Danish Oak and Leather Dining Chairs Mod. 178 by Johannes Andersen for Bramin

Denmark has a long tradition of producing some of the most acclaimed furniture designers of the 20th century. Johannes Andersen is no exception — his name is synonymous with mid-century modern design. He elevated Scandinavian modernism’s prioritization of practicality and space conservation to new heights and worked with luxurious woods like teak, mahogany and rosewood for a range of designs that merged grace and function.

After completing his cabinetmaker apprenticeship in his early 20s, Andersen began to design for several furniture makers, including CFC Silkeborg and Trensum. A few years later, he opened his own workshop and enjoyed success from the outset. Free of the constraints of working under another studio, Andersen quickly developed his own, distinctive style that drew on Danish functionalism and human-centered design.

After the end of World War II, Andersen noticed the worldwide postwar consumption boom and the burgeoning interest in Scandinavian modern design. He took full advantage of this and began to sell his shapely and eye-pleasing tables, chairs and sideboards to markets outside of Denmark. Other Scandinavian manufacturers took notice of Andersen’s work, which led to many successful, career-long collaborations for the furniture maker.

Like Finn Juhl and Alvar Aalto, Andersen was deeply drawn to organic shapes and flowing lines. He transformed furniture’s traditionally square or rectangular panels and surfaces — like the tops of coffee tables and seat-backs of dining room chairs — into imaginative half-moons with rounded corners, beveled edges and fluid contours. His unexpected use of curves is the highlight of his sleek Capri line for Trensum and can be found in his comfortable saddle-shaped Allegra bar stool and playful but elegant Smile coffee table, which sports an anthropomorphic grin in the slot intended to hold magazines.

Andersen wanted his furniture to be compact — he experimented with reducing the footprints of bulky furniture, and his simple, iconic credenzas, sideboards and folding bar cabinets were born. These and other vintage Johannes Andersen furnishings are in high demand today by collectors and mid-century modern enthusiasts all over the world.

On 1stDibs, find a wide range of Johannes Andersen tables, seating, cabinets and other furniture.

Bramin Møbler manufactured quality Scandinavian modern furniture from the mid-1950s until the early 1980s. 

Originally founded as N.A. Jørgensen Møbelfabrik in Bramming, Denmark, the company rebranded as Bramin Møbler in the late 1950s. During the 1960s, Bramin Møbler pivoted from the traditional Scandinavian style it had been known for as N.A. Jørgensen Møbelfabrik and steered toward the emerging Scandinavian modern style.

It prioritized quality, form and function, which it promoted in its ad campaigns. By fashioning its chairs, dining tables and sideboards from strong woods like oak, teak and rosewood, and by using wool and leather to upholster its seating, Bramin Møbler ensured that the superb quality of its work would last.

Throughout the company’s operation, Bramin Møbler collaborated with many highly regarded modern furniture makers, including Johannes Andersen, Hans Olsen, Kurt Østervig and Frank Reenskaug. It had its most successful partnership with Norwegian furniture designer H. W. Klein, who moved to Bramming to work for Bramin Møbler. Over two decades, Klein created finely crafted coffee tables and dining chairs, but he is best known for his lounge chairs — most notably, his leather-padded swivel lounger, with its five-spoked, wheeled base. Klein also was fascinated with the concept of plastic furniture and worked closely with the company to come up with a new method for manufacturing furniture from plastic.

The global recession of the 1980s hit Bramming hard. Many of its numerous furniture manufacturers had to close their doors — Bramin Møbler included. Bramin Møbler creations remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of Scandinavian and mid-century modern furniture styles.

On 1stDibs, find a wide selection of tables, storage pieces and seating from the Bramin Møbler furniture company.