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.
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
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood 1960s Danish Dressing Table
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark in the 1...
Rosewood
$3,720Sale Price|20% Off
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
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard – Danish Modern Console Table & Mirror
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in BERKEL EN RODENRIJS, NL
This beautiful Danish Modern set comes from the iconic Entre series designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard in the 1960s. The set includes the elegant Model 384 two-drawer c...
Oak
Danish Vintage Dressing Table and Stool by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kj
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
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
Danish Mid Century Teak Secretary Desk Vanity with Mirror Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Baltimore, MD
An elegant rare Mid-Century Modern teak secretary desk or vanity with mirror by famous Danish designer Kai Kristiansen for Torring, in Denmark. Featuring beautifully grained teak woo...
Teak
Teak Dressing Table by Peter Hayward for Uniflex, 1960s
By Uniflex, Peter Hayward
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid century teak dressing table from Uniflex, circa 1960s There's a triptych mirror, the middle tilts, the two sides swivel Featuring four drawers each with a metal handle Heigh...
Teak
Teak Dressing Table or Chest from Wrighton, 1960s
Located in South Shields, GB
A mid-century teak dressing table or chest from Wrighton, circa 1960s, complete with a mirror. The dresser has four solid teak drawers and sturdy, solid teak legs. The mirror is ...
Teak
Mid Century Teak Vanity by Elliots of Newbury
By Elliots of Newbury
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare mid-century vanity by Elliots of Newbury that was produced in England during the 1960s. A classy looking modernist vanity featuring articulated mirrors suspended on br...
Teak
$3,759
H 29.14 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
By Harry Østergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
Brass
Danish Design Teak Dressing Table, 1960s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish Design Dressing Table What a showpiece! This Danish dressing table is made of teak and is in very good vintage condition. Expertly crafted from high-quality teak and designed ...
Teak
Niels Clausen Danish Rosewood Petite Vanity
By Niels Clausen
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood vanity by Niels Clausen, 1958, Denmark. This petite vanity with tilting mirror is crafted of beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood with a raised edge, two pull-ou...
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
$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
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
$2,300
H 26.25 in W 59.5 in D 16 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Vanity, Console Table or Low Profile Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern Scandinavian design from Denmark circa 1970's. This piece features all teak wood construction with generous storage and a unique bowed front. A very versatile piece f...
Teak
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
$2,900 / set
H 48 in W 27.5 in D 18.25 in
Vintage Mid Century Art Deco Vanity or Desk with Mirror in Pine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A funky art deco vanity with mirror. Solid pine with period deco hardware. Mirror has some small dark spot from age. All in all very good condition. Price includes both vanity & mirr...
Mirror, Pine
Sold
H 45.28 in W 16.93 in D 46.07 in
Danish Design Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Teak Dressing Table
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in The Hague, NL
Teak Danish Modern vanity or dressing table designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Adjustable height and cant to folding mirror. Exceptional beauty to patina and ...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern vanity dressing table in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Features sleek circular recessed pulls that open three dovetail storage drawers and includes one center fixed shelf. The floating mirror is adjustable and accessorized with chrome plated steel hardware. This versatile piece fits as a bedroom vanity or small office desk...
Steel, Brass
Sold
H 45.28 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in
Santos Rosewood Dressing Table by Kai Kristiansen for Alsel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a totally original example from the combination of one of Denmark's best designers with one of the best cabinetmakers and mirror producers from the 1960s. Made of Santos Rosewood or Machaerium Scleroxylon, this species is not listed under CITES for protected timbers, so is no problem to import or export. It has a beautifully richly marked grain, and the mirrors fold out and the angle from horizontal can be adjusted by way of offset cubic stays. This item comes with a complimentary Frode Holm Vanity...
Hardwood
Teak Vanity by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Fulton, CA
Teak Danish Modern vanity or dressing table designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Adjustable height and cant ...
Mirror, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Teak Desk
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Miami, FL
A gorgeous teak executive desk with floating top, model FM59, designed by architect Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Mobelfabrik. The top of the Scandinavian writing table floats over ...
Teak
Sold
H 26.78 in W 46.46 in D 17.33 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Vanity Table with Mirrors by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful rosewood vanity table by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen, designed in the mid-1960s for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. The drawer fronts are equipped with a striking round reces...
Rosewood
Sold
H 46.46 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Dressing Table in Rosewood Designed by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Dressing table in rosewood with matching stool in patinated leather. Designed by Kai Kristiansen and made by Aksel Kjærsgaard in the 1960s. Great condition.
Rosewood, Leather, Mirror
Kai Kristiansen 1950s Rosewood Dressing Table
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark. Matching stoo...
Rosewood
Sold
H 26.75 in W 46.5 in D 17 in
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Rosewood Vanity with Folding Mirror
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vanity designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard in the mid-1960s, model 40. Solid rosewood drawer fronts with striking round recessed pulls. The mirror angle adjusts by slidi...
Teak
Danish Rosewood Vanity, Kai Kristiansen Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Superb example of the Classic vanity table by Kai Kristiansen. Designed by Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder Møbler, Denmark, circa 1960. Beautiful rosewood and design detail c...
Rosewood
Vintage Kai Kristiansen Vanity Table and Stool by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern dressing table includes a matching stool. A unique design with a fold out mirror attached, three hefty drawers with circular recessed pulls, and a fin...
Fabric, Mirror, Teak
Sold
H 26.78 in W 46.46 in D 17.33 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Vanity Table with Mirrors by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful rosewood vanity table by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen, designed in the mid-1960s for Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. The drawer fronts are equipped with a striking round reces...
Rosewood