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PK22 Chair
Iconic Designs

PK22 ChairBy Poul Kjærholm

About the Design

While his mid-century Danish peers were working with wood, Poul Kjærholm (1929–80) found inspiration in the structural potential of steel. His innovative PK22 chair, designed in 1956 for E. Kold Christensen, offers a modern take on the style of ancient folding chairs through its 20th-century engineering.

Trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm was influenced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, whose 1929 Barcelona chair — created with Lilly Reich — anticipated the PK22 with its angled metal frame and leather welted cushions. Kjærholm’s pieces balanced precise lines of stainless steel with leather, rope and wicker, each selected with a consideration of how they age. As the organic materials take on imperfections and wear, their patina contrasts with the enduring strength of the steel.

The PK22 chair followed the PK25 lounge chair — completed by Kjærholm while he was studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen — and reflected his evolving approach to design. Whereas the PK25 involved a single steel piece with a rope seat, the PK22 chair offered a simpler shape. Its two leg pieces bend into feet and are connected by two crossbars that curve downward to support a rectangle of leather or woven cane. This allows a person to rest without feeling the metal on the seat or the front edge, and it also makes for easy disassembling.

Because every element of the PK22 chair’s spare construction is visible, Kjærholm considered its aesthetics down to its exposed joints. Its immediate commercial success fueled Kjærholm’s career, and Fritz Hansen continues to manufacture the chair today.

Poul Kjaerholm Pk 22

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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...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Easy Chair in Steel & Canvas by Fritz Hansen Denmark, 1997
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare "PK22" easy chair in cut steel and canvas by Poul Kjaerholm produced by Fritz Hansen Denmark, 1997. In good original condition with the original sticker. We also have matching p...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Lounge Chairs PK22 by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen c1960
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in London, GB
A pair of early PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm. Original E. Kold Christensen Edition in Cognac Leather Beautiful patina to the leather Small tears (please see images for cond...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Wicker Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Wicker Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsmanship wit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjaerholm PK22 Lounge Chair in Black Leather E Kold Christensen PK 22
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural PK22 Model Lounge Chair, designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E Kold Christensen, signed, Denmark, circa 1960s. According to the estate where we purchased this chair, the leathe...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of Poul Kjaerholm "PK22" Chairs in Brown Original Leather by E. Kold, 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Danish mid century "PK-22" easy chairs in steel and original brown patinated leather by Poul Kjærholm produced by E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s. In good original an...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen black leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Experience the perfect blend of minimalist beauty and timeless elegance with the PK22 lounge chairs, designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen. Upholstered in luxurious black leath...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs PK22 by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 60s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Berlin, DE
PK22 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjærholm – Original E. Kold Christensen Edition in Cognac Leather An icon of minimalist elegance, the PK22 lounge chair, designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1956,...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

PK 22 - Easy chair in patinated woven cane by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 22 - Armchair in patinated woven cane. Labelled from manufacturer. Fritz Hansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Canvas
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Canvas. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsmanship ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjaerhjolm PK 22 Wicker Lounge Chair
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Hudson, NY
Highly recognizable and extremely desirable is this Poul Kjaerholm PK 22 wicker and stainless lounge chair—one of two available. Made with wicker and brus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat 5). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craft...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjærholm PK22 Lounge Chair Wicker Brushed Spring Steel for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The PK22™ has the subtle silhouette that has become a genuine design classic. The iconic chair exemplifies Poul Kjærholm’s vision and quest for the ideal form and dimension. PK22™ re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Pair of 1st edition PK22 cognac leather armchairs Poul Kjærholm for EKC, 70's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Catania, IT
Pair of first edition PK22 armchairs in cognac leather designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen presumably in the 1970s heard from old owners. You can see in the photo the b...
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjærholm PK22 Lounge Chair Leather Brushed Spring Steel for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The PK22™ has the subtle silhouette that has become a genuine design classic. The iconic chair exemplifies Poul Kjærholm’s vision and quest for the ideal form and dimension. PK22™ re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

FRITZ HANSEN BY POUL KJAERHOLM PK 22 chair
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Forest, BE
PK22 chair, designed by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1956, in Danemark and produced by Fritz Hansen, has been carefully restored by our Belgian artisans. What makes this piece unique is its...
Category

Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK22' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsma...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjaerholm PK22 in canvas EKC Denmark 1956
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This is an absolutely stunning and rare original PK22 lounge chair, a masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen in Den...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Lounge Chair Model PK22 Made In Walnut Elegance Leather By Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
The lounge chair PK22, designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1956 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. This iconic chair is upholstered in exclusive walnut elegance leather of the highest qualit...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

1st Edition Pair of 'PK22' Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Fantastic pair of ‘PK22’ easy chairs in natural wicker designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1956. Exceptional because they are one of the first unstamped productions by EKC from the 1950s. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Poul Kjærholm PK-22 easy chairs by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model PK-22 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjærholm Easy Chairs Model PK-22 Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model PK-22 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

! Poul Kjærholm PK 22 Chair Reupholstered in Cowhide E. Kold Christensen 1963
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) the praised Danish designer, the "furniture architect", designed the emblematic PK22 Chair in 1956. Standing out from the other Danish mid century designers, his predilection material wasn't wood but steel. This PK22 gets its outstanding comfort from the cowhide which is floating above the metal structure, thanks to the curved crossbars that holds the feet together without interfering with the seat's ergonomy. The obviously powerful and effective design speaks for itself, fitting perfectly a more intimate space needing structure and discretion thanks to the thin and light side view, as well as larger rooms thanks to the wide seat and backrest creating subtle geometric shapes. The chair has been reupholstered in an elegant black and white cowhide, whose unique pattern interacts gracefully with the design. The frame bears...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Two Poul Kjærholm PK-22, Kold Christensen in Elegance Cognac Leather
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in København Ø, DK
*Sold as a pair or individually* Designer: Poul Kjærholm Manufacturer: Kold Christensen (Discontinued model, now produced by Fritz Hansen) Model: PK-22 Dimensions: Height: 80 c...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Leather, Upholstery

Exquisite Cognac Leather PK22 chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Voorburg, NL
A very nice set of original PK 22 chairs designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark . This original old 1950s edition is professionally reupholstered with soft cognac...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Midcentury "PK 22" Lounge Chair in Patinated Leather Designed by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking PK22 lounge chair in patinated leather. Designed by Maa. Poul Kjærholm for Kold Christensen. Made in Denmark. Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

PK22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam, NL
The iconic “PK22” lounge chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm, manufactured by Kold Christensen in Denmark around 1960. This stunning chair is made of high quality chrome plated metal ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Pair of PK22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 2010
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A stunning pair of PK22 lounge chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm, manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 2010. This amazing set is made of high quality chrome plated metal holdi...
Category

2010s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Early Leather PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjearholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These vintage leather lounge chairs, designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen in the 1950s, are a rare early production and a true collector's gem. Also known as model PK22,...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Distinctive Set of Brown Leather PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Voorburg, NL
A very nice set of original PK 22 chairs designed by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, Denmark . This original 1980s edition comes with soft brown leather with beautiful patina. The so...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

Poul Kjærholm PK22 Lounge Chair Canvas Brushed Spring Steel for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The PK22™ has the subtle silhouette that has become a genuine design classic. The iconic chair exemplifies Poul Kjærholm’s vision and quest for the ideal form and dimension. PK22™ re...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in New York, NY
Poul Kjaerholm PK22 lounge chair in brown naugahyde leather and stainless steel, produced by E Kold Christensen of Denmark. This is an early example, dating to the 1960's. It is in l...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel

More Poul Kjærholm Designs
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While his mid-century Danish peers were working with wood, Poul Kjærholm (1929–80) found inspiration in the structural potential of steel. His innovative PK22 chair, designed in 1956 for E. Kold Christensen, offers a modern take on the style of ancient folding chairs through its 20th-century engineering.Trained as a cabinetmaker, Kjærholm was influenced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, whose 1929 Barcelona chair — created with Lilly Reich — anticipated the PK22 with its angled metal frame and lea...
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Poul Kjaerholm Pk 20
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Poul Kjaerholm Pk 24
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$17,488
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At first glance, the sleek, minimal shape of the PK24 lounge chair might appear to have little in common with the ornate, carved wood chaise longues of the French Rococo period, but that was indeed the inspiration for Poul Kjærholm's design. As Kjærholm (1929–80) proved, reinterpreting a design that was perhaps the furthest possible thing from the principles of modernism was a monumental demonstration of his mastery of them.Kjærholm referred to his PK24 lounge chair as the “hammock chair.” He...
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