Skip to main content

Ib Kofod-Larsen

Danish, 1921-2003

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.

Set of 2 Restored 'Penguin' Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare set of authentic 'Penguin' chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig. First produced by Selig in 1953 these now iconic Danish Modern chairs are the epitome of ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Metal

Early Ib Kofod Larsen Easychair Model 4346 in Teak
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Early Ib Kofod Larsen easychair, model 4346 in teak and creme fabric. Very early production with the old Fritz Hansen mark 1950s (see last pic) In absolutely original condition , wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Expandable Rosewood Dining Table by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Seffle
By Seffle Möbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home a table fit for a king with this impressive adjustable banquet table made by Sweden's Seffle Möbelfabrik. Designed by Scandinavian furniture master, Ib Kofod-Larsen, this ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Rosewood

Rosewood FA-66 Sideboard by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Möbelfabrik
By Faarup Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the cream of the midcentury crop with this genuinely spellbinding rosewood sideboard by legendary Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen for the world-class furniture makers of F...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Wood, Rosewood

IB Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Sideboard, Mfg. Faarup Mobelfabrik / Denmark 1960s
By Faarup Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Rosewood credenza designed by IB Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Mobelfabrik. Very Rare model. Circa 1960’s. Retains original finish and patina, The book-match rosewood graining is ...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Rosewood

Desserte en Teck/Afromosia par Ib Kofod Larsen pour G Plan - 1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in ESTRABLIN, FR
Desserte / chariot à boissons danois du milieu du siècle conçu par Ib Kofod Larsen pour la gamme danoise G Plan. Ce chariot a été fabriqué en assez petit nombre et reste donc assez ...
Category

1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Hardwood

Rosewood coffee table Ib Kofod Larsen, design 1960's
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in PARIS, FR
Elegant living room table by the great Danish designer Ib Kofod Larsen. Its legs outside the structure and its slightly raised top give it its refinement and originality and the rose...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Palisander

Danish Modern Walnut Reclining Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Danish modern walnut reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod Larsen is a stunning example of Scandinavian design. Crafted in the 1950s in Denmark, this set featu...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Browse all Furniture from Ib Kofod-Larsen
Shop Now

Creators Similar to Ib Kofod-Larsen

Ib Kofod-larsen furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 316 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 3 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by France & Søn, Illum Wikkelsø, and Ole Wanscher. Prices for Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $695 and can go as high as $104,315, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,800.

Recently Viewed

View All