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 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
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A carved dark-stained wood wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Light oxidation to mirror consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 42.0"H x 21.0"...
Wood
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
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, 1930s.
Brass
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
$2,223
H 40.95 in W 23.04 in D 0.79 in
Danish Midcentury Modern Rosewood Wall Mirror, Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool modernist wall mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard, made from rosewood in a smooth design with a sculpted frame. Very nice woodgrain. Model #166
Mirror, Rosewood
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s.
Brass
$3,255
H 42.52 in W 21.66 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Scandinavian Wall Mirror by Carl Malmsten, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Carl Malmsten, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
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. Overall Dimensions (inches): 42.25"H x 23.37"W x 1.25"D Does not incl...
Mirror, Wood
Danish Modern Beveled Edge Teak Wall Mirror
Located in Berkeley, CA
This Danish modern midcentury teak framed wall mirror is the perfect accessory for any modern entryway. A solid teak frame is showcased by a beveled edge. In excellent original condi...
Mirror, Teak
$1,814
H 4.73 in Dm 17.33 in
Antti Hakkarainen Wrought Iron Wall Mirror, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen 1930s
By Antti Hakkarainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful wall mirror in solid iron designed by Antti Hakkarainen and manufactured by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen in the 1930s. The mirror is in great original condition with a beautiful greenish patina. Antti Hakkarainen was well known for his exceptional craftsmanship especially with iron objects...
Iron
Midcentury Modern Wall Mirror by Astrid Aagesen, Sweden, 1930s
By Astrid Aagesen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Swedish Grace wall mirror by Astrid Aagesen, made with a sleek green patinated bronze frame in a neat size. Adorned with a white metal relief of a pelican spreading its wings.
Bronze, Pewter