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 assigned numerals to all of his furniture to indicate their place in a specific series and type of furnishing, while his preceding initials were added after his death. There were many chairs, such as the PK22, as well as tables, sofas and more, although the PK24 is arguably Kjærholm’s most recognizable chair.
After training as a carpenter and graduating from Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Kjærholm went on to devise a series of boundary-pushing furniture pieces for his friend Ejvind Kold Christensen, who produced them under the name E. Kold Christensen in Hellerup, Denmark. The partnership was somewhat of an artist’s dream, with Christensen granting his friend near total artistic freedom. It paid off: By 1960, Kjærholm had twice been awarded the Grand Prize at the Milan Triennale.
While many of Kjærholm’s contemporaries associated with Scandinavian modernism were opting for wood as their primary medium, the designer experimented with mixed materials and favored metal for his frames.
For the PK24 lounge chair, designed in 1965, Kjærholm created a sinuous seat of woven wicker that he topped with a leather bolster cushion and placed on a frame of stainless steel. By doing so, he showcased each of the chair’s parts as separate pieces, all rendered in the material that best suited them, instead of in one, compromised but unifying selection. Additionally, Kjærholm omitted any joinery or connective part between the seat and frame, which made each element literally separate. This leaves the chair’s support entirely at the whim of gravity, a choice that further underscores the precision of his design and the connection between body and chair implied by its support. The gracefully balanced seat appears to float in midair over its minimal frame.
In 1982, Fritz Hansen took over production of a number of Kjærholm’s furniture pieces, including the PK24 lounge chair. (Kjærholm worked briefly at Fritz Hansen in the 1950s before partnering with E. Kold Christensen.) The manufacturer’s version is offered in three leather options in addition to the original wicker, which is in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection.
Poul Kjærholm 'PK24' Wicker Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen with Leather Headrest
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK24' Wicker Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen with Leather Headrest. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Da...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm 'PK24' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK24' Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsmanship with an emphasis on sustainability, the brand’s re-editions of iconic pieces from such Danish Modern greats as Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner, and Vico Magistretti pay homage to the originals while thoughtfully incorporating innovation and responsibly sourced materials. The PK24™ chaise longue chair stands out as perhaps the most recognisable chair in Fritz Hansen’s Poul Kjærholm’s collection. Inspired by the Rococo period and the French chaise longue, Kjærholm used steel to support a curvy, flowing form. He labelled it the ’Hammock Chair’ to stress that it functions by suspending the body between two points. Price per item. Available in unlimited quantities. Choice of wicker chair with leather headrest, or fully leather-upholstered chair. Leather is available in the following categories: category 4 (Aura), or category 5 (Grace, Embrace, Rustik, and Natural). See swatches. This listing is for the PK24 chair...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 Louisiana exhibition poster january 1982 Danish design
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Here is a very rare and desirable vintage exhibition poster displaying a very stylish representation of the PK24 chair by the Danish designer Poul Kjærholm...
Paper
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 Ligne exhibition poster january 1983 Danish design vintage
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Here is a very rare and desirable vintage exhibition poster displaying a very stylish representation of the PK24 chair by the Danish designer Poul Kjærholm...
Paper
Poul Kjærholm Chaise Longue Model PK24 for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dronten, NL
The PK24 is one of the most beautiful chairs of Danish modernism. Poul Kjaerholm designed it in 1965, and this is a rare early example from E. Kold Christensen. A single sweeping she...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjærholm, Original PK24 Chaise Longue, E Kold Christensen, Denmark 1967
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Poul Kjærholm PK24 Chaise Longue made by E Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960s cane seat with leather pillow, on chrome plated steel stand 150cm long, 85cm high, 67cm wide This clever...
Steel, Chrome
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 Rattan Steel Chaise Lounge Chair by E. Kold Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Wien, AT
This iconic and rare 1st Edition PK24 chaise longue, designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Christensen Kold, embodies the Danish master’s commitment to refined simplicity and exceptional ...
Steel
'PK22' by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Brussels, BE
The PK 22 lounge chair is designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1955. In the early 90's Fritz Hansen reedited some of them in Denmark. Its stainless steel frame and original black leather gi...
Stainless Steel
PK24 Chaise Lounge Chair By Poul Kjaerholm For Fritz Hansen, 1992
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY, NY
An exquisite Fritz Hansen PK24 chaise lounge chair in rattan, manufactured in 1992. This iconic piece, designed by Poul Kjaerholm, exemplifies timeless elegance and superior craftsm...
Stainless Steel
$25,653Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
6 Chairs PK9 from Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Suite of 6 dining chairs model PK 9 designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1961 for Kold Christensen. It’s an early edition in good condition. Very rare set made by one of the most sought a...
Metal
$12,240Sale Price|24% Off
H 27.96 in W 53.94 in D 29.53 in
PK-31/2 Leather Sofa by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1958, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This sofa was once placed in a bank building in Denmark. It is completely original and marked with the original marking of E. Kold Christensen on the bottom bar. The dark brown leath...
Steel, Chrome
$40,083
H 35.44 in W 59.06 in D 26.38 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 Rattan Steel Chaise Lounge Chair by E. Kold Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Danish mid century modern "PK-24" masterpiece chaise lounge chair in brushed chromium plated steel with a woven cane seating and a dark brown leather cushion b...
