Crafted to flaunt its curves just like its itsy-bitsy namesake, the Bikini chair is a singular example of the Danish mid-century modern style, set apart with its distinctive design and innovative use of materials. Hans Olsen (1919–92) first designed the chair in 1960 for Frem Røjle, a prolific furniture-making company with which Olsen collaborated for many of his now-celebrated pieces. Lauded immediately for its futuristic silhouette — all wide contours and sloping lines — the Bikini chair also exemplifies Olsen’s revolutionary application of humble materials to serious design.
The cabinetmaker and furniture designer bent and re-formed laminated wood to create the sculptural look of the chair, thereby rendering something refined and noteworthy from an otherwise common material. Slight and pliable, the wood allowed Olsen to experiment with the Bikini chair’s shape without forgoing stability or longevity. The choice to upholster the cushions in wool shows how Olsen prioritized durability and comfort as well as aesthetics.
Olsen got his start in furniture making in 1941 when he enrolled in the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts to study under Kaare Klint, a famous furniture designer widely accepted to be the father of modern Danish design. It wasn’t until 1953, 10 years after graduating, that Olsen opened his own studio and began truly pushing the boundaries of what modern could mean. That boldness is here, in one of the best-known examples of Olsen’s ingenuity. Playful, smart and comfortable, the Bikini chair is edgy without edges.
H 312.6 in W 24.02 in D 27.17 in
Pair of Danish Vintage Lounge Chairs by Hans Olsen
By N.A. Jørgensens, Hans Olsen
Located in London, GB
A stunning and iconic pair of Danish vintage lounge chairs by Hans Olsen. They were made by N.A Jorgensen in Denmark, and date from the 1960’s. This is the model 134 orange chair, s...
Bouclé, Oak, Teak
H 28.5 in W 26 in D 22 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of chairs in Jacaranda and upholstered in black faux leather, made in Brazil, circa 1950 by Joaquim Tenreiro. A total of four chairs are available.
Faux Leather, Jacaranda
H 29.93 in W 25.2 in D 30.24 in
Pair of Brazilian Midcentury Modern Armchairs, Unknown Designer, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Hidden among Brazil's modern furniture heritage are pieces whose origins remain a mystery. These designs, beautifully crafted and steeped in the aesthetics of their time, are yet to ...
Hardwood, Leather
H 31 in W 25 in D 18 in
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Sculptural Pair of Armchairs Mid Century Modern
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural pair of armchairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed.
Walnut, Bentwood
H 27.56 in W 24.22 in D 19.93 in
Pair of Brazilian Midcentury Modern Armchairs, Unknown Designer, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Hidden among Brazil's modern furniture heritage are pieces whose origins remain a mystery. These designs, beautifully crafted and steeped in the aesthetics of their time, are yet to ...
Leather, Hardwood
H 33.5 in W 28.5 in D 32 in
Pair of Horst Brüning Sedia Lounge Chairs for Kill International, 1960s
By Horst Bruning, Kill International
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful pair of Sedia lounge chairs by Horst Brüning for Kill International, shell and loose cushions upholstered in leather, outfitted with a swivel frame with a four-star alumini...
Aluminum
H 29.5 in W 24.75 in D 25.5 in
Pair of Danish Modern Hans Olsen Style Teak Lounge Chair
By Hans Olsen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning pair of Hans Olsen style teak lounge chairs with great looking upholstered arms.
Upholstery
H 31.11 in W 23.63 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Low Chair in the style of Jens Risom Slipper Chair. 1950's
By Jens Risom
Located in Lisboa, PT
Step into the timeless charm of mid-century design with this remarkable pair of low chairs, inspired by the iconic Jens Risom Slipper Chair style from the 1950s. What makes this pai...
Faux Leather, Cedar
H 37.41 in W 30.32 in D 37.8 in
Pair of Koene Oberman, Mid-Century Modern, Wood High Back Lounge Chair, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
High back lounge chairs by Koene Oberman, circa 1960. Originated in Denmark In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Upholstery, Wood
H 32 in W 24 in D 22 in
Set of 2 Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs Jens Risom, Jens Risom Design, USA, 1960's
By Jens Risom
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a newly restored set of iconic Model C140 "Playboy" Chairs designed by the influential Jens Risom. The "Playboy" derivation was coined after a July 1961 Playboy article o...
Walnut
Gerard Van Den Berg Pair of "The Rock" Lounge Chairs
By Gerard Van Den Berg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of "The Rock" lounge chairs by Gerard Van Den Berg upholstered in caramel leather. The chairs were designed for Montis, a furniture design company he started in the Netherlands.
Leather
Pair of Poul Kjaerholm PK27 Easy Chairs
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Poul Kjaerholm PK27 easy chairs with leather upholstery, 1950s.
Leather, Plywood
Pair of Hans Coray Landi Chairs
By Hans Coray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans Coray Landi chairs.
Aluminum
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK 27 Easy Chairs
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Poul Kjærholm PK 27 easy chairs manufactured by E. Kold Christensen.
Leather
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm Lounge Chair
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Preben Fabricius and Jorgen Kastholm lounge chair and ottoman upholstered in leather and matte chrome steel, Denmark, 1960s.
Chrome
Hans Pieck Molded Armchair
By Han Pieck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Pieck, Dutch, "Lawo" Molded armchair in birch plywood, circa 1946.
Birch
In Los Angeles, dealer Joel Chen gives the often clever and always versatile seats some long-overdue attention.
Now working alongside his daughter Bianca, dealer Joel Chen has presented a most covetable array of antiques, art and contemporary creations for more than 40 years.
