen.
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
A set of four chairs model 42 designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacture Schou-Andersens Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. Frame made of teak. Completely restored. Wood has been...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen No 121 Mid Century Paper Knife Teak Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Countryside, IL
Kai Kristiansen No 121 mid century paper knife teak lounge chairs - pair
Each chair measures: 23 wide x 27 deep x 28 inches high, with a se...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Univers corner chair in leather, cane and rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kai Kristiansen Corner chair in rosewood, cane and leather cushion.
Model Univers, made by Magnus Olsen.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Cane
Mid Century Teak Paper Knife Armchair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Set of two Midcentury Teak "Paper Knife" Armchairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. These iconic pieces are a testament to the sleek, organic design that typifies mid-c...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Four Restored Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs, Custom Reupholstery Included
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Kai Kristiansen set of four fully restored teak dining chairs by Schou Andersens Møbel Fabrik including custom upholstery.
The A-frame model 31 dining chairs were designed by Kai Kr...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen mirror
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in PARIS, FR
Rosewood mirror signed by the great Danish designer Kai Kristiansen and made by cabinetmaker Aksel Kjersgaard. Kristiansen places a strong emphasis on elegance and refinement in his ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Danish Mid Century Hydraulic Drinks Cabinet or Bar by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Hydraulic Bar Cart. With a turn of the key the hydraulic kicks in. First turn the key slightly to the right, push down the top, and the bar will come u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wood
SOLD 05/01/24 Kai Kristiansen Midcentury Rosewood Z Dining Chairs, Pair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Countryside, IL
Kai Kristiansen midcentury Rosewood Z dining chairs - pair.
This chair measures: 19.75 wide x 19.25 deep x 29 high, with a seat height of 17.5 and a...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Twelve Restored Teak Dining Chairs Including Custom Reupholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Kai Kristiansen set of twelve fully restored teak dining chairs by Schou Andersens Møbel Fabrik.
The A-frame model 31 dining chairs were designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1956 for Schou-Andersens Møbelfabrik and the A-frame chair is one of the most well-known chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen - a true Classic with its modest appearence but advanced design with curved backrest, crooked angles, straight yet at the same time curved and bended lines... and on top of that as all of Kai Kristiansens chairs very comfortable in use.
The chairs have been checked, restored and reglued if needed, sanded and refinished by our cabinetmaker to insure that they are in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and use and and will be reupholstered in fabric from a wide list of "Kvadrat" / Romo fabrics of your choice or a list of standard leathers from "Sorensen Leather" / "Camo Leater".
Kai Kristiansen who is still alive was born in 1929 and raised in Thy, North Denmark. Originally a carpenter, Kristiansen was educated as a building architect at the Royal Academi of Arts in Copenhagen and graduated from here in 1954. His father was the propritetor of at furniture production company, so his interest in furniture was founded early.
Kristiansen was one of the last pupils of the famous architect Kaare Klint who died in 1959 and is considered the founder of modern Danish design. During the years 1958-1978 Kristiansen worked in his business in Aarhus owned jointly by himself and designer and cabinetmaker Illum Wikkelsø (1919-1999).
Kristiansens works met their most intense demand during a few decades from 1950, then production of them was discontinued. However, several of the are now being produced again by the Japanese furniture producer Miyazaki Chair Mill in Tokushima. An Australien producer has also included Kristiansen production in their portfolio. Kai Kristiansen might have been the originator of mass produced furniture, had he accepted an offer from Ikea-founder Ingvar Kamprad. He declined to let himself enroll in the Ikea staff.
Kristiansen exhibitions include numerous participations in furniture and design shows in Milano, Paris, Cologne and London. Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
2 Compass Teak Dining Chairs, 1960s, by Kai Kristiansen for Sva Møbler, Set of 2
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Hannover, DE
Set of 2 Unique Oak Chairs by Danish Designer Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
Model: Compass
Manufacturer: Sva Møbler, Denmark
The displayed price is for a set of two chairs.
Crafted from s...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
A Pair of Danish Teak 'Paper Knife' Model 121 Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A rare pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs in teak and purple wool designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1955.
Features:
• Gorgeous organic design style sculp...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Set Teak Bookends, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Oirlo, LI
Kai Kristiansen set teak bookends Denmark
Mid-century small teak bookends attributed to Kai Kristiansen, manufactured in the 1960's by Feldballe Møbelfabrik in Denmark, made of so...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Side Chair in Rosewood and Patinated Leather by Gustav Bertelsen
By Kai Kristiansen, Gustav Bertelsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Side chair in rosewood and patinated leather, designed by Kai Kristiansen and made by Gustav Bertelsen cabinetmakers. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
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 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
Kai Kristiansen Twelve Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak - Custom Upholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of twelve fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegant design that make them fit in easily where you want them in your home - a design that was so uniqe that his colleague the famous designer Hans J. Wegner characterized model 42 as beautiful from all angles when the chair with it´s unique backrest swivel function was revealed in 1956.
