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.
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench by Dagmar in Mohair and Fumed Oak
By Dagmar, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Mohair, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Mohair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Velvet, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench by Dagmar in Leather and Walnut
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Walnut, Leather
Kai Kristiansen Walnut and Mohair Mohair Velvet Bench
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
A beuatiful bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar in Denmark. This hand-made to order bench has a solid walnut frame ...
Mohair, Oak, Walnut
Kai Kristiansen Vintage Rosewood & Mohair Upholstered Bench c1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
A classic upholstered bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s as part of his popular Entre range produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark. The frame is m...
Mohair, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Fabric
By Dagmar, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench by Dagmar in Couquillage and Oak
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Leather, Walnut, Fabric, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench with Oak Frame and Mohair Seat
By Dagmar, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Mohair, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Stunning, exotic grained rosewood bench with matching, loose standing two-drawer unit which can be positioned anywhere along the bench surface. This piece was designed by Danish desi...
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench with Oak Frame and Pierre Frey Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Linen, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Stunning, exotic grained rosewood bench with matching, loose standing two-drawer unit which can be positioned anywhere along the bench surface. This piece was designed by Danish desi...
Rosewood
Danish teak bench by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Torino, IT
This bench designed by Aksel Kjersgaard in the 1960s interprets Danish Mid-Century design through an extremely essential construction, where the relationship between structure, propo...
Teak
Oak Parquetry Upholstered Bench, Dark Oak
Located in Westwood, NJ
A dark oak parquetry upholstered bench with tapered legs. Crafted with rustic oak with an upholstered seat, this bench is the perfect addition to the foot of any bed or entryway. S...
Wood
$2,390
H 19.5 in W 69.5 in D 12.5 in
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric
Located in Atlanta, GA
Antique Swedish Painted Long Bench newly upholstered in Chelsea Textiles Fabric Purchased in the South of France 2025 Very Sturdy and Strong Just upholstered with all new insides....
Fabric, Wood, Paint
$2,744Sale Price|30% Off
H 15.75 in W 49.22 in D 14.97 in
Primitive Antique 1740 Spanish 18th Century Three Legged Bench or Coffee Table
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this stunning, super rare 18th century Spanish primitive three legged bench which can be used as a coffee table. This has to be one of the olde...
Wood
$5,178
H 48.82 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
19th century French oak bench upholstered in Vaas by Emma Grant
Located in Malton, GB
This is a very stylish, late 19th century French hall bench. Upholstered beautifully in Vaas by Emma Grant. The Vaas fabric is inspired by a Dutch 18th century tin glazed ceramic Emm...
Upholstery, Oak
$3,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 44.5 in W 46.25 in D 16.88 in
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in New Windsor, NY
Kai Kristiansen designed rosewood vanity/dressing table by Ansel Kjersgaard featuring a finely figured rosewood veneers, removable tri-fold mirror, beveled edge legs, three drawers w...
Brass
Midcentury Kai Kristiansen Style Teak Coffee Table
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Esperance, NY
This is a very nice vintage teak coffee table with a smoked glass top. The table was made in Belgium.
Teak
$3,534 / item
H 17.33 in W 35.04 in D 11.82 in
Kai Kristiansen Flower Tables Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare flower tables designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark. Price is listed / item.
Metal
Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen Model 42
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Dining chairs, model 42, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured in Denmark by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik. The chairs are made from solid teak, featuring tapered legs, curved ar...
Hardwood, Teak
$3,800 / item
H 18 in W 12 in D 67 in
Kai Solid Fir Wood and Black Steel Hallway Bench by Autonomous Furniture
By Kirk Van Ludwig, Autonomous Furniture
Located in Victoria, BC
Modern industrial. The Kai Hallway bench is all about proportions, balancing the width of the steel legs and the thickness of the bench seat. It provides...
Metal, Steel
Asa Pingree Upholstered Lapwing Bench in Ebonized Oak
By Asa Pingree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Lapwing bench is versatile and elegant. It has found its place in museums, offices and homes. Custom sizing is available. COM Welcome. Any customization is subject to price var...
Canvas, Oak
$5,200
H 26.88 in W 46.38 in D 17 in
Vintage Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Teak Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern vanity dressing table in teak designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Features sleek circular recessed pulls that open three dovetail storage dr...
Steel
Bench in Chrome and Leather by Steelcase
By Steelcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Thin frame chrome and leather bench by Steelcase.
Metal
Kai Kristiansen Leather and Walnut Upholstered Bench
By Dagmar, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Leather, Walnut
Rosewood bench by Kai Kristiansen, design 1960's
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in PARIS, FR
Clean and elegant bench signed by the great Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. Kristiansen places strong emphasis on quality, aesthetics, ergonomics and functionality. This piece is of...
Palisander
Sold
H 21.07 in W 46.46 in D 14.18 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Teak Hallway Bench With Two Drawers
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Rochester, England
Danish designer Aksel Kjersgaard founded his eponymous furniture manufacturing company in 1952. Revered by mid-century furniture lovers for its straightforward approach to design of ...
Teak
Sold
H 15.36 in W 34.26 in D 13.39 in
Danish Modern Red Hallway Set Bench, Drawers & Mirror, Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Rare Danish Modern hallway set consisting of a bench, a mirror and a small chest of drawers all designed by Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s.. This example is made of red stained oak and...
Oak
Hall Furniture, Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark 1960s. Bench and matching box with two drawers, bench no. 35, box no. 32. Separate pieces, box sits on top (not attached). Bench is 40 cm...
Oak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 47 in D 13.5 in
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark 1960s Bench with Mirror
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark 1960s. Bench, drawer cubby and mirror. 3 separate pieces. Cubby sits on top (not attached). Bench: 47w 13.5d 15.75h (Mirror 41.5H 16.5W).
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 15.56 in W 46.46 in D 13.39 in
Danish Modern Teak Bench, Mirror and Drawers by Kai Kristiansen 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern teak bench, mirror and drawers by Kai Kristiansen 1960s. This Scandinavian mid-century modern hallway set was designed by Danish arc...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard Bench & Drawers
By Odder Furniture, Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
Superb bench and box set by Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder furniture manufacturers and designed by Kai Kristiansen circa 1960, Denmark. This model 36 bench with b...
Hardwood, Pine
Kai Kristiansen Aksel Kjersgaard Oak Bench
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
An Oak bench or table designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersagaard, Denmark circa 1960. A truly classic piece of Scandinavian design. The legs will be unbolted for safer over...
Oak
Danish Modern Oak Hallway Set by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern oak hallway set by Kai Kristiansen 1960s. This Danish mid-century modern hallway set was designed by Danish architect Kai Kristiansen for Aks...
Oak
Sold
H 23.63 in W 34.26 in L 23.63 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Bench Bedside Table and Chest of Drawers, Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian famous set of bench console or bedside table and chest of drawers set in dark wood designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aks...
Wood
Kai Kristiansen Oak and Velvet Bench, circa 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
Model 391 bench from Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Produced circa 1960, this beautifully patinated oak bench has been reupholstered with a new foam top and covered i...
Mohair, Oak