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, Daybed, Leather, Steel, Plywood, E Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in High Point, NC
A leather, steel and plywood daybed designed by Poul Kjaerholm and produced by E Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1960s. Condition: Good Wear consistent with age and use. Very lively pat...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK 80 Tufted Leather and Flat Bar Steel Daybed
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is the PK 80 daybed By Poul Kjaerholm. The daybed is crafted in a rich tufted leather. The base is made is flat bar steel. The bed has been newly reupholstered.
Cut Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 daybed black leather E. Kold Christensen Denmark 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
PK 80 was one of the most sophisticated works from this period by Kjaerholm. Its striking proportions, the elegance of its materials and connections, and the beauty of the large welt...
Metal
1996 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK80 Daybed in Grey/Black Fabric
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a PK80 Daybed, originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1957 and produced by Fritz Hansen. This particular example was manufactured in 1996. It features a minimalist silhouet...
Steel
1996 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK80 Daybed in Black Fabric 2x Available
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a PK80 Daybed, originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1957 and produced by Fritz Hansen. This particular example was manufactured in 1996. It features a minimalist silhouet...
Steel
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
E. Kold Christensen PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1st ed. Denmark - 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Original PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen – Denmark, 1956 Stamped with the E. Kold Christensen logo (1st edition manufacturer). A masterclass in minimalist...
Stainless Steel
H 30.3 in W 22.8 in D 22.8 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-9 Dining Chairs by E. Kold Christensen Brown Leather, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Vienna, AT
Early original 1960's PK9 single chair for E. Kold Christensen (marked), produced circa 1960-1970- We have another set of four available, please inquire. This single chair is in stu...
Steel
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 29.93 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair E. Kold Christensen Denmark Steel Leather 1968
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Munster, NRW
First edition of the PK20 lounge chair, a graceful, elegant masterpiece created in 1968 by Danish designer Poul Kjaerholm for Ejvind Kold Christensen. It consists of an aesthetic c...
Steel
H 28 in W 54 in D 28 in
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel. Designed...
Steel
H 35.5 in W 23.5 in D 40 in
PK24 Chaise Longue Chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This PK24 chaise longue, designed by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, embodies the Danish master’s commitment to refined simplicity and exceptional materials. Its flowing sculptural p...
Metal
H 35.04 in W 31.7 in D 29.14 in
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen 'PK20' Lounge Chair in Leather
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, lounge chair model 'PK20', leather, chrome-plated steel, Denmark, 1968 A sleek, modern design that embraces clean lines and curvaceous shapes,...
Steel, Chrome
H 13 in Dm 20.48 in
Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stools Produced by E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early pair of "PK33" stools in steel and original brown leather by Poul Kjærholm produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark 1960s. In good original condition and stamped. ...
Steel
H 25.79 in W 24.81 in D 21.86 in
Vintage "PK 11" Armchair by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool “PK 11” armchair by Poul Kjærholm, designed in 1957, executed by original producer E. Kold Christensen. Carried out in ash and br...
Steel
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
PK-31 (PK31) Armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK-31 (PK31) lounge chairs are fully restored: new black leather upholstery, metal frames details are refinished. One under seat metal bar has maker's mark, the...
Steel
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Midcentury “PK 9” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of eight beautiful “PK 9”, or as they are also called “Tulipan” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm. Made with sleek brushed steel bases and organically molded seats. Seats and backs ...
Steel
H 29.14 in W 25.2 in D 24.02 in
Poul Kjærholm Pk-11 Armchair by E Kold Christensen, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Renens, CH
Poul Kjærholm started his working life as a cabinetmaker’s apprentice, unlike many of his fellow designers of that time who were generally trained as architects. After completion of ...
Steel
H 29.53 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
4 Poul Kjaerholm PK9 E. Kold Christensen chairs with seat height extensions
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A set of 4 Danish Mid Century vintage leather and steel PK9 chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen with additional bespoke, later designed, optional seat height extensions. These are a beautifully crafted set of chairs with a simple but striking form that have often been cited as Kjaerholm’s finest work; and for good reason… as the story goes Kjaerholm was inspired by a sand imprint of his wife’s behind from a day at the beach. Later, during the design process, Hanne Kjærholm sat in boxes of clay to find the most optimal and comfortable solution; so now you know. These also have the additional benefit of expertly crafted seat height extensions that can be used or not, depending on the height of your preferred table. Note that these are not original extensions as the chairs didn't ever have such additions as they were designed at a lower height to match Kjaerholm’s PK tables...
