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.
Acton Bjørn & Vilhelm Lauritzen Armchair Produced by Willy Back in Denmark
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Acton Bjørn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare armchair attributed to Acton Bjørn & Vilhelm Lauritzen. Produced by cabinetmaker Willy beck in Denmark.
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Armchair in Patinated Leather Cuban Mahogany, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair in patinated leather made by Danish Cabinetmaker in 1930s. Great original condition.
Leather, Mahogany
French Cane Back Louis XVI, Directoire Style Desk Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French Cane Back Louis XVI - Directoire style desk armchair.
Cane, Wood
$1,880
H 31.11 in W 22.84 in D 19.69 in
Danish Modern Elegance: A Niels Otto Møller Model 57 Teak Armchair
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterclass in restraint and craftsmanship, this Model 57 Armchair embodies the quiet perfection of Danish Modern design. Designed in 1959 by the legendary Niels Otto Møller for J....
Naugahyde, Teak
$7,417
H 35.04 in W 25.6 in D 26.38 in
Ole Wanscher Armchair Model J 3063 by Cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen, Denmark, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare armchair or office chair model "J3063" designed by Ole Wanscher and made by cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Copenhagen in the 1960s. The chair is made from the most exclusive Brazili...
Leather, Rosewood
French Cane Back Louis XVI Style Armchair
Located in Montreal, Quebec
French cane back Louis XVI - directoire style desk armchair.
Cane, Wood
$4,161
H 36.62 in W 27.17 in D 35.44 in
Antique Victorian Green Leather Button Back Armchair Style of Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Victorian Carved Walnut & Green Leather Button Back Elbow Chair With Brass Tacks In the Style Of Gillows The walnut frame features carved and ebonised details in the 'Aesthe...
Brass
$2,758
H 30.32 in W 22.84 in D 22.05 in
Mid-Century Danish Niels Moller Model 56 Oak Armchair for JL Mollers Mobelfabrik
By Neils O. Möller
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very handsome and finely crafted chair designed in the early 50’s by Niels Moller. This design is quite hard to come by, especially so offered in Oak as the majority were produced in Teak. The timber on this chair exhibits a wonderful honey glow and is in excellent condition. Just reupholstered using the finest black leather sympathetic to the original leather used. Also particular attention had been paid to keeping the seat padding nice and slim, as it should be, there is nothing worse than seeing these chairs incorrectly upholstered with overstuffed seats that detract from the clean lines. This chair would make a fantastic desk chair but could also be placed in other rooms around the house as a statement side chair...
Oak
$1,555
H 31.5 in W 23.04 in D 21.26 in
Finn Juhl Armchair or Desk Chair in Curved Beech and Grey Fabric, Denmark 1970s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful armchair in beechwood with a deep grey upholstery. This stylish chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced in Denmark during the 1970s. In fantastic condition. Entirely ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$4,200 / set
H 32 in W 25 in D 22 in
Pj4 Arm Chairs in Teak and Leather by Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Denmark 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully refinished pair of PJ4 armchairs designed by Grete Jalk and produced by Poul Jeppesen, Denmark, in the 1960s. These iconic mid‑century chairs showcase Jalk’s refined Sc...
Teak, Upholstery
$17,000
H 48.75 in W 28.5 in D 23 in
American Mahogany Serpentine Back Martha Washington Armchair, Circa 1790
Located in Charleston, SC
American mahogany Martha Washington armchair with serpentine slant high back, reeded scrolled and squared arms, terminating on reeded squared curvatu...
Muslin, Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,400
H 30 in W 24.5 in D 18 in
Rosewood Armchair in Original Black Leather by Henry Rosengren Hansen
By Niels Vodder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rosewood desk / armchair in original black leather in the style of Niels Vodder. Measures: Seat is 16.5" high, arm is 25" high.
Rosewood
$402Sale Price|77% Off
H 37.41 in W 29.53 in D 31.5 in
Midcentury Italian Design High Back Armchair Wooden Feet Forest Green
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Midcentury Italian design high back armchair wooden feet forest green.
Cotton, Wood
Armchair Designed by Wilhelm Lauritzen, Denmark, 1980s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair designed by Wilhelm Lauritzen, Denmark. 1980s. Cuban mahogany and natural leather. Provenance: Danish National Radio, Copenhagen.
Mahogany