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 Bedside Table Low by Dagmar in Oak
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, Entre Bedside Table, 1950s A key figure in the Danish Modern movement, Kai Kristiansen designed the iconic Entre series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside c...
Oak
Pair of Vintage Rosewood Side Tables by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables designed by Kai Kristiansen, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s. Each table showcases beautiful natural rosewood grain with rich tonal...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Low Profile Side Table by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Sleek Danish modern low profile side table by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960s. The tab;e is in very good vintage condition and measures 18.25"W x 14.25"D x 18.25"H. Very nice high qual...
Teak
$4,443 / item
Kai Kristiansen Walnut Nightstand - New Edition
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Nightstands in Walnut, 1956 A new edition nightstand by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. First produced in the 1950s, these re-editions are now made under li...
Walnut
Kai Kristiansen 386 Bedside or End Table for Aksel Kjersgaard in Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
A Danish modern chest of drawers designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark. Stamped on the back with the maker’s mark and model number. Made in r...
Rosewood
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Danish Walnut Nightstands - New Edition
By Kai Kristiansen, Dagmar
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Nightstands in Walnut, 1956 A pair of new edition nightstands by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. First produced in the 1950s, these new editions are now mad...
Walnut
Pair of Cube Side Tables or Nightstands in Rio Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of Danish "Cube" side tables in Rio rosewood by Kai Kristiansen, made circa 1960. The rosewood has a rich colour and varied grain. The finger joins and ingenious construction...
Hardwood
Midcentury Danish Mahogany Nesting Tables by Kai Kristiansen, Set of 3, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Set off mahogany side tables by Kai Kristiansen. Each table consists of a stained beech or oak base and a mahogany veneered top. The tops have been renewed with an acrylic protective...
Mahogany
$886Sale Price|49% Off
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard wooden Side Table No. 381, Danish, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oirlo, LI
This side table is designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark in the 1960s. The typical design is refined in all details. There are beautiful drawing...
Wood
Nesting Cube Tables by Kai Kristiansen for Vildberg Mobelfabrik in Oak
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in New York, NY
Iconic set of interlocking tables, consisting of 3 tables which when nested form a cube. All three are in very good original condition, the tops show cosmetic wear to the finish, ple...
Oak
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
Set of 3 Side Tables in Rosewood, Suede and Zink by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 Side Tables in Rosewood, Suede and Zink by Kai Kristiansen, 1960’s Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, suede, zink Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by...
Rosewood
1960s Set of Three Kai Kristiansen Nesting End / Side Tables Model 33
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of 3 Model 33 Nesting Tables, originally designed by Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s. These particular examples were produced by Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik in Denmark. The tabl...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood "Cube" of Three Interlocking Nesting Tables
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik "cube" of nesting tables in rosewood. Composed of three tables two tables "slide" into the center table's side slots creating an ingeniously...
Rosewood
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Camden, ME
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
Cube side tables in walnut by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjaersgaard, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
pair of side tables designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced in Denmark by Aksel Kjaersgaard during the 1950s. Made from rosewood with nice grain. Beautifully detailed with angled corne...
Walnut
Lieno Walnut Nightstand
Located in Paris, FR
Nightstand Lieno Walnut made with walnut plywood, features hardwood fronts with milled handle. Drawers are made with interlocking dovetail joints and slide on metal guides. With 3...
Walnut
Coffee Table Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table is an impressive piece of furniture art that exudes both elegance and functionality. Made of rosewood and designed by the renowned Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møb...
Rosewood
$7,996 / set
H 45.67 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in
Danish Vintage Dressing Table and Stool by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kj
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made Danish vintage dressing table and stool by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard. This was made in Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of amazing...
Mirror, Wood
Low Minimal Coffee Table in Blackened Oak
By Klein Agency
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The coffee table focuses on the simplicity and natural beauty of wood. Whether natural or the black lacquered finish, the grain patterns of this contemporary oak tabletop seduce the ...
