One of the most significant architects in Denmark’s history and a pioneer of Danish functionalism in Scandinavian, mid-century modern furniture, Vilhelm Lauritzen maintained a lifelong belief that design is an art for the people.
Born in the town of Slagelse in 1894, Lauritzen had an early interest in architecture and design. He graduated from the Sorø Akademi in 1912 and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. That year, Lauritzen founded the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects studio.
Travel to Spain, Greece and throughout Central Europe influenced his architectural work. His first major project was in 1928, when he designed the Daell’s Department Store in Copenhagen. Subsequent notable design projects included the Nørrebro Theater in 1931, the Radiohuset building in 1936 and Copenhagen Airport’s first terminal in 1939, inspired by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier.
Although architecture was among Lauritzen’s chief passions — he was also an avid lepidopterist — he was keenly interested in the furnishings of his projects, designing everything from chairs and settees to door handles and ashtrays. His influential creations include the iconic VL 38 “Radiohus” table and the VL 45 “Radiohus” pendant light — a powerful downward light that provides a gentle illumination through handblown, white opal glass. Both were designed for Danish furniture manufacturer Louis Poulsen in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lamps and wall sconces, which have obliquely angled lamp heads, were likewise designed in partnership with Poulsen for the Radiohuset building in the 1930s.
Lauritzen remained active in his studio until 1969, overseeing numerous architecture projects in the 1950s, such as the Shellhuset building, Folkets Hus — known today as the VEGA concert hall — and the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Lauritzen died in 1984. His legacy lives on with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects still operating in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, and his elegant lamps remain in production by Louis Poulsen.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen lighting, seating, tables and more.
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Glendale, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VLA62 'Radio House' Oak Wood Mirror for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment...
Mirror, Wood, Oak
Vilhelm Lauritzen Wall Mirror in Mahogany, 1930s, Danish Modern
By Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare wall mirror designed by Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen and executed in selected solid mahogany with a beautiful grain. Classic 1930 functionalism and superior craftsmanship ...
Mirror, Mahogany
Mid-Century French Wall Mirror In Gilt Wood Frame, 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century French wall mirror in gilt wood frame, 1930s The mirror has a patina of age and the frame has some cracks. Overall in good condition. Very fascinating and rare object.
Mirror, Wood
Minimalist Danish Teak Wood Mirror
Located in San Francisco, US
This stunning 46” mirror features a warm wooden frame crafted from Danish teak wood. Perfectly proportioned with clean lines and expert craftsmanship, this versatile piece can be ele...
Wood, Teak
Swedish designer floral decor wall mirror, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Unique wall mirror by unknown designer in Sweden during the 1930s. Made in an organic shape with floral decor in iron lacquered white. Mirror glass with stains and crackling.
Iron
Solid Oak Free Standing Full Length Mirror, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A full length free-standing mirror in solid oak with cantilever legs. The mirror tilts and can be tightened into place. In very good original condition and only showing light wea...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirror, Stjärnmetall ca 1930s
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare and absolutely beautiful Scandinavian Modern wall mirror by Stjärnmetall, ca 1930s. Frame depicting music playing and dancing figures. Original foxed mirror. Wear and patina co...
Metal
1930s Swedish Modern Pewter Mirror
Located in New York, NY
Small square shaped vintage Swedish Modern Pewter Mirror with decorative organic flower and leaf decoration around the border. Hanging on the sid...
Pewter
$3,237
H 42.52 in W 21.66 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Scandinavian Wall Mirror by Carl Malmsten, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful wall mirror by Carl Malmsten, with a mahogany frame. Inlays of a vase and flowers coming out of it at the top of the frame.
Mirror, Wood
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Wood, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A carved wooden wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s.
Mirror, Wood
$6,895
H 62.25 in W 36.5 in D 3 in
Biedermeier Style Pier Mirror of Cherry from France (H 62 1/4 x W 36 1/2)
Located in Austin, TX
A tall elegant French pier mirror from the 19th century in the Biedermeier style featuring a beautiful frame of cherry wood with a mellow, rich patina. Perfect as a wall or hall mirr...
Glass, Mirror, Wood, Cherry
Otto Schulz Birch Mirror, Swedish Modern, 1930s.
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in Skanninge, SE
Swedish Modern Mirror by Otto Schulz for Boet, Sweden 1930-40s. It has a very unusual and attractive irregular shape. Made in flame birch and with a wonderful original bevelled mirr...
Mirror, Birch
Spaulding Mirror by Croft House
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Spaulding Mirror is Custom Made in Los Angeles. Solid walnut boards are sized and joined. Mirror cut to size. WALNUT + MIRROR HARDWAX OIL FINISH PERSONALIZE THIS PIECE For all f...
Walnut
Small Danish Antique Mahogany Wall Mirror, 1900s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small wall mirror in Mahogany veneer upon oak and pine. Clean curves and plain lines. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker during the early 1900s. Measurements: 52x36x4 cm in frame. The m...
Oak, Pine