Skip to main content

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.

2
to
2
2
2
2
1
1
190
10
12
169
2
4
37
25
21
23
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
148
664
497
489
467
Period: Late 20th Century
Creator: Kaare Klint
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Cognac Leather for Rud Rasmussen Denmark
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Three-seater sofa model 5011 in original leather and eight-legged ash base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather. Shown at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition in 1935. 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: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol.2, pg 94. 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...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Ash

Glass Table Lamp by Michael Bang for Holmegaard
By Holmegaard, Michael Bang, Kaare Klint
Located in Haderslev, DK
The model is called Sakura which means cherry blossom. Made by Holmegaard designed by Michael Bang. The decoration is lavender and unique styled. Brushed nickel rod and comes w...
Category

1970s Danish Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Related Items
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Niger Leather 1930s, Scandinavian Modern
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier - Scandinavian Modern Rare 3-seater sofa model no 5011 designed by Kaare Klint and manufactured by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussens Snedkerier in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint. A three-seat sofa with mahogany legs, seat, sides and back with blue-, red- and whitestriped Greek Savak. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Wool

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
Kaare Klint Model 4118 Box Sofa, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Rare Kaare Klint Model 4118 two-seat box sofa with profiled cross legged mahogany frame. Made by Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, Denmark. Upholstered...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Kaare Klint, Cognac Leather Safari Chair for Rud Rasmussen, 1960s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Uppsala, SE
The legendary safari chair in cognac coloured leather on a very dark oak frame designed by the grandfather of Danish design, Kaare Klint, in 1933 for his long time collaborator Rud R...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Red Chair in Cuban Mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s. Underside with manufacturer's paper...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 22.45 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRRE...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud, Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud, Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 22.84 in D 18.51 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated lea...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Ash

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint three seat sofa with eight legs of Mahogany. Seat, sides and back upholstered with blue, red and white striped "Savak" wool, niger leather edgings. Executed by Rud. Rasmu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather, Wool

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
H 35.04 in W 78.75 in D 30.32 in
Green Glass Desk Lamp by Michael Bang for Holmegaard, 1970s, Denmark
By Holmegaard, Michael Bang
Located in Værløse, DK
A Green desk lamp designed by Michael Bang for Danish Holmegaard Glasværk in 1975 accomplished new a shade made of artisan textile from Mallorca. A colorful attribution to the a mode...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Sofa in Original Cognac Leather
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, sofa model '5011', leather, wood, Denmark, design 1935. Classic and elegant Scandinavian three-seat sofa by Kaare Klint designed in 1935. The high bac...
Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Wood

Michael Bang Glass Table Lamp for Holmegaard Glasværk 1978
By Michael Bang, Holmegaard
Located in Tilburg, NL
Michael Bang glass table lamp for Holmegaard Glasværk, Denmark, 1978. A wonderful glass table lamp designed by Michael Bang for Danish glass company Holmegaard. Model ‘Atlantic’, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofas for Rud. Rasmussen 1940
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Hudson, NY
Two available Kaare Klint sofas design in 1940 for Rud Rasmussen cabinet maker upholstered in muslin.One of the foremost designers of early Danish modern.. Newly reupholstered in of...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Wood

Previously Available Items
Pair of Kaare Klint Model 4488 Bergere Chairs in Mahogany and Rosewood
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in London, GB
Kaare Klint, Model 4488 Bergere chairs, 1931. A stunning pair of the iconic Bergere chairs by the father of the Danish Modern movement: Kaare Klint. The chairs were produced by ma...
Category

Late 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Kaare Klint and Edvard Kindt-Larsen Lounge Chair in Niger Leather and Mahogany
By Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint and Edvard Kindt-Larsen, "Mix" easy chair model no. 4396, Niger leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1939, manufactured in the late 1990s. Early "Mix" easy chair in orig...
Category

1990s Danish Mid-Century Modern Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint "Faaborg" Arm Chair in Elm & Leather Made at Rud Rasmussen, 1970s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful vintage example of Kaare Klint's famous "Faaborg chair" made in Denmark by original manufacturer master cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussens. This example in beautiful elm and patin...
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Elm

Kaare Klint, Adjustable Modernist Table Lamp, Brass, Rubber, Denmark, 1970s
By Kaare Klint, Le Klint
Located in High Point, NC
A vintage table lamp by Kaare Klint for Le Klint. Designed in the 1940s. This example produced circa 1970s. The lampshade is not included in purchase. Stated dimensions excluding ...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Safari Chairs by Kaare Klint, 20th Century
By Kaare Klint
Located in Belmont, MA
Pair of Safari chairs by Kaare Klint The original design for the so called Safari chairs dates back to 1933. The exposed teak frame uses the support of doweled rods, slung leathe...
Category

1970s Danish Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair of "Faaborg Chairs" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of "Faaborg chairs" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany ,French cane & vegetable-tanned leather. Very fine condition.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

"The Faaborg Chair" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen.
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
"The Faaborg Chair" by Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussen. Model: 9662 Design 1914 Mahogany, French cane & leather. Nice used condition.
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kaare Klint Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

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.

Recently Viewed

View All