Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
H 30.32 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Ib Kofod Larsen Armchair "Seal" made by OPE in Sweden 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Paris, IDF
Lounge chair, Seal / Sälen or 503-799 model, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured by OPE Olof Persson Möbler in Sweden. One of the most striking pieces of this collaboration ...
Wood, Teak, Leather
H 27.56 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen, Lounge Armchair "Seal", Produced by OPE, Sweden, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
Located in Paris, FR
Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" A teak and leather lounge armchair, the carved wood frame supporting a shell shaped seat and back upholstered with a beautifully patinated black leather...
Leather, Teak
H 30.32 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Ib Kofod Larsen, Easy Chair "Seal" made by OPE in Sweden 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Paris, IDF
Lounge chair, Seal / Sälen or 503-799 model, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and manufactured by OPE Olof Persson Möbler in Sweden. One of the most striking p...
Fabric, Wood, Teak
H 37.41 in W 31.5 in D 32.29 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" Easy Chair, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
High-back Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" / "Sälen" easy chair. Produced by OPE.
Teak
H 37.41 in W 31.5 in D 32.29 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" Easy Chair, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
High-back Ib Kofod-Larsen "Seal" / "Sälen" easy chair. Produced by OPE. Newly reupholstered in leather.
Teak, Leather
H 29.73 in W 31.5 in D 29.53 in
Ib Kofod Larsen "Seal" Lounge Armchair, Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Teak
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern “Seal” armchair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen, Denmark. Made by OPE, Olof Persson Möbler, Jönköping Sweden. “Sälen”, as is the original...
Teak
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 29.14 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian 711 Loungechair by Fredrik Kayser, New Edition
By Fredrik A. Kayser
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian 711 lounge.chair by Fredrik Kayser. New edition. Designed in 1960 by Fredrik A. Kayser, it is now reissued by the Norwegian manufacturer Hjelle. Mode...
Oak, Walnut
H 28.55 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Afromosia & Leather Easy Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare easy chair model “Sälen” designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden during the 1950s, is a remarkable example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design. This sculptural chair exemplifies Kofod-Larsen’s refined craftsmanship and his signature organic forms. The frame is constructed from solid afromosia wood, exhibiting a dark, rich patina that beautifully emphasizes the natural grain and texture of the material. The design features elegantly tapered legs and armrests that flow fluidly into the overall frame, creating a structure that feels both light and robust. The slightly reclined backrest and generous seat width strike a balance between visual harmony and ergonomic comfort. The seat and backrest are upholstered in brown leather, tightly stretched over a curved plywood shell and accented with a row of decorative brass rivets along the backrest, enhancing its aesthetic detail. A loose, generously filled cushion in matching leather adds an additional layer of comfort and softness to the chair. Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of Denmark’s most influential designers, renowned for blending sophistication with functionality. The “Sälen” chair...
Leather, Wood
H 28 in W 28.5 in D 23 in
Rare IB Kofod Larsen Danish Lounge Chair for Selig Denmark (A)
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A lounge chair with sculptural winged arms and very well crafted frame , finished in a dark walnut with brass hardware and upholstered in a oatmeal toned fabric with a bit of lighter...
Upholstery, Wood
H 30 in W 32 in D 28 in
Early Ib Kofod-Larsen Lounge Chair, Model 4346
By Frits Hansen/Soren Hansen, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early and rare lounge chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen Model 4346 for Frits Hansen, Denmark. Signature sculpted solid teak exposed frame making the chair both eye catching and structurally s...
Upholstery, Teak
Midcentury Swedish Lounge Chairs "Löven" by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Karlstad, SE
A lounge chair model "Löven" by Arne Norell, 1960s. This chair has a timeless classic design and, as with all Norell furniture, the construction quality is extremely high. The frame...
Teak, Leather
Midcentury Scandinavian Lounge Chairs "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs, model "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen (Denmark) for OPE Möbler (Sweden) 1958. This is a timeless classic design and is constructed with a high sen...
Leather, Teak
Scandinavian Lounge Chair in Pine, Model "Trybo" by Edvin Helseth, 1960s
By Edvin Helseth
Located in Karlstad, SE
Scandinavian lounge chair in pine, model "Trybo" by Edvin Helseth, 1960s. The "Trybo" series was designed in 1964 for the "Trysil-cabin" (Trysil is the largest ski-resort in Norway)....
Pine
Scandinavian Lounge Chair "Holmenkollen" by Arne Tidemand Ruud
By Arne Tidemand Ruud
Located in Karlstad, SE
The Holmenkollen lounge chair, designed by Arne Tidemand Ruud and produced by AS Inventar, is a beautiful example of mid-century Scandinavian design. It features a teak frame, with thick leather used for the seating and wool upholstery on the cushions. The angle of the chair can be adjusted using the handle under the left armrest. This particular chair is in very good condition, with the exception of the cushions, which have been replaced. There is also a small piece of wood missing on the underside of the chair, as shown in the picture. Arne Tidemand Ruud was a master carpenter and interior architect from Norway. He was the son of a master cabinetmaker and attended the State's Handicrafts and Art Industry School, as well as the Kunstgewerbeschule in Stuttgart. In 1945, he obtained his tradesman's certificate and took over his father's company, AS Inventar, in 1952. He ran the company with his wife, Solveig Tidemand Ruud. AS Inventar supplied furniture and interiors to a number of establishments, including the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. However, Ruud is most well-known for his Holmenkollen lounge chair. The Holmenkollen chair...
Leather, Teak
Hunting Chair 204 by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, Sweden
By Luxus of Sweden, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare lounge chair model 204 by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, Sweden. The hunting chair was designed by Uno and Östen Kristiansson in 1954 and belongs at the top of Swedish ...
Leather, Oak
Hunting Chair 204 by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, Sweden
By Luxus of Sweden, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare lounge chair model 204 by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, Sweden. The hunting chair was designed by Uno and Östen Kristiansson in 1954 and belongs in the top of Swedish desi...
Leather, Oak
