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Kaare Klint Furniture

Danish, 1888-1954

Architect, teacher and furniture designer Kaare Klint is among the most important figures in Scandinavian modernism. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint sought to pay homage to historical furniture styles and prized functionality as essential to designing for modern living. He established the design school at Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and his students became mid-century legends of cabinetry and furniture-making.

Klint prioritized functionalism and drew on an array of influences in his own work. Furniture experts will observe the influence of 18th-century English seating in his Red chair, while Klint’s iconic Safari chair had roots in campaign furniture. The other exemplary chairs, sofas and tables for which he is known bear the mark of Thomas Chippendale and Biedermeier furniture as well as Greek and Roman forms.

Klint's father was Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint, a formidable architect of his day. The younger Klint initially followed in his father’s footsteps, studying under him as well as distinguished architect Carl Petersen. Alongside Danish architect Ivar Bentsen, he headed the renovation of the Designmuseum Denmark in Copenhagen from 1920–26 (Klint also furnished the institution as part of the project). Around the same time, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the Royal Danish Academy. The impact of his role as an instructor there cannot be overstated — he mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher.

A prominent advocate of ergonomics, Klint valued comfort and functionality over style. Painstaking research went into each piece of sophisticated yet wholly unadorned furniture he designed, as he endeavored to build structures that took into consideration human proportions and scale. And like the Shakers, Klint believed that quality craftsmanship and good materials were integral to the design of durable furniture that was free of embellishment.

The humble grace of Klint’s style characterizes legendary seating designs that continue to charm today’s legions of mid-century modern enthusiasts. His Safari chair, Faaborg chair, Ravenna armchair and Propeller stool — as well as most of the seating created by Danish modernists generally — have warmed interiors and influenced furniture designers all over the world.

Find vintage Kaare Klint furniture and other Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.

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Period: 1920s
Creator: Kaare Klint
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Four 'Red Chairs' in Original Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of four dining chairs 'The Red Chair', model 3949, original patinated leather, mahogany, Denmark, designed 1928, manufactured 1930s. These dining ...
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Set of twelve dining chairs ‘The Red Chair’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of twelve dining chairs ‘The Red Chair’ model 3949 designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark, 1928. Mahogany and leather. These examples were made in the...
Category

1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Easy Chairs Model 5313 Produced by Rud. Rasmussen in Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model 5313 designed by Kaare Klint. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers in Denmark.
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Armchairs Model 3758 a Designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of armchairs model 3758 A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark. 1927. Mahogany and leather. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art prod...
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair with ottoman
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Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. With ottoman. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Rud Rasmussen.
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Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier). Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations. Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23. Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments. Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory. Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
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1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Set of 6 "Model 101" Dining Chairs, Designed by Gianfranco Frattini
By Cassina, Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This set of four chairs was designed by Guiseppe Gibelli for Fratelli Maspero and manufactured by Sormani in Italy, Mariano Comense in the 1960s. The "Elisabetta" model is made of oa...
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Kaare Klint Pair of Red Chairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint pair of red chairs in mahogany, black horsehair and brass nails. Version of the chair with upholstered arms. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen,...
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Safari Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Portland, OR
Iconic original safari chair by professor Kaare Klint. Designed 1927. This version dates to the 1960s and is executed in solid ash. Nice patina to the wood, and left unrestored. The ...
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Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
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Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Pair ‘Safari’ Easy Chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Bochum, NRW
Lovely pair ‘Safari’ model 4700 easy chairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1950s. This set features a frame made out of stained oak with leather straps. Frame in oak with ...
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Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Red chair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany, black horsehair and brass nails. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGAD/K...
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1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Pair of Safari chairs new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made...
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Set of 6 Dining Chairs designed by J. Hoffmann, Model No. 811
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This this set of six exquisite dining chairs was crafted by renowned designer Josef Hoffmann and brought to life by the prestigious Thonet brand, however production origin of this pa...
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Set of Twelve Elegant Dining Chairs
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Set of Twelve Elegant Dining Chairs
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Previously Available Items
Danish early Model 3758 "The Red Chair" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen 1920s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Ystad, SE
Early Danish Model 3758 "The Red Chair" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen 1920s Patinated original Niger leather, solid Cuban mahogany and brass nails. Rud. Rasmussens original man...
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Brass

Kaare Klint Nine Red Chairs for Rud, Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint set of nine red chairs. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany, oak, Niger leather and brass. Underside with manufacturer's paper label.
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Set of Six Dining Chairs “the Red Chair” Designed by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
for Rud.Rasmussen, Denmark. 1927. Cuban mahogany, original leather, and brass. KK label no. 14071 Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol. 2, ill. and mentione...
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1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Leather, Mahogany

Three Seat Sofa by Danish Designer Kaare Klint Model 4118 for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Lyon, FR
Rare Scandinavian three seat sofa by Danish designer Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Model "4118" dating from 1929 with a classic and sober design, precursor of the Scandinavian desig...
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1920s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Pair of 1920s Kaare Klint Sidechairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Danish Kaare Klint sidechairs with original upholstery. Legs in beautiful condition with clean sharp lines and details. Designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Pair of 1920s Kaare Klint Sidechairs
Pair of 1920s Kaare Klint Sidechairs
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 19 in
Kaare Klint Red Chairs of Cuban Mahogany and Niger Leather
By Kaare Klint, C.B.Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint red chair in Cuban mahogany, Nigerian leather and brass nails. Executed for the Danish Chamber of Commerce by C. B. Hansen in 1928.
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Brass

Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Hudson, NY
Pair of armchairs solid Cuban mahogany in new cow hide upholstery exhibit at "Barcelona" world fair 1939 originally designed in 1927. Paper Rud Rasmussen label and number. Measures:...
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Armchair Model 3758 A designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1927
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany and leather. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940's. Measures: H 90 cm/ 3' W 61 cm/ 2' 1/2'' D 55 cm...
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1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Propeller Stool and Table by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare folding ash “propeller” stool or table with a canvas sling supporting a removable tray top.
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

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Set of 12 Kaare Klint Red Armchairs for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Hudson, NY
Solid Cuban mahogany in original condition with leather "Barcelona". Originally designed in 1927. Paper Rud Rasmussen label and number. One high back Measures: Arm height 27.75".
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1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Red Chair in Cuban Mahogany and Niger Leather, 1928
By C.B.Hansen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint red chair in Cuban mahogany, Nigerian leather and brass nails. Executed for the Danish Chamber of Commerce by C. B. Hansen in 1928. Four chairs available.
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

High Back "Barcelona" Armchair by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Hudson, NY
Mahogany and leather high back armchair. Awarded a prize at the Barcelona World Fair in 1929. Kaare Klint's design was inspired by English furniture maker Thomas Chippendale. Origina...
Category

1920s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Kaare Klint 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 Kaare Klint furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 198 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 7 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kaare Klint were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Rud Rasmussen, Peter Hvidt, and Henning Kjærnulf. Prices for Kaare Klint furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $765 and can go as high as $148,124, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,400.

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