Kai Kristiansen No 121 Mid Century Paper Knife Teak Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kai Kristiansen No 121 mid century paper knife teak lounge chairs - pair Each chair measures: 23 wide x 27 deep x 28 inches high, with a seat height of 15 inches All pieces of ...
Upholstery, Teak
Danish Design Reupholstered Paper Knife Sofa Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Model 121 sofa : Paper Knife sofa We are so pleased to present this drop-dead gorgeous and rare ‘Paperknife’ couch designed in the 1950s by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark.
Wool, Teak
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen Mid Century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen mid century No 121 Paper Knife Teak Sofa The sofa measures: 63 wide x 21 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 inches Great Vintage Condition -...
Upholstery, Teak
$9,206Sale Price / set|30% Off
Three Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Hellouw, NL
Set of three paper knife chairs, model 121, by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen from Denmark 1960s.
Teak, Fabric
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 Teak Lounge Chair
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Panningen, N-Limburg
Super stylish Danish Modern Kai Kristiansen model 121 lounge chair. This iconic chair is otherwise known as the ‘paper knife’ chair, named after its slender curved armrests.
Fabric, Teak
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Paire de Fauteuils En Teck, Modèle 121, “Paper Knife” de Kai Kristiansen, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Paire de fauteuils design, modèle 121, ‘Paper Knife’, Kai Kristiansen pour Magnus Olesen, 1956.
Leather, Teak
Unavailable
H 28.75 in W 25.2 in D 29.14 in
Teak Paper Knife Armchair, Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
The pair of teak 'Paperknife' armchairs, Model 121, designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, is a testament to the finesse of Danish mid-century modern furniture design.
Fabric, Teak
Unavailable
H 29.53 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Sofa Model 121 in Teak for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. This three-seat, model 121 (also called: paper knife), is made of solid teakwood and is of superb quality.
Fabric, Foam, Teak, Wood
Unavailable
H 27 in W 25 in D 29 in
1955 Kai Kristiansen Teak Model 121 Paper Knife Easy Chair Made in Denmark
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Kai Kristansen teak “Paper Knife” easy chair for Magnus Olesen. Made in Denmark. New memory foam cushions and cream linen upholstery. Zippers in back of covers. Love the silhou...
Teak
Danish Armchair Model 121 by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Brescia, IT
Armchair from the Paper Knife series designed by A. Model 121 designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Chair for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An outstanding solid rosewood model 121 ‘Paperknife’ chair designed in 1955 by Kai Kristiansen.
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 'Paperknife' Chair in Rosewood For Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
One of Kai Kristiansens most recognizable and celebrated designs. The Paperknife chair designed in 1956 has long been a favourite item for us to stock. It is an exceptionally handsom...
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 65.75 in D 27.56 in
Mid Century Danish Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Sofa By Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very rarely seen ‘Paper Knife’ sofa designed by Kai Kristainsen for Magnus Olesen. Crafted from solid rosewood the frame is a sculptural masterpiece exhibiting incredible finesse ...
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Rosewood Model 121 Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen, Kvadrat Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An outstanding pair of solid rosewood Model 121 ‘Paperknife’ chairs designed in the late 1950s by Kai Kristiansen.
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 25.2 in D 28.75 in L 29.14 in
Model 121 Paper knife easy chair by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
A ‘Model 121’ easy chair, designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1963 and made by Magnus Olesen in Denmark.
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 Rosewood Lounge Chair, 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Produced by Magnus Olesen Denmark. Constructed from Brazilian rosewood. New cushions covered in Kvadrat Divina wool felt.
Wool, Rosewood
Sold
H 32 in W 25 in D 33 in
A Pair of Danish Teak 'Paper Knife' Model 121 Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
A rare pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs in teak and purple wool designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1955.
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 64.97 in D 29.53 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Teak Sofa Model 121 Paperknife, circa 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Elegant Paperknife sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen - Denmark, 1960's.
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Danish Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Sofa Model 121 in Teak for Magnus Olesen, 1960
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Beautiful sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. This three-seat, model 121 (also called: paper knife), is made of solid teakwood and is of superb quality.
Fabric, Teak
Pair of "Paper Knife" Chairs by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 - Pair of 'Paper Knife' easy chairs in rosewood with grey wool.
Rosewood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 25.01 in D 28.75 in
Pair Of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs By Kai Kristiansen Danish Mid Century
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Norwich, England
Superb pair of Danish mid century teak ‘Paper Knife’ lounge chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen. Model 121. Maker's labels.
Teak, Wool, Bouclé
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Paper Knife Lounge Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen. Model 121 'Paper Knife' lounge chairs.
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.5 in W 25 in D 28 in
Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Rare Pair of ‘Paper Knife’ Model 121 Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1955 An exceptional and hard-to-find pair of Paper Knife model 121 lounge cha...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 15.75 in W 22.45 in D 16.93 in
1960's Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Model 121 Paper Knife Rosewood Footstool
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960's Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Model 121 Rosewood Footstool by Magnus Olesen.
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chair in Teak for Magnus Olesen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kai Kristiansen Modell 121 paper knife easy chair in teak wood.
