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.
Pair Mogens Koch MK-16 Folding Chair in Oak Wood with Red Leather for Valmazan
By Valmazan, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful made pair Folding Chairs (model MK-16) after the design of Mogens Koch. These examples where manufactured by Valmazan, Spain and features a stained oak frame with brass det...
Brass
Mogens Koch Folding Chairs, Beech Wood & Canvas, Denmark, c. 1940s
By Mogens Koch
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of folding director's-style chairs of beech, brass, and canvas, with low-slung leather arms. Professionally restored with new canvas seats and backs.
Wood
Mogens Koch MK16 Folding Safari Chair for Cado, Denmark
By Cado, Mogens Koch
Located in Barcelona, ES
MK16 folding Safari chair designed in 1932 by Mogens Koch and produced in 1960's by Cado, Denmark. Stained beech wood, leather, brass and new canvas upholstery.
Brass
Mogens Koch ‘Mk-16’ Safari Chair for Rud Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Mogens Koch furniture designed a lot of award wining midcentury furniture. The Danish architect was known for his functional approach to furniture design and for prioritizing comfort and accessibility. Koch also drew on older traditions and techniques. His chairs and tables show the influence of the Shaker Style and Englisch pieces of the 18th century. Koch was born in Copenhagen and attended the Royal Danisch 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. In 1932, Rud Rasmussen began to produce Koch designs. An early Koch seating design that the Danish manufacturer made was the MK Safari...
Leather, Beech
Mogens Koch Folding Chairs MK-16, Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in TOURS, FR
An original pair of Mogens Koch folding chairs model "MK-16" made at Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen in the 1970s Mogens Koch designed the MK16 Fo...
Brass
Pair of Mogens Koch 'MK 16' Foldable Armchairs, Denmark, 1960s
By Mogens Koch
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Mogens Koch ‘MK 16’ foldable armchairs with brown leather and canvas. This safari type chair was designed by Mogens Koch in the 1930s. ...
Leather
2020 MK99200 Folding Chair by Mogens Koch for Carl Hansen in Teak & Leather
By Mogens Koch, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a listing for two (sold separately) MK99200 Folding Chairs made with a solid and oiled teak frame, leather seat/back and leather armrests. The chairs, designed by Mogens Koch...
Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch, New Product
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 folding chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Fabric, Oak
Mid-Century modern scandinavian chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch. New product.
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 Folding Chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Leather, Oak
Additional Chairs by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen
By Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of additional chairs by Mogens Koch. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany and black leather. The reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK.
Leather, Mahogany
$3,307
H 87 in W 50 in D 50 in
Mid-Century modern scandinavian chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch. New product.
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 Folding Chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Leather, Oak
Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint a pair of armchairs in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGADE/KØBENHAVN and architect's monogrammed pa...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
Brass
1940s Thonet Style Cinema Chair, Beech Wood Folding Seat
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage cinema chair from the 1940s, attributed to Thonet style production. This striking piece is crafted from solid beech wood and bent plywood, featuring a sculptural curved backr...
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Set of 6 Danish Side Chairs & Armchairs, 1960s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Set of 6 Danish Side Chairs & Armchairs, 1960s Vintage Design Set of four chairs and two Danish design armchairs 1960’. The mulching is completely redone in our workshops by ...
Straw, Wood
Teak Mogens Koch MK-16 Safari Chair
By Mogens Koch
Located in Montreal, QC
Teak Mogens Koch MK-16 Safari chair in rosewood foldable safari chair by Danish architect and designer Mogens Koch. These are re-editions by Interna of the ...
Rosewood
$2,165
H 34.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch, New Product
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 folding chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Fabric, Oak
Walnut Folding Chair MK16 Mogens Koch for Interna
By Mogens Koch
Located in Vienna, AT
Safair armchairs, frame made of walnut and upholstered in leather. The folding safari chair was originally designed in 1932 for a church seating contest. Probably too progressive, it...
Leather, Walnut
$780
H 29.53 in W 21.66 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Vintage Director’s Chairs, 1970s Folding Chairs, Black Beech Wood
Located in Hannover, DE
Pair of Vintage Director’s Chairs, Germany, 1970s–1980s Unknown manufacturer Price is for both chairs. A stylish pair of vintage director’s cha...
