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.
1958 Kai Kristiansen "Compass" Chair with Teak Frame and Bone Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Kai Kristiansen "Compass" chair with Teak frame and bone colored upholstery. The frame has been lightly refinished, the upholstery is newer, in otherwise original condition wi...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage MidCentury Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model Fire by Kai Kristiansen
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This original Fire executive chair was designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik during the 1960s. The teak frame captivates with its deep co...
Faux Leather, Teak
$947Sale Price|20% Off
Kai Kristiansen Scandinavian Midcentury Dark Wood Dining Chair 1960s
By Shou Andersen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian model 31 chair designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen with dark solid wood frame and new fabric seat and back, Denmark 1960s production
Fabric, Wood
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model 42 By Kai Kristiansen For Schou Andersen From 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 6 dining chairs is truly an iconic example of the timeless elegance that characterizes mid-20th century Danish furniture design. The chairs are model 42, designed by the ...
Fabric, Teak
$1,010 / item
Model 31 Chairs, Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 31 chairs (3 pieces sold separately), design Kai Kristiansen, 1960s. Beech frame, reupholstered with quality model Bond 7 -fabric by Lauritzon. Good vintage condition, minor pa...
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Easy Chairs in Oak and Cane by Kai Kristiansen, 1965
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Oak, Cane and Recently Reupholstered in Savak Wool Fabric by Kai Kristiansen, 1965 Additional Information: Material: Oak, cane and recently reupholstered in S...
Oak, Fabric, Wool, Cane
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.
Faux Leather, Teak
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Model 42 dining Chairs, 1956. Set of 6 dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Refinished rosewood frames...
Wool, Rosewood
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model 31 by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
The icon of Danish Mid-Century Modern design: the original Model 31 executive chair. It was designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik in 1957...
Faux Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Model 31 Set of 6 Teak 'a' Frame Chairs for Schou Andersen, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian Modern period- Set of 6 dinning room chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured for Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik in 1960s period, Denmark. Model: 31. Chairs consi...
Faux Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen No 121 Mid Century Paper Knife Teak Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Franklin Park, 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...
Upholstery, 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.
Rosewood, Leather
Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs Scandinavian design mid century modern sculptural
By Kaare Klint, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare matching all original set of 6 dining chairs in beautifully sculpted teak and black leather designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Oddensen Maskinsnedkeri in Denmark, circa...
Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Danish Teak Dining Chair K.S. Mobler Set of 6
By K.S. Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A superb Danish Modern dining set. This set of six Danish Modern chairs was designed by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Møbler. The chairs feature elegantly thin, beautifully curved backre...
Wool, Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs , set of 4
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very good condition with minor signs of use - original leatherette upholstery in good condition with minor signs of use - heigh of seat 45 cm
Faux Leather, Hardwood
Office Chair, Kai Kristiansen, Model Fire, Denmark, 1960s, after renovation
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
This elegant Danish office chair, Model Fire by Kai Kristiansen, dates back to the 1960s and embodies the refined craftsmanship and functional beauty of mid-century modern design. De...
Leather
Kai Kristiansen Set of 8 Model 42 Rosewood and Velvet Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Model 42 Dining Chairs, 1956. Set of 8x dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. The frames are made fro...
Velvet, Rosewood
Teak Model 42 Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen, Set of 6
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in KUTNO, PL
An iconic design by Kaja Kristiansen, one of Denmark's most important modernist designers. Model 42 was designed in the 1950s and is still considered one of the most elegant and ergo...
Textile, Teak
A Dansk MID-CENTURY-MODERN Scandinavian CHAIR by KAI KRISTIANSEN, Denmark 1950
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in PARIS, FR
An astonishing, thin & elegant chair with compass legs, Modernist, Free Form, Dansk, Scandinavian, compass legs and structure in rosewood, seat in black imitation leather, rare "...
Wood
Kai Kristianssen Universe chairs Magnus Olesen Denmark 1965
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A fantastic and high-quality set of six dining chairs, Model 301 ‘Universe,’ designed by the renowned Kai Kristiansen and expertly crafted by Magnus Olesen in Denmark, 1965. These ch...
Velvet, Hardwood
Set of 8 chairs model "31" by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brescia, IT
Solid rosewood chairs with upholstered seat. Model "31" designed by Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s. Set of eight model "31" chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Møbel...
Kingwood
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...
Fabric, Teak
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 42 dining chairs, 1956. Set of 6 dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Refinished rosewood fra...
Wool, Rosewood
$9,688Sale Price / set|30% Off
Three Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Hellouw, NL
Set of three paper knife chairs, model 121, by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen from Denmark 1960s. These chairs in teak have a trul...
