Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Danish, b. 1929
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.
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Creator: Kai Kristiansen
Set of 4 Kai Kristiansen Model 31 Teak Dining Room Chairs, after renovation
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
This pair of Model 31 chairs by renowned Danish designer Kai Kristiansen is a celebrated example of mid-century modern craftsmanship. Known for their elegant, sculptural form and exc...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak, Fabric
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Oak by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in oak. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
A set of chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen from the 1960s, Denmark, model 31.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Set of 4 iconic teak chairs model 31 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s.
Excellent condition after renovation and replacement of upholstery. Wooden e...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Twelve Fully Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of twelve fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegant design that make them fit in easily where you want them in your home - a design that was so uniqe that his colleague the famous designer Hans J. Wegner characterized model 42 as beautiful from all angles when the chair with it´s unique backrest swivel function was revealed in 1956.
The chairs are in very good condition as they have been fully restored, sanded by hand and refinished by our experienced workshop to insure that they are in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and use and will be reupholstered without additional cost in fabric of your choice from a wide list of fabrics from "Kvadrat" / "Romo" or leathers from "Sorensen Leather" / "Camo Leather".
We are shipping our pieces to most of the world on regular basis at costefficient shipping quotes - so feel free to ask for a shipping quote for your destination.
Kai Kristiansen was one of the last pupils of the famous architect Kaare Klint who founded modern Danish design and laid the foundation for the "Danish Modern" style. During the years 1958-78 Kristiansen worked in his business in Aarhus owned jointly by himself and furniture maker Illum Wikkelsø (1919-99).
Kristiansens works met their most intense demand during a few decades from 1950, then production of them was discontinued. However, several of them are now being produced again by the Japanese furniture producer Miyazaki Chair Mill in Tokushima. An Australien producer has also included Kristiansen production in their portfolio. Kai Kristiansen might have been the originator of mass produced furniture, had he accepted an offer from Ikea-founder Ingvar Kamprad. He declined to let himself enroll in the Ikea staff.
Kristiansen exhibitions include numerous participations in furniture and design shows in Milano, Paris, Cologne and London. Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Teak
Teak Model 42 Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen, Set of 6
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in KUTNO, PL
An iconic design by Kaja Kristiansen, one of Denmark's most important modernist designers. Model 42 was designed in the 1950s and is still considered one of the most elegant and ergo...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Textile, Teak
$6,922 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Kai Kristiansen Flower Tables Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare flower tables designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark.
Price is listed / item.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Metal
12 Furniture Plugs Fit for Kai Kristiansen Model 42 and Other Chairs in Oak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 12 button plugs fit for Kai Kristiansen model 42 rosewood dining chairs and other chairs.
The button plugs are made of oak and can be ordered natural or varnished. If no choi...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Twelve Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak - Custom Upholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of twelve fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegant design that make them fit in easily where you want them in your home - a design that was so uniqe that his colleague the famous designer Hans J. Wegner characterized model 42 as beautiful from all angles when the chair with it´s unique backrest swivel function was revealed in 1956.
The chairs are in very good condition as they have been fully restored, sanded by hand and refinished by our experienced workshop to insure that they are in very good condition with only minimal signs of age and use and will be reupholstered without additional cost in fabric of your choice from "Kvadrat" / standard leathers from "Sorensen Leather" or for additional price luxury leathers (Elegance, Vegetal, Rustic, Pure and Royal Nubuck).
Kai Kristiansen was one of the last pupils of the famous architect Kaare Klint who founded modern Danish design and laid the foundation for the "Danish Modern" style. During the years 1958-78 Kristiansen worked in his business in Aarhus owned jointly by himself and furniture maker Illum Wikkelsø (1919-99).
Kristiansens works met their most intense demand during a few decades from 1950, then production of them was discontinued. However, several of them are now being produced again by the Japanese furniture producer Miyazaki Chair Mill in Tokushima. An Australien producer has also included Kristiansen production in their portfolio. Kai Kristiansen might have been the originator of mass produced furniture, had he accepted an offer from Ikea-founder Ingvar Kamprad. He declined to let himself enroll in the Ikea staff.
Kristiansen exhibitions include numerous participations in furniture and design shows in Milano, Paris, Cologne and London. Among his most cherished works is the Paper Knife collection...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak, Leather
1960s Set of Six Black Fully Restored Customizable Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 6 fully restored customizable model 42 oak dining chairs in black varnish with swivel backrests by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.
The very comfortable chairs with sw...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Danish Dinner set Kai Kristansen chairs and a table from Korup, 1960 Denmark.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage Danish rectangular extendable dining table from the 1960s with 1 extendable leaf from the Danish brand Korup. Subtle wood drawing and design. The table has a large size.