Steel
H 14.57 in W 76.38 in D 32.29 in
Poul Kjærholm, PK 80 Daybed, E. Kold Christensen, circa 1965
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Poul Kjaerholm (Danish 1929-1980) PK 80 daybed, circa 1965 tan leather, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, rubber mounts 37cm high x 194cm long x 82cm deep bearing E. Kold Christen...
Steel
H 12 in W 74.75 in D 31.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK80 daybed in black leather for Fritz Hansen Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Skokie, IL
The Poul Kjaerholm PK80 daybed is an iconic piece that exemplifies the Danish design ethos of simplicity and functionality. Designed in 1968, the PK80 features a minimalist aesthetic...
Stainless Steel
H 12 in W 74.75 in D 31.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK80 daybed in black leather for Fritz Hansen Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Skokie, IL
The Poul Kjaerholm PK80 daybed is an iconic piece that exemplifies the Danish design ethos of simplicity and functionality. Designed in 1968, the PK80 features a minimalist aesthetic...
Stainless Steel
H 31.5 in W 75 in D 12 in
Poul Kjaerholm "PK80" Daybed, by E Kold Christensen, Circa 1950, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Mid-Century Poul Kjaerholm "PK-80" Daybed, produced by E. Kold Christensen, circa 1950, Denmark. Rare first edition. Original leather Very decorative piece made with le...
Stainless Steel
H 11.82 in W 32.68 in D 74.81 in
Fritz Hansen PK-80 by Poul Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Wien, AT
The PK-80 Daybed is the embodiment of Poul Kjærholm's talent for refining historical models and distilling the design down to the essentials. The daybed is inspired by a daybed desig...
Steel
H 12 in W 75 in D 31.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 Daybed for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Chicago, IL
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 Daybed for Fritz Hansen, black leather cushion with plywood sub-base connected to stainless steel frame with rubber grommet. ...
Stainless Steel
H 11.82 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
PK 80 Daybed by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 80 - Daybed in steel with original black leather. Designed in 1957. Maker Fritz Hansen.
Leather
H 11.82 in W 75.6 in D 32.29 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK80 daybed EKC, Denmark, 1957
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconinc daybed model PK80 designed by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1957. The daybed is in fantastic fully original ...
Stainless Steel
H 12 in W 75 in L 12 in
Poul Kjaerholm Black Leather & Steel PK80 Daybed by Fritz Hansen, Danish Minimal
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In an ongoing attempt to unite the sublime with the absolutely necessary, Poul Kjaerholm designed the PK80 daybed. The result is one of Kjaerholm's most sophisticated and iconic desi...
Stainless Steel
H 11.75 in W 74 in D 31.75 in
Model PK 80 Leather and Steel Daybed Designed by Poul Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stamford, CT
A model PK 80 leather and steel daybed designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1957 and produced by E. Kold Christensen. Stamped. Restorations to leather.
Steel
H 12.5 in W 76 in D 32.25 in
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen Early Year PK-80 Daybed, Double Signed
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fine collectors example in showroom condition of an early production original of the PK-80 Daybed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, with original steel frame, double signed with the EKC logo engraved in two different sections of the steel frame, along with the original wood platform and black button-tufted leather cushion. These rare original production examples by EKC have become exceedingly hard to find and are extremely sought after by collectors. New production variants by Fritz Hansen lack the collectibility and appeal of the originals by E. Kold Christensen. If you are considering buying a PK-80 daybed, an EKC double-signed example, like this one, will provide much greater long term asset value and appreciation than the newer Fritz Hansen versions. We highly suggest buying an original PK 80 vs the new versions, and in addition we highly suggest not buying an unsigned example. If you are looking at a PK-80 and the dealer is not showing a photo of the signature in the listing, we suggest asking for a clear photo so you can compare and ensure it is the correct one. If it is not signed, we suggest avoiding the purchase, and instead find one that is signed instead, such as this double-signed rare example. Originally designed in 1957 for Elvind Kold Christensen, this example produced circa 1960, with all original parts, all in excellent vintage condition, a fine collectors example. The only slight issue is one of the eight rubber bands that is used to hold the wood platform to the steel frame is missing as you can see in the photos. This is not noticeable unless you remove the leather mattress and this does not affect its use at all, or its stability. Each leg has two heavy rubber bands so this leg still has one band and is completely stable and does not affect the daybeds use...
Cut Steel
H 12.25 in W 75.5 in D 32 in
PK80 Daybed by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Patinated Niger leather PK80 daybed by Poul Kjærholm. Designed in Denmark, circa 1957. Literature: The Furniture of Poul Kjaerholm: C...
Steel