For the better part of the past century, Magnus Olesen has been producing sturdy and functional furnishings for the modern lifestyle. With a focus on durability and exceptional quality, the Danish manufacturer continues to uphold the traditions associated with Scandinavian modernism — its artisans adhere to standards of the highest caliber in the construction of its widely revered armchairs, lounge chairs, stools and other pieces, which are crafted in a range of rich woods such as ash, oak and teak with a prioritization on practicality and ergonomics.
Cabinetmaker Magnus Olesen founded his eponymous company in 1937 in Denmark, and since then the brand has been producing functional, elegant furniture for interiors all over the world.
The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. Some of the designers that have partnered with Magnus Olesen over the years include Kai Kristiansen — a Danish cabinetmaker known for his innovative mid-century wall units — duo Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen, and Ib Kofod-Larsen, who was one of the best-selling Danish furniture makers in the United States during the 1950s, a time when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for America’s glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
With a showroom in Copenhagen and a production facility in Durup, Magnus Olesen remains in business today. The company primarily focuses on home furnishings but also produces a range of furniture for offices, the hospitality industry and healthcare facilities.
Find vintage Magnus Olesen chairs, tables and other seating on 1stDibs.
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage armchair by Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Curved laminated oakwood design with light grey upholstery. Dimensions: 55 W x 48 D x 75 H cm. Chair of the 61 series, stackable laminated...
Wool, Oak, Plywood
Magnus Olesen 4551 & 4545 Chair and Stool
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Thygesen & Sorensen for Magus Olesen 4551 chair and 4545 "Doughnut" Stool. 1970s. Oak bentwood. Labeled. Price for 1 chair 1 stool.
Oak
Pair of Danish Design Paper Knife Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen in Teak Black
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Faux Leather, Teak
1980s, Danish Design by Magnus Olesen, Pair of Armchairs
By Magnus Olesen
Located in Tarm, 82
1980s, Danish design by Magnus Olesen, pair of armchairs. Original upholstery in orange-red furniture wool. Very good condition, no smells. Oak bentwood....
Wool, Oak, Bentwood
Set of 6 Oak Bentwood Mid-century Dining Chairs Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of mid-century oak dining conference chairs that stack. Flared bentwood arms created out of white oak and upholstered in a blue Knoll like fabric. Designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olsen...
Fabric, Oak
Paper Knife Armchair by Kai kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Fabric, Teak
3x Midcentury Sessel Magnus Olesen Rud Thygesen Eiche neuer Bezug
By Rud Thygesen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt drei wunderschönen Lounge chairs von Magnus Olesen aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf wird Rud Thygesen zugeschrieben und besticht durch...
Oak
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
Sculptural Danish Design Thygesen & Olesen - 5331 Armchair, Set of Six, 1980s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Renens, CH
Armchair model 5331 designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark. This set of six was purchased during the early 1980...
Fabric, Bentwood
Mid Century Danish Modern Donut Stool by Thygesen for Magnus Olesen c 1970's
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Modern design stool by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olsen circa 1970's. The stool features three bent laminate wood legs, attached to an ebonized donut f...
Wood
H 31.5 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in
Cantilever Armchair Designed by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1975
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage cantilever armchair designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen, Labeled Made in Denmark. Curved laminated beech wood design with light grey- green upholst...
Upholstery, Beech, Plywood
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 25.2 in
Pair of Danish Cocktail Lounge Chairs, C.1950
Located in London, GB
An elegant pair of original Danish cocktail chairs dating from C.1950. The original upholstery and fabric are presented in excellent vintage con...
Fabric, Upholstery
H 78 in W 71 in D 68 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchair in Black Leather and Black Metal, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern armchair in black leather and black metal, 1970s Armchair in black leather with round padded seat. The padded back is in the shape of a semi-circle. On the sides it has two curved and slightly padded armrests. Exposed seams. At the base it has 4 spoke paw in black painted metal, with wheels. 1970s. Good conditions. The leather has slight scratches caused by use. The measurements are in cm 71 x 68 x 78 H 50 H seat 70...
Metal
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Chairs by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen, 1970s, Set of 24
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
A high quality of curved laminated wooden stacking chairs with woven wool upholstery in olive green. Set of 24 stacking chairs available, price ...
Wool, Wood
H 29.14 in W 27.17 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Lounge Chair Armchair, Denmark, 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-century teak lounge chair armchair, Denmark 1960. Set of 2 ! New uoholstery in torquois blue.
Fabric, Teak
H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 18.12 in
Kai Kristiansen Leather Troja Armchair, c1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen 'Troja' round chair from circa 1960. The frame is made from Afromosia African teak wood. The seat has been reupholstered in premium aniline cognac brown leather.
