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.
Capri Sofa by Johannes Andersen for Trensum Möbelfabrik
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Capri Andersen sofa, designed by Johannes Andersen and manufactured by AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, embodies the quintessence of Mid-Century style. Crafted in Sweden during the desi...
Steel
Capri Sofa by Johannes Andersen for Trensum, Sweden, 1960
By Trensum, Johannes Andersen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Capri sofa designed by Johannes Andersen. Produced by Trensum, Sweden, 1960. This fine example retains the original upholstery in good condition. There...
Chrome
$14,390
H 28.75 in W 98.43 in D 35.44 in
Curved Three-Seat CAPRI Sofa designed by Johannes ANDERSEN, 1965
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Three-seat Sofa designed by Johann Andersen. Sweden, AB Trensums Fatöljfabrik, 1965. The curved three-seat sofa with a metal structure, chromed minimalist metal legs and comfortable...
Metal
$5,708
H 30.71 in W 72.05 in D 28.75 in
Reupholstered grey Danish Sofa by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1960s
By Johannes Andersen, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Edgy Johannes Andersen sofa for CFC Silkeborg in stunning new upholstery. This sofa is reupholstered with De Ploeg, Bergen12/08 in full accordance with the original upholstery as designed by Andersen. This sofa has a spacious yet straight seat ergonomic suited to accommodate conversation and activity such as reading and work. With the catchy mid-century modern teak armrests this eyecatcher completes your living! The fabric of de Ploeg, Bergen 12/08, is a 25% polyamide and 75% wool fabric with a wear fastness of 50000 martindale. The teak armrests and legs contain very light traces of use corresponding to the age of this cool sofa...
Wool, Teak
A Danish Midcentury Sofa by Johannes Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A free-standing three seater sofa mounted on a six-legged teak frame. Seat, sides and back upholstered with brown wool. Wood is in good condition, patina due to age and use, includin...
Wool, Wood, Teak
$10,193
H 28.75 in W 76.38 in D 32.29 in
Johannes Andersen Sofa Excellent, AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, KVADRAT Reupholstery
By Johannes Andersen, AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This sofa was produced by AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik from Sweden around 1950s/1960s. Like most furniture from Scandinavia, it was also made with great care and accuracy, which we could...
Textile, Teak
$7,626
H 23.63 in W 102.37 in D 27.56 in
TV Sofa in Teak White Bouclette by Johannes Andersen for Trensum, 1958
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Johannes Andersen-designed sofa, manufactured by AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik from the 1950s to the 1970s. Crafted from teak and upholstered in a classic bouclette white fabric, this...
Wool, Wood, Teak
$4,950
H 27 in W 83.5 in D 33 in
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Stamford, CT
Curved Danish Mid-Century Modern Three Seater Sofa by Johannes Andersen, Walnut Johannes Andersen for Trensum Møbelfabrik Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Walnut and Fabric Curvaceou...
Fabric, Walnut
"Capri" Swivel Lounge by Johannes Andersen
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Hanover, MA
SATURDAY SALE An original "Capri" swivel lounge chair designed in 1958 by Johannes Andersen for Trensum of Sweden. This chair produced in 1960. Amazingly comfortable. Original re...
Wool
$4,280Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 81.89 in D 31.5 in
Johannes Andersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Sofa in Bordeaux leather
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Dronten, NL
Magnificent 3-seater sofa designed by Johannes Andersen in solid rosewood with a concealed steel frame. The advanced design of this rare sofa makes it appear very light and transpar...
Leather, Rosewood
