Illum Wikkelsø 'Genius' Chairs

The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal. 

Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture. 

After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years. 

In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery. 

Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs. 

Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.

CFC Silkeborg, also known as C. F. Christensen Silkeborg, exemplifies the refreshingly simple beauty of mid-century modern Danish design. Established in the early 1950s in Silkeborg, Denmark, the furniture manufacturer was known for its clean-lined, functional and refined hardwood furniture. In partnership with talented Danish designers, CFC Silkeborg created many exquisite coffee tables, lounge chairs, credenzas and other types of furniture for the 20th-century home.

One of the most prominent and prolific CFC Silkeborg collaborations was with acclaimed designer Johannes Andersen, who worked with the company in the 1950s and 1960s. Anderson’s elevated Scandinavian modern designs were practical and compact yet characterized by organic curves and graceful lines. Some of Anderson’s most popular creations for CFC Silkeborg include his nesting tables and the playful Smile coffee table, which features a center pocket shelf that looks like an upturned mouth.

In the 1960s, CFC Silkeborg worked with designer Henning Korch. Korch captured Danish design sensibilities with his thoughtfully built furniture, which had a distinctive flair from details like beveled edges and brass drawer handles. For CFC Silkeborg, Korch designed furniture such as cocktail tables, bar carts, bar cabinets and dressers.

CFC Silkeborg also had a long collaborative relationship with Danish furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø. Wikkelsø was inspired by the straight lines of modern style and the curves of the Danish landscape. From the 1950s to the 1980s, he created many tables, armchairs and sofas for CFC Silkeborg. Comfortable and inviting elegance characterizes this upholstered leather seating.

Vintage CFC Silkeborg furniture by Andersen, Korch and Wikkelsø continues to be sought after due to its exceptional build quality and timeless appeal.

On 1stDibs, find CFC Silkeborg tables, seating, case pieces and more.