Kai Kristiansen Chairs
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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Scandinavian Midcentury Dark Wood Dining Chair 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Shou Andersen
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
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Fabric, 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...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Model 31 Chairs, Designed by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
A set of four teak chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen. Classic cult model 31. Light, stable, interesting construction. The chairs have undergone wood renovation, the upholstery on th...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
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 Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Model 42 Chair in Teak Wood and Fabric by Kai Kristiansen, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
Model 42 Chair in Teak Wood and Fabric by Kai Kristiansen, 1960
Additional information:
Country of Manufacture – Denmark
Design Period – 1960
Production Period – 1960
Style – Midcen...
Category
20th Century Danish Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Teak
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Dark Stained Wood Framed Compass Chairs in Kiwi Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Compass chairs in a darker stained wood with newer chartreuse upholstery. The frames are in original condition w...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
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...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen in Brazilian Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare set of four (4) dining chairs, OD70 designed by Kai Kristiansen and made in Denmark by OD MØBLER, circa 1960s. Sculptural frames in Brazilian rosewood with beautiful graining,...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
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.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, 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
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Hardwood
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...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs Scandinavian design mid century modern sculptural
By Kai Kristiansen, Kaare Klint
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Teak Model 42 Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen, Set of 6
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in KUTNO, PL
Designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen, the details of the Number 42 chair speak not only of timeless design, but also of harmonious and subdued engineering that defies traditio...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Textile, 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 Chairs
Materials
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 ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Leather, 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...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Compass chair, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
Compass chair, Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
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
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Three Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Teak, Fabric
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model 42 By Kai Kristiansen For Schou Andersen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
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 ...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
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...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
Materials
Leather
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 "desk...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Chairs
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 Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
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 Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
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 Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
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 Chairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
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 Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Kai Kristiansen chairs 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 chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chairs by Kai Kristiansen were created in the mid-century modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider chairs by Arne Vodder, Niels Koefoed, and Ole Wanscher. Prices for Kai Kristiansen chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $595 and can go as high as $17,830, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,182.
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