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.
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Teak Magnus Olesen Lounge Armchairs
By Magnus Olesen, Borge Jensen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Handsome pair of open arm lounge chairs, model KK161, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured in Denmark by high-quality furniture maker, Magnus Olesen. These very comfortable c...
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chair
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career. The chair, later n...
Rosewood, Leather
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Ottoman
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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.
Wool, Rosewood
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career. The chair, later n...
Leather, Rosewood
1990's Magnus Olesen Lotus Chair with Red Upholstery and White Ash Frame
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1990's Modernist Magnus Olesen Lotus chair by Rud Thygensen & Jonny Sørensen. Red upholstered seating with a vacuum molded white ash wood body and metal legs. In original condition w...
Metal
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chair
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career. The chair, later n...
Wool, Rosewood
Fully Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Teak Paper Knife Lounge Chair
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
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...
Faux Leather, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Paper Knife Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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.
Wool, Rosewood
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...
Wool
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Wool
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
Danish Orange Oak Botium Lounge Chair by Magnus Olesen, 1970s.
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Orange Oak Botium Lounge Chair by Magnus Olesen, 1970s. Beautifully crafted Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern oak lounge chair Model 6331 designed in 1975 by renowned Danish de...
Oak
Pair Rudd Intl Danish Oak Lounge Chairs by Thygesen & Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Danish Modern pair of black painted blonde oak bentwood lounge chairs upholstered in purple fabric designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen, made by Magnus Olesen, distributed by Rudd International Furniture of Denmark. Circa, Late 20th Century. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that these are vintage and not new so will have signs of use and wear even if it has been refinished or restored. The frames of these chairs had some flaws that were best repaired and covered so we chose to paint the original light oak and deep beautiful black. Original upholstery is in fabulous condition. Please see photos, zoom in for details, and see long description as they are part of the condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Late 20th Century. NOTE A: We do have listings here as well for a single chair or a set of all 5 chairs just in case that makes it easier, and there is a little price break that way. NOTE B: The chair in the photo is an example. We will send you photos of the exact chair/chairs you will be getting prior to shipping. What a pretty pair of purple chairs!!! And they bear QUITE the reputation!! This is a wonderful pair of Danish or Scandinavian Modern lounge chairs designed by the elite Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen and distributed by Rudd International Furniture of Denmark. They are comprised of gorgeous black painted oak frames with flared out bentwood arms and straight legs that are actually one piece and they feature front and back stretchers which hold the molded seat giving it a floating illusion. AWESOME!! The seat and backs are upholstered in a wonderful purple fabric, and they exude a unique organic Danish Modern feel. Their ergonomically sculpted and designed seats are both alluring in style and ridiculously comfortable! We can easily see these lounge chairs in an Organic or Danish Modern setting, but they will look equally as beautiful in your industrial loft or in a modern country style setting. They would also be wonderful extra seating in your living room or in a game or theater room! And if you are outfitting a commercial office…these would be perfect! Wherever you use them, these fabulous purple lounge chairs...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
Single Rudd Int Danish Oak Lounge Chair by Thygesen & Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Danish Modern pair of black painted blonde oak bentwood lounge chairs upholstered in purple fabric designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen, made by Magnus Olesen, distributed by Rudd...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Vintage 1950s Rosewood Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Paper Knife Chair, 1955 The Model 121 lounge chair is widely considered one of Kai Kristiansen's finest works from a long and celebrated career. The chair, later n...
Wool, Rosewood
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with black pure aniline leat...
Leather, Rosewood
H 35 in W 34 in D 34 in
Danish Early 1950s Easy Lounge Chair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy style lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size....
Wool, Beech
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 30.71 in W 21.66 in D 18.9 in
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
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
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 Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
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 31 in W 33.5 in D 34 in
1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Bamboo Lounge Chairs with original green finish. Chairs have casters in the front. Chairs need to be recovered, we can help.
Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Wood
H 29.53 in W 21.26 in D 21.66 in
Set of 6 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 "Z-Chairs" Rio Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kai Kristiansen, design. A set of six armchairs, model 42, also known as the "Z-chair," crafted in Rio rosewood and upholstered in black leather. Designed in 1956 and produced by Sc...
Leather, Rosewood
H 30.91 in W 27.17 in D 30.71 in
Vintage Pair Of Cabinetmaker Lounge Chairs, Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Vintage Pair Of Cabinetmaker Lounge Chairs From Denmark, Circa 1950 by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark. Oak frames in good original condition with a nice even tone and patina. Original f...
Fabric, Oak
H 30.71 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Armchair by Magnus Rud Thygesen and Jonny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
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 32.28 in W 21.65 in D 24.02 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of low lounge chairs featuring wingback-style backs with distinctly shaped corners. The chairs rest on tapered legs and are upholstered in green velvet. The solid wood frames ha...
Upholstery, Wood
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 18.12 in
Customizable Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Rosewood Dining Chairs Excellent Condition
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 10 fully restored model 42 rosewood dining chairs with adjustable backrest in excellent condition by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik. Set of 10 model 42 rosewood dining...
Rosewood
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with vintage tan aniline lea...
Leather, Rosewood
H 41.34 in W 26.38 in D 26.38 in
Magnus Olesen Lounge Chair, Design by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sørensen, 1970s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Debrecen, HU
This elegant Scandinavian modern lounge chair is a distinctive example of Danish furniture design from the late 20th century. Its finely curved, bent (laminated) beechwood frame and ...
Bentwood
H 32.68 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
John Mortensen for Magnus Olsen, brutalist lounge chair, oak and leather.
By Magnus Olesen, John Mortensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
John Mortensen lounge chair with frame of oak. Original patinated tan leather. Model 4521, made by Magnus Olsen.
Leather, Oak
H 32 in W 25 in D 33 in
1950s Pair of Teak Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Fabric, Teak
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 29 in
Pair Rudd Intl Danish Oak Lounge Chairs by Thygesen & Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Danish Modern pair of black painted blonde oak bentwood lounge chairs upholstered in purple fabric designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen, made by Magnus Olesen, distributed by Rudd...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
H 29.5 in W 30 in D 29 in
5 Rudd Danish Modern Oak Lounge Chairs by Thygesen & Sorensen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Danish Modern set of 5 black painted blonde oak bentwood lounge chair upholstered in purple fabric designed by Rud Thygesen & Johnny Sorensen, made by Magnus Olesen, distributed by Rudd...
Fabric, Oak, Paint
H 30.5 in W 25 in D 30 in
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen, Domus Danica, Magnus Olesen
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...
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
Set of 2 Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Fabric, Teak
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 29.14 in
Danish Plywood Lounge Chair by Magnus Olesen, in mint bouclé
By Dorup Polstermobelfabric, Magnus Olesen
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid-Century Danish lounge chair Designed by Magnus Olesen. Denmark, 1970s Plywood beech bended seating construction with beautiful high quality bouclé fabric upholstery. The chair ...
Fabric, Beech
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 30.71 in
Pair of 'Paper Knife' Easy Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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...
Fabric, Teak
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 Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
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 28 in W 25 in D 28 in
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" Sculpted Teak Lounge Chair for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kai Kristiansen "Paper Knife" sculpted teak lounge chair for Magnus Olesen.
Teak
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 33.47 in
Pair of Lounge Chair Model 4521 by John Mortensen
By John Mortensen, Magnus Olesen
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