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.
Mid Century Sofa by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional and rare 20th century three-part wall mounted sofa in brushed chrome plated steel, canvas and original patinated Niger leather upholstery...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm 'PK31' Sofa in Black Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, three-seat sofa model PK 31, leather and metal, Denmark, 1958. Beautiful PK31 sofa in patinated black leather by P...
Metal
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craf...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm Pk 31 3 Sofa In Black Leather For E. Kold Christensen From 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Lejre, DK
PK31 sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen. 3-seater in black leather with steel frame. Danish design classic from the 1960s. — Designer: Poul Kjærholm — Producer: E. Kold C...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/3 Sofa Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model PK-31/3 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/4 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exceptional 4 seat PK31 sofa. This stunning sofa is designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1950's. Beautiful and high quality original black lea...
Steel
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in patinated original reddish aniline leather with frame in chromed steel. Designed in 1958 by Poul Kjærholm, made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Vintage Poul Kjaerholm PK31 Sofa by Fritz Hansen Denmark 1980s
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Aachen, NW
Fine and rare PK31/3 sofa by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen. One of the earliest Fritz Hansen editions made in the early 1980s. One of the finest sofa ever made. Actually new retai...
Stainless Steel
Cognac PK 31 /2 Sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Utrecht, NL
PK 31 /2 sofa settee by Poul Kjærholm, manufactured by first manufacturer Ejvindt Kold Christensen Denmark (marking on last photo). Sofa comes with original upholstered frame panels...
Steel, Chrome
Poul Kjaerholm PK 31/2 Settee
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautifully patinated brown two-seat PK 31 settee designed by Poul Kjaerholm and Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen. Stamped to frame.
Steel
2002 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK31 Three Seat Sofa in Black Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Poul Kjaerholm PK31 3-seat sofa, initially designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen in 1958. This particular example was produced in 2002 in Denmark. We currently have t...
Steel
$12,497Sale Price|24% Off
PK-31/2 Leather Sofa by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa was once placed in a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leath...
Steel, Chrome
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craf...
Steel
2002 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK31 Three Seat Sofa in Black Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Poul Kjaerholm PK31 3-seat sofa, initially designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen in 1958. This particular example was produced in 2002 in Denmark. We currently have t...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsma...
Steel
PK-31/2 Sofa in Brown Leather by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa comes from a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leather has ...
Metal
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsma...
Steel
Pair of Sofas in Black Leather and Flat Steel by Poul Kjærholm, 1958
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Sofas in Black Leather and Flat Steel by Poul Kjærholm, 1958 Additional Information: Material: Black leather and flat steel Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Rare pair of sofa...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/2 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model PK-31/2 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
PK 31 - 3 seater in black leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in patinated black leather and frame in black oxidised steel. Stamped from manufacturer E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
$17,400
Poul Kjaerholm PK31-2 Sofa
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in San Francisco, CA
This iconic Danish sofa has been fully reupholstered to the highest standard, with leather from Denmark’s finest leather tannery in a shade of lava grey. The stainless steel frame an...
Stainless Steel
PK 31-3 leather sofa by Poul Kjærholm, E.Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Renens, CH
Iconic PK31 three-seater leather sofa by Poul Kjærholm, EKC Denmark 1958. This sofa is from the first edition produced by E.Kold Christensen until Fritz Hansen takes over the produc...
Steel
Fritz Hansen PK-80 by Poul Kjaerholm
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
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
PK 9 Tulip Chair by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjærholm PK 9 - 'Tulip' chair in patinated natural leather with steel frame. E. Kold Christensen.
Leather
$39,500
H 12 in W 75 in D 32 in
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
$6,300
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 Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
$26,203Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
6 Chairs PK9 from Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Suite of 6 dining chairs model PK 9 designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1961 for Kold Christensen. It’s an early edition in good condition. Very rare set made by one of the most sought a...
Metal
Poul Kjaerholm PK 31/2 Settee
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautifully patinated brown two-seat PK 31 settee designed by Poul Kjaerholm and Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen. Stamped to frame.
Steel
$19,293 / set
H 13 in Dm 20.48 in
Poul Kjaerholm "PK33" Stools Produced by E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen PK 24 Chaise, circa 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amarillo, TX
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen chaise Model PK 24 Made in Denmark, circa 1960s Handwoven cane, stainless steel, counterweight custom leather head rest.
Stainless Steel
$8,068
H 28.35 in W 24.02 in D 24.81 in
Poul Kjærholm Chair "PK-22" in Patinated Leather by E. Kold Christensen, 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Odense, DK
Rare early E. Kold Christensen production "PK-22" by Poul Kjærholm in original dark brown aniline leather with an amazing deep patina. The leather and canvas upholstery work on these...
Steel
$11,283
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
PK31/1 - Armchair in original patined leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/1 - Armchair in patinated cognac leather with steel frame. Designed by Poul Kjærholm, made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
$11,500
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
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in W 54 in D 28 in
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
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
Sold
H 27.96 in W 53.94 in D 29.53 in
Two-seater Sofa PK31 by Poul Kjaerholm in Black Leather, Denmark 1958
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Hellouw, NL
A timeless expression of Danish modern design, the PK31 two-seater sofa by Poul Kjaerholm captures the essence of elegance and functionality. Designed in 1958 for Ejvind Kold Christe...
Metal
PK-31-2 sofa by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, two-seat sofa model PK 31, leather and metal, Denmark, 1960s. Beautiful PK31 sofa in patinated black leather by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Ch...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/3 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model PK-31/3 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK31/2 Sofa Pair EKC, Denmark, 1957
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Amazing matching pair of sofas designed by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, Denmark 1957. The PK 31 was both a lounge chair and a modular seating element t...
Stainless Steel
PK-31/3 Sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dallas, TX
PK-31/3 sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen in original patinated black leather.
Leather
Sold
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Pk 31/3 Sofa + 2 Pk 31 Easy Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm, Dark Brown Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Munster, NRW
Poul Kjaerholm (denmark, 1929-80) is one of the most important furniture designers of the midcentury era. vintage originals are immensely sought after and sold at design auctions to ...
Steel
Fritz Hansen Loveseat by Poul Kjaerholm PK31-2
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish loveseat by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen. Beautiful mid-century design in a strong metal and leather covered frame. Please confirm location.
Leather
PK 31/2 Sofa by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/2 - 2 seater sofa in red semi-aniline leather on steel frame. Poul Kjærholm / E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Sold
H 27.5 in W 55 in D 28.5 in
Poul Kjaerholm Two-Seat Sofa, Model No. PK 31 /2 for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in New York, NY
Poul Kjaerholm PK 31/2 two-seat sofa / settee. E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1958. Leather with a chrome-plated steel frame. Signed with impressed manufacturer's mark to the frame. ...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm, Sofa Model PK-31-2, for E Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two-seat sofa, model PK-31, designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen. Black leather and matt polished steel. Denmark, mid-1900s. 2 pieces available, price per piece. Make...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 Sofa for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 sofa. Dull chromium-plated steel, black colored oxhide, loose down cushions. Executed by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark.
Steel
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