The chairs are in very good condition as they have been fully restored, sanded by hand and refinished by our experienced workshop to insure that they are in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and use and will be reupholstered without additional cost in fabric of your choice from "Kvadrat" / standard leathers from "Sorensen Leather" or for additional price luxury leathers (Elegance, Vegetal, Rustic, Pure and Royal Nubuck).
Kai Kristiansen was one of the last pupils of the famous architect Kaare Klint who founded modern Danish design and laid the foundation for the "Danish Modern" style. During the years 1958-78 Kristiansen worked in his business in Aarhus owned jointly by himself and furniture maker Illum Wikkelsø (1919-99).
Kristiansens works met their most intense demand during a few decades from 1950, then production of them was discontinued. However, several of them are now being produced again by the Japanese furniture producer Miyazaki Chair Mill in Tokushima. An Australien producer has also included Kristiansen production in their portfolio. Kai Kristiansen might have been the originator of mass produced furniture, had he accepted an offer from Ikea-founder Ingvar Kamprad. He declined to let himself enroll in the Ikea staff.
Kristiansen exhibitions include numerous participations in furniture and design shows in Milano, Paris, Cologne and London. Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak, Leather
Kai Kristiansen Eight Fully Restored Teak Dining Chairs inc. Custom Reupholstry
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegant design that make them fit in easily where you want them in your home - a design that was so uniqe that his colleague the famous designer Hans J. Wegner characterized model 42 as beautiful from all angles when the chair with it´s unique backrest swivel function was revealed in 1956.
The chairs are in very good condition as they have been fully restored, all joints chacked and split apart if any signs of them getting loose, those that are split apart reglued under pressure, all other needed repairs made, sanded by hand 2 - 3 times and vaxed 2 - 3 times by our experienced workshop to insure that they are in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and use and will be reupholstered without additional cost in fabric a large selection of fabrics from "Kvadrat" / "Romo" or a large selection of leathers from "Sorensen Leather" / Ca-mo Leather".
Kai Kristiansen was one of the last pupils of the famous architect Kaare Klint who founded modern Danish design and laid the foundation for the "Danish Modern" style. During the years 1958-78 Kristiansen worked in his business in Aarhus owned jointly by himself and furniture maker Illum Wikkelsø (1919-99).
Kristiansens works met their most intense demand during a few decades from 1950, then production of them was discontinued. However, several of them are now being produced again by the Japanese furniture producer Miyazaki Chair Mill in Tokushima. An Australien producer has also included Kristiansen production in their portfolio. Kai Kristiansen might have been the originator of mass produced furniture, had he accepted an offer from Ikea-founder Ingvar Kamprad. He declined to let himself enroll in the Ikea staff.
Kristiansen exhibitions include numerous participations in furniture and design shows in Milano, Paris, Cologne and London. Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Set of 3 Kai Kristiansen Midcentury chairs Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik Teak
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering for sale three beautiful chairs probably manufactured by Schou Andersen Mobelfabrik from the 1960s. The design is by Kai Kri...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood "Cube" of Three Interlocking Tables
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rosewood square/cube nesting table - each 'nesting table' contains three rosewood tables that fit into each other (creating a total of three tables when separated.)
The squared legs ...
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Set Of Four Dining Room Chairs Model 31 By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of four dining room chairs, model 31, is a beautiful example of mid-20th century Danish furniture design. Designed by renowned designer Kai Kristiansen in 1956 and manufactu...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Tile Top Table for Askel Kjaersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kai Kristiansen design tile top table for Askel Kjaersgaard, Denmark. Made from solid teak with decorative inlay on a sculpted teak frame.
Category
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Teak
Danish Armchair Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brescia, IT
Armchair from the Paper Knife series designed by A.
Model 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in
Denmark.
The uniquely shaped se...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Bureaus Model Nr 50 by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of bureaus model nr 50 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Model 31 Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen, Denmark, 1960s.
By V. Schou Andersen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
A set of six chairs Model 31 designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacture Schou-Andersens Møbelfabrik in the 1960s. Frame made of teak wood. Completely restored. Wood has b...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Lounge Chair in Rio Rosewood Model Paperknive
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian lounge chair in Rio rosewood model paper Knive by Kai Kristiansen. New foam and cover. Other cover on demand. + €250. Referenced by the Design Museum ...
Category
1960s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170
1960s a set of 2
The chair frames are made from solid teak.
Seated teak structure covered with beig...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Danish original vintage nest of tables or lamp tables in rosewood.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in København K, DK
Rare set of lamp tables in rosewood. Designed in the early 1960s by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder, Denmark.
The tables are in fantastic good and origina...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Danish Design Kai Kristiansen Seating Group Model Universe, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Renens, CH
A rare seating arrangement designed by designer Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
This set has been made from Brazilian Rio Palisander and represents excellent craftsman...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Wood
Set of 8 Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Model 31 Dining Chairs 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Model 31 Dining Chairs
A set of 8 dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen Mobelfabrik in the early 1960s and designed by master of Danish mid-century design: Ka...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Bouclé, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Compass Chair with Oak Frame and Light Gray Blue Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Kai Kristiansen Compass chair with light blue upholstery and solid oak frame. The Compass Dining Chair was designed in 1958 by Ka...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
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.
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