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
Midcentury Side Chair in Rosewood and Patinated Leather by Gustav Bertelsen
By Gustav Bertelsen, Kai Kristiansen
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
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
Kai Kristiansen Teak Dresser
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Cambridge, US
Denmark, ca. 1950s. A handsome and increasingly hard to find low dresser by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik. Features teak construction with six generous dovetailed drawer...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Dining Room Chairs Model 31 Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
A set of four dining room chairs, model 31, designed by the renowned Danish designer Kai Kristiansen around the 1960s. These exquisite chairs are crafted with rosewood frames by Scho...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, 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
Set of Four Dining Chairs, Model 42, Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen, 1960
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 4 dining chairs is an excellent representation of the timeless and elegant style that characterizes mid-20th century Danish furniture design. The chairs are model 42, des...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
Teak Paper Knife Armchair, Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
The pair of teak 'Paperknife' armchairs, Model 121, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, is a testament to the finesse of Danish mid-century modern furniture design. Crafte...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
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
Paper Knife Armchair by Kai kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Paper Knife armchair designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Teak frame upholstered with new wool fabric from...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Mid Century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Countryside, IL
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen mid century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa
The sofa measures: 63 wide x 21 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 inches
All pieces of furnitu...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
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
Set of Six Dining Side Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful set of six dining chairs mod. 301 designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in the 1960ies in Denmark.
All chairs are in great original and used condition ...
Category
20th Century Danish Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
Paper Knife' Grey Suede + Teak Chair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chicago, IL
A Scandinavian Modern ‘Paper Knife’ chair designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in the 1960s. The rich, chocolate brown teak frame features elegant rounded arms, an angled ba...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Suede, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Solid Teak Mirror Model 180 for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Solid teak mirror with shelf designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard made in the 1960's
Minimalist form represents a great example of ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Mirror, 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 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
$2,032
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 Kristiansen Twelve Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak - Custom Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
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 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
Fabric, Cane, 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
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
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Mirror in Teak by Kai Kristiansen
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian mirror in teak by Kai Kristiansen with small shelve, modèle N° 180.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
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 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
Midcentury Side Chair in Rosewood and Patinated Leather by Gustav Bertelsen
By Gustav Bertelsen, Kai Kristiansen
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
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-Century Teak Model 42 Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen.
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
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
Easy Chair in Teak and Newly Upholstered Grey Wool Seats by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant easy chair, crafted from teak and expertly reupholstered in soft grey wool, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavian design. Designed by the acclaimed Danish d...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Teak
$1,874 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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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