The extension system allows you to turn the table into a large rectangular table of 175 cm. You can also choose not to use an intermediate sheet if you wish. The pull-out system is user-friendly.
Set of four (4) Danish modern dining...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Midcentury Danish Mahogany Nesting Tables by Kai Kristiansen, Set of 3, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Set off mahogany side tables by Kai Kristiansen. Each table consists of a stained beech or oak base and a mahogany veneered top. The tops have been renewed with an acrylic protective...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Midcentury Side Chair in Rosewood and Patinated Leather by Gustav Bertelsen
By Gustav Bertelsen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Side chair in rosewood and patinated leather, designed by Kai Kristiansen and made by Gustav Bertelsen cabinetmakers. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Coffee Table Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table is an impressive piece of furniture art that exudes both elegance and functionality. Made of rosewood and designed by the renowned Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møb...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Nesting Table Model 33 by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare nesting table model 33 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Plant Box With Frame Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiensen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This plant box, designed by Kai Kristensen, is a beautiful piece of Danish design from the 1960s. The frame is made of rosewood, showcasing the rich, dark to...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Plastic, Rosewood
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in rosewood. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Set of 3 Kai Kristiansen Midcentury chairs Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik Teak
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering for sale three beautiful chairs probably manufactured by Schou Andersen Mobelfabrik from the 1960s. The design is by Kai Kri...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Set of four Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs Armchairs, S. Andersen New Upholstery
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, DE
Very beautiful set of four dining chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced by V. Schou Andersen, Denmark in 1964. The chairs are in very good condition, all of them were newly...
Category
20th Century Danish Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Danish Mirror in Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern mirror in rosewood model N°103 by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Mid-Century Oak Coffee Table by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oirlo, LI
Mid-century oak coffee table by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard 1960s
This is a square coffee table designed by Kai Kristiansen made by Aksel Kjersgaard.
Beautiful table...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
$930 Sale Price
20% Off
Paper Knife Sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Paper Knife sofa designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Teak frame upholstered with new wool fabr...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Eight Restored Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight fully restored, 1960s rosewood dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik with custom upholstery.
The chairs have Kai Kristiansens typical light and elegan...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Eight Restored Ebonized Kai Kristiansen Dining Chairs Custom Upholstery Included
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 8 fully restored and ebonized model 42 oak dining chairs with swivel backrests by Kai Kristiansen for Schous Møbelfabrik.,
The chairs have Kai Kristiansen’s typical light an...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Easy Chair in Teak and Newly Upholstered Grey Wool Seats by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant easy chair, crafted from teak and expertly reupholstered in soft grey wool, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavian design. Designed by the acclaimed Danish d...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wool, Teak
$1,879 Sale Price
20% Off
Set Of Four Dining Room Chairs Model 31 By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of four dining room chairs, model 31, is a beautiful example of mid-20th century Danish furniture design. Designed by renowned designer Kai Kristiansen in 1956 and manufactu...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Highback Easy Chair Model 179 by Christian Jensen Møbelfabrik
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare highback easy chair model 179 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Christian Jensen Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Mirror in Teak by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian mirror in teak by Kai Kristiansen with small shelve, modèle N° 180.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Lounge Chair in Rio Rosewood Model Paperknive
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian lounge chair in Rio rosewood model paper Knive by Kai Kristiansen. New foam and cover. Other cover on demand. + €250. Referenced by the Design Museum ...
Category
1960s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Danish Modern wall-mounted mirror By Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Teak Danish mid-century Modern wall-mounted mirror By Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard , 1960s
Made in Denmark
Design: Kai Kristiansen
Materials: teak wood , glass
Height:...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Glass, Teak
Danish original vintage nest of tables or lamp tables in rosewood.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in København K, DK
Rare set of lamp tables in rosewood. Designed in the early 1960s by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder, Denmark.
The tables are in fantastic good and origina...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Commode With Four Drawers Made In Rosewood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Chest of drawers with 4 drawers and round legs. Made of rosewood from the 1960s and designed by Kai Kristiansen. Kai Kristiansen's design is known for its focus on functionality, sim...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170, 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170 , 1960s,
The chair frames are made from solid teak, Seated teak structure covered with Green fabric...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Danish dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Model 170
1960s a set of 2
The chair frames are made from solid teak.
Seated teak structure covered with beig...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Kai Kristiansen furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Kai Kristiansen 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 Kai Kristiansen furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 404 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Kai Kristiansen 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 Arne Vodder, Niels Otto Møller, and Johannes Andersen. Prices for Kai Kristiansen furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $72 and can go as high as $27,370, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,761.
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