Teak
Pair of Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife Chairs
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Kai Kristiansen paper knife (model 121) lounge, arm chairs, made by Magnus Olsen.
Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 25.2 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Lounge Chairs with Cognac Leather Cushions
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 121 paper knife lounge chairs, 1955 Pair of lounge chairs produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark in rosewood.
Wool
Kai Kristiansen Teak Series 121 Sofa
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Baltimore, MD
Designed by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1956, this three-cushion sofa was part of the 121 Series.
Teak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 65.75 in D 27.56 in
Kai Kristiansen “Paper Knife” Sofa Model 121 Magnus Olesen, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Basel, CH
Kai Kristiansen “Paper Knife” sofa model 121 manufactured by Magnus Olesen in the 1960s in Denmark.
Velvet, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 28.75 in
Kai Kristiansen 'Paperknife' Easy Chairs, aka ‘model 121’, Denmark, 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Set of 2 lounge chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark starting from 1955.
Brass
Sold
H 28.75 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
Pair Of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs Kai Kristiansen Magnus Olesen 1962 Model 121
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Cambridge, GB
New Stock ✅ Pair of Paper Knife Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen For Magnus Olesen 1962 Model 121 Teak Mid Century Retro Vintage MCM A pair of iconic and striking Danish 'Paper Kni...
Other
Sold
H 28.35 in W 24.81 in D 29.53 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of 2 Easy Chairs 'Paperknife' or ‘Model 121’, Denmark, 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Set of 2 easy chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark starting from 1955.
Brass
Sold
H 30.32 in W 25.2 in D 31.89 in
Kai Kristiansen Teak Single Lounge Chair Paper Knife Chair, Denmark 1955
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Frankfurt / Dreieich, DE
Nice Single Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen Mod. 121, Denmark 1955. Solid Teak Wood and original Fabric.
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Danish Rosewood Paper Knife Model 121 Lounger by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vancouver, BC
A Classic and stylish Danish design, this lounge chair features gently sloping arms with sculpted detail and a slatted backrest. Kristiansen's side profiles are always unique and stu...
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 25.2 in D 29.93 in
1950s Kai Kristiansen ‘Paper Knife’ 'Model 121' Fauteuils for Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amstelveen, Noord
Danish designer Kai Kristiansen was born in 1929. Kai started with cabinetmaking before he went to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under the highly influential d...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 25.2 in D 27.17 in
Pair of 1960s Kai Kristiansen Mod. 121 Paper Knife Chairs in Teak Danish Modern
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Hamminkeln, DE
Beautiful pair of 1960s Kai Kristiansen mod. 121 teak paper knife easy chairs, renewed upholstery and coverd with new wool fabric, very good condition.
Fabric, Teak
$2,499
H 31.89 in W 51.97 in D 29.93 in
Midcentury 2 seater Teak Sofa by Juul Kristensen, Denmark, 1970s
By Juul Kristensen
Located in Praha, CZ
- very confortable - rare type
Fabric, Teak
$2,955 / set
H 29.14 in W 26.38 in D 29.53 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Model KK161 Pair of Teak Armchairs for Magnus, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- sturdy and stable - carefully refurbished - pillows newly upholstered - height of seat 39 cm
Fabric, Teak
$4,424
H 28.75 in W 65.75 in D 32.29 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 3-Seater Teak Sofa in Leather , Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Leather pillows in good original conditions - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
FJ 56 - 4 pers. sofa in textile by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FJ 56 - Rare four-seater sofa in textile with burnished steel frame and rosewood legs. Designed in 1956.
Steel
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing histor...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech, Walnut
$5,400
H 29.5 in W 97 in D 30 in
Danish Mid-Century Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960's
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs After Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These Danish modern walnut lounge chairs embody the refined craftsmanship and sculptural simplicity that made Scandinavian furniture of the 1960s an enduring design benchmark. Inspir...
Fabric, Walnut
Juul Kristensen three seat sofa teak, Denmark 1960s
By Juul Kristensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Juul Kristensen three seat sofa in teak. Cushions upholstered with grey wool fabric. Made by Juul Kristensen in the 1960s.
Wool, Teak
Kurt Østervig Attributed Large Danish Four-Seat Sofa, 1960s
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing sofa sleek organic design lines and just the epitome of the best the Danish designers of the 1960s had to offer. Some of these fantastic designs were in many ways the last ho...
Wool, Teak
$4,760 / set
H 30 in W 29 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Pair of Lounge Chairs in Teak & Beech by Arne Vodder, Denmark, 1960s
By Arne Vodder
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning pair of Mid-Century Danish lounge chairs features a refined blend of teak and beech wood, showcasing the sculptural lines and organic elegance of Arne Vodder’s celebrat...
Fabric, Beech, Teak
$15,627 / set
H 29.53 in W 28.35 in D 31.5 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Afromosia Teak Candidate Lounge Chairs, circa 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, England
A pair of Afromosia African teak 'Kandidaten', (Candidate), lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (O.P.E.) in Jonkoping, Sweden, circa 1960. Danish master Ib Kof...
