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Kai Kristiansen Lounge 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
20th Century Danish Pair of Vintage Modern Open Teak Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Danish pair of open armchairs made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Kai Kristiansen in good condition. The back rest of the Scandinavian low back lounge chairs are spindled and curved with slim, arched armrests, standing on four wooden feet. Newly upholstered in a white-grey cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950, Copenhagen, Denmark...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak

Pair of Danish Design Paper Knife Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen in Teak Black
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs in teak and black leather (faux) design by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1955. Gorgeous organic design style sculpted in s...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Fully Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Teak Paper Knife Lounge Chair
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Fully restored Kai Kristiansen teak paper knife lounge chair custom repholstery Model 121 known as the paper knife due to the shape of the armrest was designed by Kai Kristiansen in...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chair in Teak for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage 'Paper Knife' chair in teak by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Cushions have been newly upholstered in a vintage grey Maharam Hallingdal wool textile by Nana Ditzel. Marke...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Paper Knife Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Pair of paper knife model lounge chairs, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark in rosewood. New cushions upholstered in soft grey wool fabric.        
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, 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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs, 1955. Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark. New cushions upholstered in Kvadrat Hallingd...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Ottoman
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Square Ottoman, 1950s Produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark in solid rosewood. New foam cushion upholstered in pale wool fabric from Kvadrat, Denmark.    
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chair Teak & Bouclé Wool Dedar 1960s Easy
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Basel, BS
Kai Kristiansen ‚Paper Knife‘ lounge chair made in Denmark by Magnus Olesen in the 1960s. Solid teak frame with new cold foam cushions upholstered in a luxurious, irregular wool and...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, 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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Oak

Model 121 Paper knife easy chair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Ranst, VAN
A ‘Model 121’ easy chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1963 and made by Magnus Olesen in Denmark. Known as the ‘Paper Knife’ chair for its sharp-edged armrests. This easy chair is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Lounge Chairs, 1955 A pair of lounge chairs produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark in the 1950s. The Paper Knife is one of Danish designer Kai Kristianse...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool

Pair of Kai Kristiansen 'Paper Knife' Easychairs 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of fine Kai Kristiansen 'Paper Knife' easychairs. Manufactured by Magnus Olesen in beautiful wood. Designed 1963. Original cushions in green fabric. Early production.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood

Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1955 An exceptional and hard-to-find pair of Paper Knife model 121 lounge cha...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, 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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, 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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Suede, Teak

Mid Century Teak Paper Knife Armchair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
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 Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Highback Easy Chair Model 179 by Christian Jensen Møbelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare highback easy chair model 179 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Christian Jensen Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Cane, Oak

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1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of Four Restored Teak Dining Chairs
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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Open Arm Walnut Lounge Chairs
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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Open Arm Walnut Lounge Chairs
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Midcentury Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1940s
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Elegant 1940s lounge chair by Kai Kristiansen, with clean lines. Upholstered with sheepskin that adds extra comfort to this beautiful chair.
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

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Midcentury Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1940s
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Pair of 1950s Danish Modern Lounge Chairs
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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chairs
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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chairs
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Pair of Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Teak Magnus Olesen Lounge Armchairs
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Pair of 1950s Upholstered Lounge Chairs
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Pair of 1950s Upholstered Lounge Chairs
Pair of 1950s Upholstered Lounge Chairs
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20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tufted Vinyl Lounge Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning pair of vintage modern lounge chairs covered in white tufted vinyl. This wonderful pair has a comfortable barrel backrest with sloping arm rests. These stylish chairs have thick padded seating with deep tufts and wheels on the base ensuring convenience. This elegant pair makes the perfect addition to any seating arrangement. Chesterfield style chairs...
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1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

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Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tufted Vinyl Lounge Chairs
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Previously Available Items
1950s Pair of Teak Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lutz, FL
Mid Century Modern Pair of Danish Teak Model 121 Paper Knife Chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1956. Untagged but well documented design/chairs. Previously res...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Domus Danica, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Cambridge, US
Denmark, ca. 1960s. A rare pair of Model 121 - or Paper Knife - lounge chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olsen - retailed by Domus Danica. Each features a sculptural solid teak open frame with removable seat and back cushions. Referred to as the “Paper Knife” chair...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Teak

Pair Kai Kristiansen Leather Troja Armchairs, c1960 / Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of Kai Kristiansen 'Troja' round chairs from circa 1960. The frame is made from Afromosia African teak wood. The seat has been reupholstered in premium cotton velvet fab...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Set of 2 Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1950s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Ranst, VAN
Set of two vintage Paper Knife chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in Denmark. These easy chairs are designed in 1955. They have a teak frame and a mixed fabric with...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paper knife Chairs For Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Perhaps Kai Kristiansen’s most celebrated design and a bona fide Danish design classic. A hard to find original pair of ‘Paper knife’ chairs crafted from solid rosewood. One of the ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paperknife Chair For Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Perhaps Kai Kristiansen’s most celebrated design and a bona fide Danish design classic. A hard to find original ‘Paperknife’ chair crafted from solid rosewood. One of the most grace...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paperknife Chair For Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Perhaps Kai Kristiansen’s most celebrated design and a bona fide Danish design classic. A hard to find original ‘Paperknife’ chair crafted from solid rosewood. One of the most grace...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

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Rosewood

Pair Of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs By Kai Kristiansen Danish Mid Century
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Norwich, GB
Superb pair of Danish mid century teak ‘Paper Knife’ lounge chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model 121. Maker's labels. Circa 1960. The chairs have solid teak s...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak, Wool, Bouclé

Pair of 'Paper Knife' Easy Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Magnificent pair of ‘Model 121’ easy chairs designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark. Beautifully crafted solid teak frames with the signature arm...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chair in Teak for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kai Kristiansen Modell 121 paper knife easy chair in teak wood. Produced by Magnus Olesen. Can be upholstered for additional 500€ on request.
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Model 121 'Paperknife' Chair in Rosewood For Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
One of Kai Kristiansens most recognizable and celebrated designs. The Paperknife chair designed in 1956 has long been a favourite item for us to stock. It is an exceptionally handsom...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knive Chairs by Magnus Olesen in Teak, Denmark
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Halle, DE
Pair of Danish armchairs, designed 1955 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model Nr. 121. So called „Paper Knive Chairs“. Executed in Teakwood with original green fabrics. Both ch...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Kai Kristiansen lounge 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 lounge chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lounge chairs by Kai Kristiansen were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the 1960s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lounge chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Henning Kjærnulf, and Nanna Ditzel. Prices for Kai Kristiansen lounge chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $4,852 and can go as high as $9,165, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $7,008.

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