Oak
$5,400 / set
H 17.25 in W 33.375 in D 17 in
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Camden, ME
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
Extendable Round Dining Table by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Göteborg, SE
This elegant dining table is a timeless creation by Danish furniture designer Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by the renowned Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. Ka...
Rosewood
$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 Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
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
$1,800
H 20.28 in W 22.45 in D 14.57 in
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood by Haslev, Danish Design, 1960s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen Jr.
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of side tables in rosewood designed by Severin Hansen Jr. and made by Haslev Furniture Denmark, great original condition.
Rosewood
$2,200 / set
H 13 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of side tables in rosewood. Designed and made in Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$5,200
H 26.88 in W 46.38 in D 17 in
Vintage Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Teak Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
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
$2,000 / set
H 17.33 in W 18.51 in D 13.78 in
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood by Haslev, Danish Design, 1960s
By Severin Hansen Jr., Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of side tables in rosewood designed by Severin Hansen Jr. and made by Haslev Furniture Denmark, great original condition.
Rosewood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Walnut Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning pair of vintage modern end tables boast unusual drawer fronts with recessed pulls. Quality construction with curved front tops, stubby tapered legs, and a vintage walnu...
Walnut
Danish Modern Low Profile Side Table by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Diego, CA
Sleek Danish modern low profile side table by Kai Kristiansen, circa 1960s. The table is in very good vintage condition and measures 13.25"W x 13.25"D x 17.5"H. Very attractive, wel...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Teak & Glass Cube Table, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Littleton, CO
An iconic minimalist design by Danish master Kai Kristiansen, this rare cube side table epitomizes the clean lines and architectural elegance of mid-century modernism. Crafted in Den...
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 15.56 in W 46.86 in D 13.39 in
1960s Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Oak Side Table with Chest of Drawers
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fully Restored Kai Kristiansen Oak Side Table with Chest of Drawers Enterance hall set number 32 and 36 in oak consisting of a bench / side table and a small chest of drawers ...
Oak
Sold
H 17.52 in W 17.52 in D 17.52 in
Cube Magazine Rack/ Side table by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Balen, BE
Cubic side table in teak with suéde magazine holder by Kai Kristiansen, produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark during the 1960s. Beautifully designed and produces sidetable. An all ...
Suede, Teak
Set of 3 Wood Side Tables by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Toronto, CA
Almost as if by magic, the 3 wood side tables nest neatly into each other to create a single cube. Use the set as a single cube side table, or individually as a trio of tables. Magic...
Wood
Vintage pair of rosewood side tables by kai kristiansen.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
beautiful pair or rosewood framed glass top cube side tables. rosewood is in beautiful condition.
Glass, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Pair Glass and Oak Danish Tables
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Glass and Teak Side Tables, perfect to use together or alone. Taller one is 18" tall and shorter table is 14" tall. Overall very nice condition. Very Sturdy, bought from a house of Danish...
Teak
Sold
H 17.75 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Newly Refinished -Danish Modern Side Table with Magazine Rack by Kai Kristiansen
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Oak Cube Tables Denmark 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of cube side tables in solid oak by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark 1960s. Price for the set.
Oak
Sold
H 15.36 in W 34.26 in D 13.39 in
Kai Kristiansen model 36 bench in oak Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark 1960
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful minimalistic bench or side table model 36 designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark 1960. The bench can be multifunctional as it can also be used as a table...
Oak
Kai Kristiansen 384 Side Table made by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in New York, NY
Kai Kristiansen Side Table 384 made by cabinetmaker Aksel Kjersgaard. Kai Kristiansen double drawer side table model 384 made of high qualit...
Teak
Sold
H 17.33 in W 17.33 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Danish Rosewood 1960s Cube Lamp Tables / Nightstands by Kai Kristiansen
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of Danish "Cube" tables in Rio rosewood by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard. Made circa 1960, these sculpted cubic side tables would be perfect for sofa, lamp or bedsid...
Hardwood