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
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
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
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
$2,162
H 20.08 in W 14.57 in D 0.71 in
Nordic Classicism Pewter Wall Mirror, Taidetakomo A. Hakkarainen 1930s
By Antti Hakkarainen
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant pewter-framed mirror produced by Taidetakomo Antti Hakkarainen in Finland during the 1920-30s. The design reflects the transitional period between Nordic Classicism and th...
Pewter
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, 1930s.
Brass
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
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in rosewood. Designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
$1,778
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
Large Danish Modern Teak Wall Mirror by Torring, Denmark
By Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
A clean-lined and beautifully proportioned Danish Modern wall mirror produced by Torring of Denmark and assembled by Jens Jacobsen, as labeled verso. Featuring a finely crafted solid...
Mirror, Teak
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
Italian Designer, Wall Mirror, Brass, Italy, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall mirror designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s.
Brass