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.
Illum Wikkelso model ML-90 three-seater sofa Laursen Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A refined Illum Wikkelsø model ML-90 three-seater sofa, produced by Mikael Laursen, Denmark, circa 1960. This sculptural sofa features beautifully shaped solid wood legs with Wikkels...
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This three-seater sofa was designed by Illum Wikkels. It has a linear and simple form supported by teak legs. The sloping back of the seat and the back part of the sofa are angled to...
Fabric, Teak
$5,531
H 28.35 in W 88.59 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s.
By Illum Wikkelsø, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-Century Danish 3-seater Sofa ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s. Beautiful and elegant three seater sofa designed by renowned Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Da...
Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Modern Sofa
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Illum Wikkelsø three seater sofa with sculpted Teak legs. Upholstered with green wool. Manufactured by Mikael Laursen
Wool, Teak
Illum Wikkelso Style Sofa in New Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful and very comfortable well-made sofa in the Danish Modern Style. This has been reupholstered at some point in this tasteful bright greenish yellow fabric.
Upholstery, Wood
$12,018
H 28.35 in W 89.38 in D 31.5 in
Mid-century Three-Seat Sofa Model ML-140 by Illum Wikkelsø for Laursen, 1950s.
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dublin 8, IE
An original Illum Wikkelsø ML-140 three-seater sofa, freshly reupholstered in a soft light blue velvet, blending vintage charm with contemporary style. Designed by the iconic Danish ...
Velvet, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Two-Seat Sofa in Brown Leather
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, two-seat sofa, leather, stained wood, Denmark, 1960s A design by Illum Wikkelsø featuring modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of...
Leather, Wood
Rare Illum Wikkelsø Sofa in Oak early 1950s.
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare oak sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen’s Møbelfabrik, early 1950s. Dismountable frame with loose cushions. Conical shaped frame. All in original stand! It's described i...
Oak
Vintage Danish Capella Sofa by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
A stunning Danish leather Capella sofa by Illum Wikkelso. This was made in Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. The quality is outstanding, the frame is beautifully constructed and ha...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and oak sofa, model ML-140, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Mikael Laursen, Denmark, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in recent h...
Fabric, Oak
