After training under his cabinetmaker father and then further afield at Berlin’s Institute of Arts and Crafts Museum and in Paris, Danish furniture designer Jacob Kjær crafted classical English-inspired dining chairs, sofas and other pieces that, many decades later, are understated and elegant in any space.
Kjær returned to Copenhagen in 1926 and opened his own workshop after studying in Germany and working as a joiner in France. His collectible works have all the characteristics that are attributed to Scandinavian modernist furniture — his chairs boast gracefully sloping seat backs and arms that mirror works by designers such as Finn Juhl or Hans Wegner, while his tables and other pieces, typically crafted in teak, rosewood or mahogany, are demonstrative of the deep commitment to craftsmanship associated with likeminded artisans who hail from Nordic regions of the world.
A well-known armchair made by Kjær for use at the UN Building in New York City is the spare and sculptural FN chair. While this iconic seat was first constructed in wood and upholstered in durable leather at the designer’s studio, it was later manufactured by Christensen & Larsen and is now available from Kitani, a Japanese company that offers licensed reproductions of chairs by a range of Danish modernist designers such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Nanna Ditzel and others.
Kjær participated in the Barcelona World Exhibition in 1929 and held leadership roles in the Arts and Crafts Committee for Export and the Danish Arts and Crafts National Association. He also chaired the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild for a period during the 1950s. An example of one of Kjær’s armchairs is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Jacob Kjær seating, side tables, coffee tables and more.
$1,170
H 32 in W 27 in D 25 in
1970s Diplomat chair by Finn Juhl for Cado in mahogany with brown leather uphols
Located in Victoria, BC
The chair reflects Finn Juhl’s distinctive approach to form, where structure and comfort are carefully balanced. The mahogany frame is finely shaped, with gently curved arms and slen...
Mahogany
$1,705
H 41.34 in W 23.23 in D 17.72 in
Armchair in Mahogany and Light Leather by Jacob Kjær from the 1950s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Lejre, DK
This armchair is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1950s, created by the renowned furniture designer Jacob Kjær. The chair is constructed of mahogany wood, which radiates...
Leather, Mahogany
$1,813
H 40.56 in W 21.66 in D 20.08 in
Armchair Made In Mahogany & Light Leather By Jacob Kjær From 1950s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Lejre, DK
This armchair, designed by Jacob Kjær around the 1950s, is a fine example of mid-century Danish craftsmanship. The chair is constructed from high-quality mahogany wood, known for its...
Leather, Mahogany
$4,373
H 40.56 in W 26.38 in D 26.38 in
1960s Minerva Executive Chair in Leather & Rosewood by Torbjorn Afdal
By Bruksbo, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Seaford, GB
1960s Minerva Executive Chair, Leather Rosewood, Torbjørn Afdal Leather & Rosewood by Torbjorn Afdal A rare and refined example of Scandinavian executive design, this Vintage Minerv...
Leather, Rosewood
$9,000
H 50.5 in W 28 in D 28 in
1970s Studio Crafted Executive Desk Chair by John Nyquist in Teak with Leather
By John Nyquist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Custom, Studio-Crafted Executive Desk Chair, designed and produced by artist John Nyquist in the 1970s in the USA. The frame of the chair is made with teak and the upholste...
Steel
$1,262
H 41.34 in W 25.6 in D 19.69 in
Mahogany armchair in light leather by Jacob Kjær from the 1950s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Lejre, DK
Mahogany armchair in light leather designed by Jacob Kjær in the 1950s. Danish furniture design with timeless craftsmanship. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Jacob Kjær — Period: 1950s...
Mahogany
$4,092
H 34.65 in W 25.99 in D 25.99 in
Scandinavian Modern Armchair by Jacob Kjær, Mahogany & Leather, 1940s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jacob Kjær. Armchair upholstered with original patinated leather, with buttons. Frame of mahogany. Made by Jacob Kjær.
Leather, Mahogany
$3,000
H 40 in W 28 in D 24 in
Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Vodder for Sibast Rosewood Leather Desk Chair
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Vodder for Sibast Rosewood Leather Desk Chair. Rare danish rosewood desk chair made in Denmark circa 1970. Has adjustable height. Located in Brooklyn N...
Aluminum, Steel
$3,000
H 33.08 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Classic Danish 1940s Chair in Cuban Mahogany and Niger Leather
Located in Lejre, DK
This chair is a classic example of Danish furniture design from the 1940s. The chair is made from Cuban mahogany, giving it a warm and rich wood tone, characteristic of high quality...
Leather, Mahogany
$11,880
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 24.02 in L 29.93 in
Teak, Leather & Brass Armchair Attributed to Ernst Kühn, 1940s
By Ernst Kühn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare armchair, attributed to Ernst Kühn and produced by Lysberg, Hansen & Therp in Denmark during the 1940s, is a refined example of early Danish modern design, where crafts...
Brass