Teak, Leather
H 34.26 in W 26.38 in D 26.38 in
Pair of Giorgetti Italian Velvet Armchairs "Progetti", 1980s
By Giorgetti S.p.A.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This pair of armchairs in solid ebonized beech and armrests in glossy Pau Ferro, the padding of the seat and back is in polyurethane foam. They have been completely restored and upho...
Velvet, Wood, Beech
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Armchair by Magnus Rud Thygesen and Jonny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Berlin, DE
Armchair designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark, this armchair showcases refined Danish modern craftsmanship. Featuring a bentwood frame ...
Wood
H 27.96 in W 26.38 in D 32.68 in
Giancarlo Piretti Mid-Century Orange "Alky" Italian Armchairs, Castelli 1970s
By Anonima Castelli, Giancarlo Piretti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mid-century orange fabric "Alky" armchairs, designed by Giancarlo Piretti and produced by Castelli in Italy during 1970s. These lovely Alky armchairs are fully original in...
Aluminum
H 27 in W 21.5 in D 19.5 in
Magnus Olsen Series 8000 Dining Chair by Thygesen &Sorensen Made in Denmark
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in New York, NY
Excellent, clean ready to use Magnus Olsen series 8000 dining chair, designed by Rud Thygesen & Johny Sorensen, made in Denmark circa 1980's. This classic chair is in original finish...
Beech
H 27.56 in W 33.47 in D 30.12 in
Pair of Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen Easy Chairs in Wood and Leather, 1970s
By Børge Mogensen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Afra & Tobia Scarpa, Rud Thygesen
Located in Odense, DK
A rare pair of Brutalist easy chairs designed by the Danish designers Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen, crafted in the 1970s. These striking chairs exemplify the bold materiality and...
Leather, Wood
H 31 in W 28 in D 25 in
1930s Parlor Armchair by Magnus Oleson, Denmark
By Magnus Olesen
Located in Oakland, CA
A classic silhouette armchair from Magnus Oleson circa 1930s. Dark stained Beech frame and striped wool upholstery which appears to be original. Dramatic side profile with button tuf...
Fabric, Beech, Lacquer
H 29.93 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
Pair of 1950s Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" Teak Armchairs for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
A pair of rare and highly sought after 1950s ‘Paper Knife’ lounge armchairs which are one of the iconic Danish designs of the mid century design period. Designed in 1955 by Kai Kris...
Fabric, Teak
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Model 5131 Lounge Chair by Rud Thygesen for Magnus Olesen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Botium, Magnus Olesen
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Lounge chair designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen and produced for Magnus Olesen in the 1970s, this vintage piece is a true testament to Danish design quality. Crafted by the skilled hands of Botium møbelfabrik, this lounge chair is a perfect example of mid-century Scandinavian design. With its sleek lines and understated elegance, this lounge chair is a perfect addition to any living space. The retro vintage design...
Fabric, Laminate, Beech
H 30.71 in W 24.81 in D 31.5 in
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...
Teak
H 31.7 in W 22.84 in L 31.7 in
Oak Mid-Century Modern Armchair by Magnus Olesen for Durup Denmark, 1970s
By Magnus Olesen, Durup
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning Mid-Century Modern armchair. Design by Magnus Olesen for Durup Denmark. Striking Danish design from the 1970s. Solid oak frame with plywood backside and original black l...
Fabric, Oak
H 31.5 in W 22.84 in D 23.63 in
Pair of Danish Armchairs by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen
Located in London, GB
A pair of beech framed upholstered armchairs designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen Set of two armchairs from Thygesen and Sørensen‘s furniture collection. D...
Wool, Beech
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Lounge Chair Model 4521 by John Mortensen
By Magnus Olesen, John Mortensen
Located in Brussels, BE
This model was created in 1968 by the Danish Designer John Mortensen. The chair is very relaxing so as to enjoy comfortable seating. Leather belts are holding the cushions of the sea...
Metal
H 29.14 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
‘Paper Knife’ Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of two ‘Paper Knife’ lounge chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1955. This is model No 121 in teak and ...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
H 27.56 in W 20.87 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Stacking Chairs Designed by Magnus Olesen "8000 Series"
By Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage 8000 series four chairs by Magnus Olsen, Denmark. Stylish curved wooden legs and chair backs with blue-grey top. Vintage patina. Stackable chairs. ...
Bentwood
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 20.08 in
Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen Set Armchairs "5331 Model" by Magnus Olesen 1970s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
These set rare cantilever armchairs "model 5331" was designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen and produced in Denmark by Magnus Olesen in 1970s, producer ...
Ash
H 29.53 in W 25.99 in D 22.05 in
Armchairs by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen, 1970s, Set of 4
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Praha, CZ
Newly upholstered. Each item is in very good original condition with minor signs of use. Labeled by producer.
Fabric, Wood
H 70 in W 64 in D 70 in
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chair
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, GB
A classic Kai Kristiansen paper knife chair. Lovely colored and figured frames which have been thoroughly cleaned and polished. Fully...
Felt, Hardwood