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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.

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Creator: Kai Kristiansen
Dealer: America Movel Lda
Danish Modern Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This Danish Modern wall unit, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, is a masterpiece of mid-century design. Crafted from teak wood, known for its durability and bea...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Teak Paper Knife Armchair, Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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

Mid Century Set of Four Teak and Fabric Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This set of four dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen, Model 31, epitomizes the timeless elegance and comfort of Danish mid-century design. Crafted in 1960, these chairs showcase the dis...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Midcentury Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe Møbelfabrik, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Kai Kristiansen design this large desk in 1950s for Feldballe Mobelfabrik. Iconic Model 70. The desk have six drawers on the front and two doors on the backside. This executive desk ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Midcentury 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

Related Items
Danish Modern Rosewood 3-Bay Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Rosewood 3-Bay Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s. Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Floating modular 3 bay shelving...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Kai Kristiansen Rosewood No 42 Dining Chairs with Paul Smith Fabric, Set of 2
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Originally designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1956 and manufactured by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, the No 42 chair is one of the most well known designs in mid century Danish furniture...
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Vintage Danish Teak Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
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Vintage Danish modular Teak wall unit by Danish architect Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s Floating modular 4 bay shelving system model FM Reolsystem. This ...
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Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
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Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno, wall-mounted wall unit, metal, white laminated wood, Italy, 1950s  This wall mounted shelving system was designed by Osvaldo Borsani. Its purpose was a co...
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1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno White Wall Unit
H 103.15 in W 84.26 in D 15.16 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of 6 Model 32 Teak Dining Chairs in Sheepskin Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
Carefully refurbished newly upholstered in fabric imitating sheepskin height of seat 46 cm.
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Kai Kristiansen Twelve Restored Teak Dining Chairs Including Custom Reupholstery
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
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

Kai Kristiansen Midcentury Teak Lounge Chairs for Fritz Hansen, Set of Two
By Kai Kristiansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Porto, PT
Pair of midcentury teak lounge chairs reupholstered in velvet.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Teak, Velvet

Vintage Danish Teak Modular Wall Unit 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak modular wall unit 1960s Danish Mid-century modern shelving system in teak with golden brackets. Cabinet and ...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Teak

Vintage Danish Teak Modular Wall Unit 1960s
Vintage Danish Teak Modular Wall Unit 1960s
H 55.12 in W 64.38 in D 13.78 in
Danish Modern Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak wall unit by Poul Cadovius for Cado, 1960s. Mid-Century Modern 4 bay shelving system model Royal. This is a original vintage floating bookcase designed in 1948...
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Teak

Vintage Danish Rosewood Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM, 1960s
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish modular rosewood wall unit by Danish architect Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Floating modular 1 bay shelving system model FM Reolsystem....
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1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Rosewood

Danish Sideboard 60s Design Kai Kristiansen for Fedeballes Møbelfabrik
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in None, IT
Rosewood sideboard, with two front doors and one upper flap door, inside a top and three drawers. Design Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Condition: In excellent...
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Rosewood

4 Rosewood Model 31 Danish Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid Century Modern dining chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen, made in Denmark by Shou Andersen Mobelfabrik, circa 1960's. The chairs feature sculptural, architectural ...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture

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Naugahyde, Rosewood

Previously Available Items
Mid-Century Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Danish teak wall unit designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik, in the 60s. A teak wall unit system. Composed with several modules,...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Midcentury Kai Kristiansen Sideboard for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This rosewood low sideboard or side table model no. 394, designed by famous Danish designer Kai Kristiansen and manufactured Aksel Kjersgaard, will add charm to your home. The sidebo...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Wall Unit in Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Danish rosewood wall unit designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik, in the 60s. A rosewood wall unit system. Composed with seve...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Midcentury Kai Kristiansen Teak Wall Unit System for Feldballes Mobelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A superb Danish teak wall unit system, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik, from the 1960s. This has many wonderful features, with eleven shelves, four door cabinets and a two drawer...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Teak Nesting Tables by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A set of three Danish modern teak nesting tables, 1960's. Beautiful tables, well designed by Kai Kristiansen. With tapered legs and bowtie stretchers. The tables slide easily into ea...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Sideboard, Model 394 for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
This rosewood low sideboard or side table model no. 394, designed by famous Danish designer Kai Kristiansen and manufactured Aksel Kjersgaard, w...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Rosewood Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe Mobelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
The desk is a beautiful rosewood piece with its open bookcase and its curved top. On the sit side there are 4 drawers on the left with lipped handles. On the right side of the desk i...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Mid Century Set of Six Rosewood and Fabric Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Mid century set of six rosewood and fabric dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. Model 31. These Danish Mid-Century dining chairs were designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1960. Rosewood frame...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Rosewood Desk by Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Mobelfabrik, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
The rosewood desk produced by Feldballes Mobelfabrik displays a simple and timeless outline. Kai Kristiansen design this desk, Model EP 401, in 1960, combining two materials, wood an...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe Møbelfabrik, 1950s
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Kai Kristiansen design this large desk in 1950s for Feldballe Mobelfabrik. Model n. 70 in teak wood. This desk have six drawers on the front and two doors on the backside. Very quali...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Teak

Mid Century Set of Six Rosewood and Leather Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Mid century set of six rosewood and black leather dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. Model 31. These Danish Mid-Century dining chairs were designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1960. Rosewoo...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Big Wall Unit by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler in Rosewood, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Danish rosewood wall unit designed by Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler. The unit has 6 modules with: 3 door cabinets, one of them opens on the top, 1cabinet with sliding doors, 1 cabine...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century 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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