Steel
$39,969
H 27.96 in W 103.15 in D 26.78 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/4 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exceptional 4 seat PK31 sofa. This stunning sofa is designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1950's. Beautiful and high quality original black lea...
Steel
$19,284 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
PK-31 (PK31) Armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Rīga, LV
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK-31 (PK31) lounge chairs are fully restored: new black leather upholstery, metal frames details are refinished. One under seat metal bar has maker's mark, the...
Steel
$15,919
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 26.38 in
Set of 2 PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1955
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of Two PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark, 1955. A rare early set of PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, produced by E. Kold Christensen before the manufacturing was taken...
Metal
$14,040 / set
H 27.56 in W 24.81 in D 30.32 in
Pair of "PK22" armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1950s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of "PK22" armchairs with satin-finished steel frame and suspended seat in cognac-colored leather. Design by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1955 model. Designed by Poul ...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm pair of PK22 Lounge Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Kjærholm pair of lounge chairs in original patinated tanleather. Frame of brushed steel. Model PK22, made by Fritz Hansen.
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic PK-33 Ottoman in camel leather, designed by Poul Kjærholm, produced by Fritz Hansen. Stainless steel frame is a nod to Kjærholm's affinity for industrial materials, employed a...
Stainless Steel
$5,497
H 27.56 in W 24.81 in D 28.35 in
! Poul Kjærholm PK 22 Chair Reupholstered in Cowhide E. Kold Christensen 1963
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
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...
Steel
$3,200
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 25.5 in
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...
Steel
$10,900Sale Price|22% Off
H 28 in W 54 in D 28 in
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel. Designed...
Steel
$6,184
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 29.93 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair E. Kold Christensen Denmark Steel Leather 1968
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Munster, NRW
First edition of the PK20 lounge chair, a graceful, elegant masterpiece created in 1968 by Danish designer Poul Kjaerholm for Ejvind Kold Christensen. It consists of an aesthetic c...
Steel
$68,715 / set
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Midcentury “PK 9” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of eight beautiful “PK 9”, or as they are also called “Tulipan” dining chairs by Poul Kjærholm. Made with sleek brushed steel bases and organically molded seats. Seats and backs ...
Steel
$13,750
H 13.78 in W 23.63 in D 17.72 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-91 Folding Stool, Early E. Kold Christensen Edition, 1961
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Dronten, NL
A masterclass in restrained elegance and functional form, this PK-91 folding stool by Poul Kjærholm is a rare and highly collectible early example, produced by E. Kold Christensen, K...
Steel
PK 24 - Chaise longue in wicker by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 24 - Chaise longue in patinated wicker on frame in steel w. neck cushion in black leather. Labelled from manufactuerer Fritz Hansen and designed by Poul Kjærholm.
Steel
Sold
H 35.44 in W 61.42 in D 26.78 in
Poul Kjærholm PK 24 Chaise Lounge with Wicker Seat for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The PK24 chaise lounge chair, with its easy curves and organic shape, stands out as perhaps the most recognizable chair in Poul Kjaerholm's work. The chair is a prime and almost extr...
Stainless Steel
PK24 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1965
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
In 1965, Danish designer Poul Kjærholm designed the iconic PK24 lounge chair, produced by renowned furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen. The PK24 quickly became a symbol of Da...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 26.38 in W 26.38 in D 61.03 in
Poul Kjærholm - PK 24 Lounge Chair 1994 by Fritz Hansen Recliner Chaise Longue
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Munster, NRW
Poul Kjærholm 'PK24' Wicker Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen with Leather Headrest. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining time...
Stainless Steel
PK24 Wicker Chaise Longue by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Aachen, NW
This wonderful example of the PK24 wicker chaise longue was designed by Poul Kjaerholm in the 1960s and was produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 2001. The chaise features a polish...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm Model PK24 Chaise Lounge for Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in San Diego, CA
Poul Kjaerholm Chaise Lounge, model PK24 for Fritz Hansen, Denmark This vintage PK24 chaise lounge from Fritz Hansen's "Poul Kjaerholm collect...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK 24 Chaise Lounge for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stunning Poul Kjærholm’s PK 24 chaise lounge for Fritz Hansen. The PK 24 chaise lounge is one of the most iconic pieces in Poul Kjaerholm’s work....
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK 24 Chaise Lounge with Wicker Seat for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Denton, TX
The PK24 chaise lounge chair, with its easy curves and organic shape, stands out as perhaps the most recognizable chair in Poul Kjaerholm's work. The chair is a prime and almost extr...
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen PK 24 Chaise, circa 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amarillo, TX
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen chaise Model PK 24 Made in Denmark, circa 1960s Handwoven cane, stainless steel, counterweight custom leather head rest.
Stainless Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 Chaise Lounge
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in San Francisco, CA
Poul Kjaerholm PK24 chaise lounge. Comfortable and inviting with age appropriate patina and character, ready to enjoy.
Cane
Sold
H 34.26 in W 59.06 in L 34.26 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-24 Lounge Chair by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare lounge/reclining chair model PK-24 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
Sold
H 33.08 in W 59.06 in D 23.63 in
Poul Kjærholm Lounge Chair Model Pk-24 for E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare lounge chair model PK-24 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen.
Stainless Steel
