Vintage Mogens Koch furniture endures as a sophisticated example of Scandinavian modernism in today’s homes. The award-winning mid-century Danish architect was known for his functional approach to furniture design and for prioritizing comfort and accessibility. While these are traits that we typically attribute to American mid-century modern design — as well as the coveted furnishings that originated in Scandinavian workshops — Koch also drew on older traditions and techniques. His chairs, tables and other items show the influence of the Shaker style and English pieces of the 18th century.
Koch was born in Copenhagen and attended the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating, he worked as an assistant to Kaare Klint, an important figure in Danish modernism who was responsible for establishing the furniture design program at Koch’s alma mater. Klint favored historical styles and inspired Koch to view furniture design as an evolutionary process built on the traditions of the past. Over the course of their partnership, in the late 1920s, Koch began creating modular bookcases. Simple yet elegant, vintage Mogens Koch bookcase systems — which were over the years crafted in comely woods such as mahogany, oak and cherrywood — are all about versatility and flexibility, intended to be configured to fit rooms of all shapes and sizes.
In 1932, Rud Rasmussen began to produce Koch bookcase designs. An early Koch seating design that the Danish manufacturer made was the MK Safari chair, an unassuming folding chair based on traditional British campaign furniture. It greatly resembles Klint’s own Safari chair, which was designed in 1933 and was also inspired by military furniture. It became one of Koch’s signature armchairs. The seat inspired a series of folding furniture pieces, including tables that could collapse for storage.
In 1938, Koch was awarded the Eckersberg Medal from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. He took an associate professor role at the school in 1940. In 1950, he became a full professor of architecture and continued teaching until 1968. The academy also awarded him their highest honor — the C.F. Hansen Medal — in 1963. Later in life, Koch won the 1990 Danish Design Center's Classic Award and the 1992 Industrial Design Prize.
On 1stDibs, you can find vintage Mogens Koch storage pieces, coffee tables and more.
Mogens Koch Oregon Pine Frame for Rud, Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch Oregon pine and glass frame made by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, c. 1960. Label from here. Original, untouched condition.
Glass, Pine
Pine Picture Frame Mogens Koch & Rud Rasmussen Denmark, 1940s
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Description: A solid pine picture frame designed by Mogens Koch and made by Rud Rasmussen, circa 1940.In their extreme soberness and simplicity they fully bear the character of Scand...
Pine
$5,995
H 14.25 in W 12.25 in D 6.25 in
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze and Green Slag Glass Picture Frame
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding antique Arts & Crafts period large picture frame By Tiffany Studios (signed to the back) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Patinated bronze in iconic pine n...
Bronze
Anthroposophical Frame, 1940s, Rudolf Steiner, Dornach Design
By Rudolf Steiner
Located in PARIS, FR
Anthroposophical frame, carved natural fruit wood. Rudolf Steiner school, Dornach design, Switzerland. 1940s. Sight: 20 x 15,3 cm. Overall: 30 x 23,3 cm.
Wood
Jacques Adnet Style, Brown Leather Picture Frame, France 1940
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This Picture frame, is in leather, in a gradient of brown colors. It is done in the style of Jacques Adnet. Some Wear but almost on the sides. It has been made in France circa 1940,...
Leather
$5,995
H 13.75 in W 12.38 in D 6 in
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze and Slag Glass Large Picture Frame
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and outstanding antique Arts & Crafts period large picture frame By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Patinated bronze in iconic pine needle pattern, with b...
Bronze
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass)
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass) Shell with crack in it (as shown) Stand not sold with frame Hinged arm missing from back of frame
Shell
Alvar Aalto for Artek Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto for Artek, captures the essence of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The rare piece ...
Pine
Alvar Aalto Modernist Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, captures the essence of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The rare piece was crafted c...
Pine
$4,175
H 6.78 in W 5.12 in D 0.4 in
Mogens Ballin Art Nouveau Picture Frame, Tin and Brass, Denmark, 1900
By Georg Jensen, Mogens Ballin, Thorvald Bindesbøll, Georges De Feure, René Lalique
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare antique Art Nouveau tin and brass picture frame by Danish painter and artist Mogens Ballin (1871-1914) produced in the very beginning of the last century. Intricate arts and c...
Brass, Tin, Metal
A large English carved pine frame, C. 1880
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A great size! Understated and timeless, this antique English pine frame brings the quiet beauty of countryside craftsmanship into your home. Pine with a warm, honeyed patina, this pi...
Pine
1960s Resin Photo Frame for Two Photos.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Resin photo frame for two photos from the 1960s. Contact us before ordering to confirm product availability. Dimensions : H: 15,5cm, W: 20cm, D: 2cm
Resin
$4,470
H 11.03 in W 8.67 in D 1.58 in
An orignal 1940s Murano glass and brass picture frame by Barovier and Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
An orignal 1940s Murano glass picture frame by Barovier and Toso, with thick clear glass woven twist frame, with inner brass frame, top centre detailing and stand. Stamped on the bra...
Brass
$2,230
H 0.6 in W 1.66 in D 1.19 in
Travel Picture Frame rectangular Sterling Silver Enamel for 4 photos Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular travel photo frame with a hinged booklet, for 4 photos in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloché in Art Nouveau Style. Closed dim...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Mogens Koch Oregon Pine Frame for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmak, 1960's
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch Oregon pine and glass frame made by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, c. 1960. Label from here. Measures: 38 X 50.5 cm. Original, untouched...
Glass, Pine
Mogens Koch Large Frames
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Individual large pine frames designed by Mogens Koch and made by Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier. Great color to the wood.
Pine
Mogens Koch Collection of Frames
By Mogens Koch
Located in London, GB
Made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen and designed by architect Mogens Koch.