Ib Kofod-Larsen "Penguin" Iron and Leather Lounge Chairs for Selig
About the Item
- Creator:Selig (Manufacturer),Ib Kofod-Larsen (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 23 in (58.42 cm)Seat Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:Refinished. Reupholstered. Newly Refinished, Newly Reupholstered by Danish Modern LA’s Restoration Studio.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU971116045232
Ib Kofod-Larsen
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.
Selig
As an importer and producer, the Selig furniture company helped popularize timeless and elegant postwar designs in the United States.
Selig created Danish-inspired chairs, sofas and other furnishings for the home that were cutting-edge, contemporary and airy. The brand was also among the first to introduce Scandinavian and European modern styles to Americans in the 1950s and 60s. The company imported and manufactured furniture known for its extraordinary design and style using high-quality, enduring and seductive materials.
Selig was founded in 1931 by Mandell Selig and Samuel Wexler. The pair started the business during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression prior to World War II. By the 1960s, under the leadership of Wexler's son, Robert, Selig peaked with manufacturing factories in five American cities.
Selig’s importing business had a meaningful impact on Italian furniture manufacturers. Wexler, the junior, had a hand in advancing and growing the manufacturing sector of the country’s Udine region. Due to this contribution, the Italian government saw fit to knight Robert Wexler with the title of “Cavaliere.”
After nearly four decades of influencing seating and lounging preferences in the United States with sophisticated mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture — including its own chrome rocking chairs and leather club chairs — Selig sold to Simmons, the mattress company, in 1970, thus dissolving. Much of what they produced and imported is still available despite no longer being manufactured, and many collectors seek original Selig furniture.
On 1stDibs, find an array of vintage Selig furniture that includes lounge chairs, armchairs, tables and more.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Teak & Leather Lounge Chair for SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Teak
- Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Lounge Chair for SeligBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Los Angeles, CAStunning lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960’s. This distinctive Danish modern design features a solid walnut wood frame with four large slats ac...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
- Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Cognac Leather Stool for SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Los Angeles, CATransforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Stools
MaterialsLeather, Foam, Walnut
- Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chairs for Christiansen & LarsenBy Christensen & Larsen, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Los Angeles, CAPair of spectacular shell chairs, crafted by Danish architect and furniture designer Ib-Kofod Larsen, and manufactured by Christensen & Larsen A/S in the 1950’s. Kofod Larsen’s versa...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsBeech, Teak
- Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculpted Exoskeleton Walnut Sofa for SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Los Angeles, CA________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsFabric, Wood, Walnut
- Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Sculpted Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-LarsennBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Los Angeles, CAStylish lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960s. This sleek and ergonomic lounge chair features a sturdy wood ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsFabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
- Penguin Lounge Chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for SeligBy Ib Kofod-Larsen, SeligLocated in Offenburg, Baden WurthembergPenguin lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen in 1953, for Selig. This editon was produced under license by Selig in the 1960ies in a small series in the US Characteristic for t...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsSteel
- Danish Modern Leather Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in North Hollywood, CAStunning Danish modern leather lounge chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1950s. The sculptural frames on these chairs are made of solid walnut stain. The well-craf...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsLeather, Walnut
- Solid Walnut Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Philadelphia, PABeautiful solid walnut lounge chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. features stunning sculpted arms new wool upholstery and new webbing with Evans clips Selig badge is present....Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Walnut
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent ChairBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This piece was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Mid-Century Modern Danish IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent ChairBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Wilmington, DEWhat a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This chair was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
MaterialsMetal
- Pair Of Rare Model Penguin Chairs By Ib Kofod-Larsen For SeligBy Selig, Ib Kofod-LarsenLocated in Brooklyn, NYPair of elegant, rare model "Penguin" lounge chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig feature wrought iron frames with bent back legs that differ from the back framework of the more ubiqu...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
MaterialsWrought Iron