Fabric, Beech
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Red Chair in mahogany, niger leather and brass. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather, Mahogany
ZMG Thonet Beech wood Folding chairs 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice set of Beech wood folding chairs ,comes width Wicker seats . set of four of Vintage Mid-Century ZMG Radomsko The chairs made by Poli...
Beech
$6,014 / set
H 29.14 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Johannes Andersen Six Dining Chairs, model 16, teak, Denmark 1960s
By Uldum Møbelfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Johannes Andersen six dining chairs in solid oiled teak. New upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather. Model 16, made by Uldum Møbelfabrik.
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 44.3 in W 26.38 in D 33.08 in
For Rachel: Mogens Koch Wingback Chair and Ottoman in Cognac Leather (2/2)
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Koch for Rud Rasmussen, wingback chair and ottoman model MK50, mahogany and leather, Denmark, design 1936, manufactured 1964-1979. Mogens Koch's wingback chair is inspired by...
Leather, Mahogany
Mogens Koch Wingback Chair and Ottoman in Cognac Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Koch for Rud Rasmussen, wingback chair and ottoman model MK50, mahogany and leather, Denmark, design 1936, manufactured 1964-1979. Mogens Koch's wingback chair is inspired by...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 34.26 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in
Mogens Koch MK-16 Folding Chair in Teak Wood with Canvas for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful folding chairs (model MK-16), designed by Mogens Koch in the early 1930s. These examples were manufactured by Rud Rasmussen (signed with label) and feature a (rare) teak fr...
Brass
Mogens Koch Pair of MK-16 Folding Chairs for Interna, 1932/1969
By Mogens Koch
Located in Skokie, IL
Mogens Koch MK-16 folding chairs, pair Interna Denmark, 1932 / 1969 beech, canvas, brass Additional information: Dimensions: 21" w × 20" d × 34.5" h
Brass
Mk-16 Folding Safari Chairs by Mogens Koch (Denmark)
By Mogens Koch
Located in New York, NY
This complete set of six MK-16 Folding Safari Chairs is an iconic representation of Danish functionalist design. Conceived in 1932 by the celebrated architect Mogens Koch, the design...
Brass
Sold
H 34.26 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in
Mogens Koch MK-16 Folding Chair in Teak Wood with Canvas for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful made Folding Chair (model MK-16) designed by Mogens Koch in the early thirties. This example is manufactured by Rud Rasmussen (signed with label) and features a teak wood f...
Brass
Sold
H 34.5 in W 21.5 in D 20 in
A Pair of Mid-Century 1960s Mogens Koch by Cado Mk-16 Folding Safari Chairs
By Cado, Mogens Koch
Located in Centennial, CO
A classic pair of Mid-Century 1960s Mogens Koch by Cado MK-16 safari folding chairs crafted of beautifully patinated beechwood. with original brass fittings and leather rawhide sling...
Brass
MK 30 folding stool by Mogens Koch, design 1960's
By Mogens Koch
Located in PARIS, FR
Very elegant stool, representative of the design of Mogens Koch, Danish architect and designer known for his timeless style, comfort and functionality in the design of his products. ...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 35.04 in W 20.08 in D 18.9 in
Mogens Koch Folding Chairs MK-16 in Beech & Canvas, Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Odense, DK
An original pair of Mogens Koch folding chairs model "MK-16" made at Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen in the 1970s. A beautiful Scandinavian Modern icon i...
Canvas, Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 23.23 in D 24.02 in
Mogens Koch MK16 Folding Chair in Beech Wood and Canvas for Rud Rasmussen, DK
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful made Folding Chairs (model MK16) designed by Mogens Koch in the early thirties. This example is manufactured by Rud Rasmussen and features a beech wood frame with brass fit...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 16.15 in D 14.97 in
Mogens Koch MK16 Children's Folding Chair Beech Wood / Canvas for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful made Folding Chairs (model MK16) designed by Mogens Koch in the early thirties. These rare Children's examples are manufactured by Rud Rasmussen and features a beech wood f...
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Sold
H 34.26 in W 23.23 in D 24.02 in
Mogens Koch MK16 Folding Chair in Beech Wood and Canvas for Rud Rasmussen, DK
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful made Folding Chairs (model MK16) designed by Mogens Koch in the early thirties. These examples are manufactured by Rud Rasmussen and features a beech wood frame with brass ...
Brass