A trained cabinetmaker, Poul Kjærholm’s use of industrial methods and materials in the 1960s brought a fresh, graceful, sleek new style to Danish modern design.
At what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Kjærholm studied under Hans Wegner and Jørn Utzon — an industrial designer and the architect of the celebrated Sydney Opera House. The latter greatly influenced Kjærholm’s furniture production techniques — although he employed natural materials such as cane and leather, to a far greater extent than his peers Kjærholm embraced the use of steel (rather than wood) framing for his chairs, daybeds and tables.
Kjærholm’s signal design was the PK22 chair of 1956, a low-slung leather lounger on a steel base. The ideas introduced in the PK22 — Kjærholm’s designs were named using a numeric system devised with his manufacturer, E. Kold Christensen — were refined throughout his career, as the offerings below show: the PK11 chair of 1957, with back and armrests formed by a semicircle of ash; the capacious, richly patinated leather seat of a vintage 1961 PK9 chair; the elegant rattan swoop of the PK 24 chaise longue (1965). The chaise longue's leather headrest, held in place by a steel counterweight, best shows Kjærholm's particular gift for combining technological advancements with a respect for traditional detailing.
While respectful of the past, Poul Kjærholm's sensibility is one of optimism and expectation. His was design for those who lived with verve and élan, and confidently anticipated the future.
Find a collection of vintage Poul Kjærholm furniture on 1stDibs.
Poul Kjaerholm "PK 101" Spiral Form Chandelier by E. Kold Christensen, 1956s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Skokie, IL
Poul Kjaerholm "PK 101" sculptural candelabrum produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, circa 1956. Additional information: Materials:matte chrome-plated steel Dimensions: 14.5" d...
Steel
Stingray Chandelier Brass by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Stingray chandelier brass by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L 152 cm x W 121...
Aluminum, Brass
Murano Glass Spiral Chandelier by Venini
By Venini
Located in Berlin, BE
Very nice high quality Murano glass spiral chandelier by Venini. The chandelier is in excellent condition. 8 x E14 bulbs Height includin...
Chrome
Drop Chandelier Plated Metal by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop Chandelier in Plated Metal by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Colour / Material: Burned Black Lampshade & ceiling cup: 100% Iron, with plated ...
Aluminum, Iron
Stingray Chandelier Brass by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Stingray chandelier brass by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L 200 x W 155 x H 88 cm Materials: brass...
Aluminum, Brass
Drop Chandelier Bronze by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop chandelier bronze by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L155 x W91 x H21 cm ...
Bronze, Iron
Murano Glass Spiral Chandelier
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Vintage chandelier made of a metal structure with from which hang tens of handmade clear Murano glass slabs with white in the center, bent at the top so they hook directly on the str...
Metal
Drop Chandelier Oxidized Metal by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop Chandelier Oxidized Metal by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L155 x W91 x H21 cm Materials: Lampshade: Oxidized Aluminium Pipes...
Aluminum, Brass
Ilione Spiral Chandelier by Artemide
By Artemide, Toni Cordero
Located in Sacile, PN
Pendant light chandelier designed by Toni Cordero di Montezemolo for Artemide. Chrome spiral with Murano glass charms.
Chrome
Mini Drop Chandelier Brass by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Mini Drop chandelier brass by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: H95 x L100 x W95 CM...
Brass, Iron
Drop Chandelier Brass by 101 Copenhagen
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop chandelier brass by 101 Copenhagen Designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl. Dimensions: L155 x W91 x H21 cm Mate...
Brass, Iron
Spiral Chandelier by Fabio Ltd.
By Fabio Ltd., Venini
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian spiral chandelier shown in clear Murano glasses cut into four points using Quadriedri technique, mounted on chrome finish frame by Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy 13 lights / E12 o...
Chrome
Spiral Chandelier by Fabio Ltd.
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian spiral chandelier shown in clear Murano glasses cut into four points using Quadriedri technique, mounted on chrome finish frame by Fabio Ltd / Made in Italy 13 lights / E12 ...
Chrome
Sold
H 44.49 in Dm 13.78 in
Chandelier PK 101 Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chandelier PK 101 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1956. Brushed steel. Stamped Denmark. Measures: H 113 cm/ 44 1/2" D 3...
Steel