Teak, Fabric
$2,631Sale Price / set|20% Off
4 Dining Room Chairs Model 31 Made In Teak, Designed By Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of four dining room chairs, model 31, designed by the renowned Kai Kristiansen around the 1960s, showcases the epitome of mid-century Danish design. Crafted by Schou Anderse...
Fabric, 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.
Leather, Rosewood
Chair Made In Teak & White Leather Model 31 By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
The chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen and made of teak wood, model 31 from around the 1960s and upholstered in white leather, is a remarkable piece of furniture that represents the ...
Leather, Teak
Paire de chaises en palissandre et cuir par Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in PARIS, FR
Un très joli modèle de chaises du designer danois Kaï Kristiansen, avec ses assises en cuir ivoire. Les finitions et la belle teinte du bois, un palissandre assez clair qui fait ress...
Leather, Palisander
$1,914 / item
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with black pure aniline leat...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,024 / set
H 29.93 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 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.
Faux Leather, Teak
$11,963 / set
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 18.12 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Kai Kristiansen eight restored customizable model 42 teak dining chairs Set of eight fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs Schous Møbelfabrik. The ch...
Teak
$3,439 / set
H 29.93 in W 19.69 in D 16.93 in
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...
Fabric, Teak
$1,914 / item
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with vintage tan aniline lea...
Leather, Rosewood
$3,181Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 16.93 in
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model 31 Made In Dark Wood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of six dining room chairs, model 31, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Schou Andersen in the 1960s, is an excellent example of mid-20th century Danish furnitur...
Wood
$3,400 / set
H 29.5 in W 20 in D 19 in
4 Rosewood Model 31 Danish Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
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 ...
Naugahyde, Rosewood
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
Midcentury Pixel Dining Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Chair type 5908, designed in 1960s by Rajmund Teofil Halas, are one of the most recognizable projects of Polish design. The chair has a simple, modernist silhouette. They are characterized by streamlined, organic characteristic shapes for Industrial Design in the 1960s. The construction was made of beech wood, upholstery with high quality pixel fabric...
Leather, Beech
$6,495
H 29.5 in W 21.25 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Model 42 Dining Chairs in Teak by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Deland, FL
This elegant set of four Model 42 dining chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen, showcases the timeless sophistication of Mid-Century Danish design. Crafted from solid teak with a warm,...
Teak
$1,423
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspendi...
Naugahyde, Teak
$963
H 28.75 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Dining Chair Model 42 Made In Teak & Black Leather By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Model 42 is a dining chair designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Schou Andersen in the 1960s. The chair is made of solid teak with black aniline leather and has a character...
Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Teak 42 Armchair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Fraser, MI
Danish Modern Arm Chair by Kai Kristiansen.
Fabric, Naugahyde, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 20.48 in D 19.69 in
Set of 4 Compass Chairs by Kai Kristiansen - Danish Mid-Century Design
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
The set of four Compass chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen, is a refined expression of Danish Mid-Century design, known for its balance of essential aesthetics, comfort and innovati...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of chairs model "42" by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of rosewood chairs model "42," designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, 1950s/60s. Rifoderate in tessuto bianco panna. Struttura in palissandro con profilo l...
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 21.07 in D 21.26 in
Model 42 Chair, Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, 1950/1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen, manufactured by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950/1960s. Teak frame, wool blend fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, patina...
Wool, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Dining Chair Model.42 1960's
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
A masterpiece chair by Kai Kristiansen, one of the most iconic furniture designers of Scandinavia. Known as the No.42 Chair, it is often referred to as the "Z Chair" due to its disti...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Vintage Model 301 Desk Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
A stunning Danish Vintage model 301 chair by Kai Kristiansen. This was made in Denmark by Magnus Olsen, it dates from the 1960’s. This is a rare and top quality model, it has an ins...
Leather, Wood
Kai Kristiansen Black Leather and Teak Model 31 Chair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
This Kai Kristiansen Model 31 chair, designed in the 1960s and manufactured by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, seamlessly blends elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Constructed from ri...
Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Troja Chair
By Kai Kristiansen, IKEA
Located in London, GB
The Troja chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen for IKEA in the 1950s, is an elegantly crafted piece that embodies the refined simplicity of mid-century desig...
Fabric, Teak
Set of eight 'Compass', Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
Set of eight 'Compass', Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 30 in W 19.75 in D 21 in
Kai Kristiansen Mid Century Danish Model 31 Teak Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Esperance, NY
Offered for sale is a rare and stunning set of 6 Danish chairs designed by the renowned designer Kai Kristiansen and crafted by the prestigious manufacturer Schou Andersen.
Teak
Sold
H 43.71 in W 24.41 in D 20.87 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood No 42 Dining Chair with Paul Smith Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Rochester, England
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. ...
Metal
Set of four Compass chair, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
Set of four Compass chair, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
Fabric, Teak