Wool, Teak
$17,900 / set
H 29.5 in W 28.25 in D 31 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Armchairs by Kai Kristiansen, 1950
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Danish pair of open armchairs made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Kai Kristiansen in good condition. The back rest of the Scandinavian lo...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak
$4,535
H 29.53 in W 71.66 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa Senator, Danish Design Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in München, BY
Dimensions: 182 x 75 x 80 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century three seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This mod...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
$5,626
H 30.32 in W 72.05 in D 32.68 in
Danish Design Classsic GE 290 Three Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Renens, CH
One of the most recognized designs by Hans Wegner and probably the whole danish mid-century modern period is the GE 290 sofa and arm chair produced by Getama. The 290 series is recog...
Wool, Oak
Pair of Danish Vintage Teak Armchairs by Sven Ellekaer
By Komfort, Sven Ellekaer
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely comfortable pair of Danish vintage teak armchairs by Sven Ellekaer. This model is called the Borneo chair, they were made in Denmark by Komfort, and they date...
Bouclé, Teak
$1,843 / item
H 5.91 in Dm 4.73 in
Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstaette Jugendstil Ceiling Lamp / Flush Pende, Re Edit
By Woka Lamps, Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Vienna, AT
Hanging- lamp from the showrooms of the Wiener Werkstaette used by Hoffmann in several variations. Hammered originally. Works-number M115, pattern-book of the Wiener Werkstaette: WWM...
Crystal, Brass
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$592 / item
H 23.5 in W 23.5 in D 2 in
Set of 2 Brutalist Whitewashed Reclaimed Wood Collage Tiles by Peter Glassford
By Peter Glassford
Located in San Antonio, TX
A sculptural White wash collage tiles part of the Brutal Nature collection by Peter Glassford, handcrafted from reclaimed wood fragments and assembled into a richly textured, one-of-...
Wood
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
Petite Bubble Glass Flushmount by Helena Tynell, Limburg, Germany, 1970s
By Glashütte Limburg
Located in Aachen, NRW
Round smoke tone bubble glass ceiling mount fixture or Wall light designed by Helena Tynell for Limburg, manufactured in Germany, circa 1970s. High quality and in very good condition...
Glass
$3,063
H 26.97 in W 18.35 in D 1.78 in
Italian Riviera Franco Albini Oval Wall Mirror in Rattan, Loop Design, 1950s
By Franco Albini
Located in Barcelona, ES
Italian Midcentury Franco Albini Rattan Oval Mirror, 1950s ___________________________________________________________ A highly decorative Mid-Century Modern oval mirror with undulat...
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Mirror
$14,209 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in L 29.14 in
Poul Kjærholm Easy Chairs Model PK-22 Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model PK-22 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
$5,503 / set
H 25.6 in W 23.63 in D 27.17 in
Mid-Century Modern Low Chairs by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minnet, France
By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
A rare French mid-century pair of Audoux Minet low chairs featuring robust stained beech frames and beautifully hand-woven rope seats and backs in the signature Audoux-Minet pattern....
Rope, Beech
$5,321
H 27.96 in W 79.14 in D 70.87 in
Mid-Century Modern Vanessa Bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina, Italy, 1950s
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Argelato, BO
The Vanessa bed, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Tobia Scarpa around 1959 and originally produced for Gavina (and later by Simon by Cassina), is an icon of Italia...
Metal
Charles Dudouyt Oak and Straw chairs
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Painter and illustrator turned furniture designer Charles Dudouyt (1885-1946) sense of rusticity and modernism is strikingly present in this set of 1930s chairs.
Straw, Oak
$6,400 / set
H 30.5 in W 28 in D 29 in
Pair of Danish 1940-50s Lounge Chairs with Carved Armrests in Oak
By Mogens Lassen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super charming 1940s pair of lounge chairs in the style of Mogens Lassen with a very sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions. Versatile and very suitable for a smaller sp...
Mohair, Beech
The 'Matisse' Etagere
Located in London, GB
The 'Matisse' wrought iron side table. A hand made and patinated wrought iron etagere with whimsical Matisse style cut-out decoration. Made to order based on a 1960s original. Avail...
Wrought Iron
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Amber Glass
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Side Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Side Table, Black Oak and Amber Glass Custom...
Blown Glass, Oak
Tall Bronze Pedestal Bowl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, hand-made pedestal bowl with an undulating edge and metallic glaze. Each is one-of-a-kind. Decorative use only; handwashing recommended.
Ceramic
$2,263 / item
H 43.31 in W 10.83 in D 10.83 in
Riviera Plinth Tall in Oiled African Mahogany Designed by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Yaniv Chen, the designer behind the Riviera Plinths for Lemon, draws inspiration from a childhood memory and a lifelong fascination with lattice patterns. Exploring conservatories as...
Wood
$1,240Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 35 in Dm 12 in
Gorgeous Pair of Orange Drip Glaze Danish Modern Lamps
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Gorgeous pair of extra large Danish modern drip glaze lamps. Vibrant orange drip glaze on the top and textured sandy glaze on the underside. These lamps measure 35"t to the top of t...
Walnut
With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his coffee tables, chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.