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 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
Danish Teak Secretary Desk by Kai Kristiansen for HJN Mobler 1960.
By HJN Møbler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian secretary with straight shapes.
A clever tray that opens by sliding onto 3 small drawers and 2 small interior shelves. On the lower part 3 large drawers.
High-en...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Chest of Drawers Dresser
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern chest of drawers in Brazilian rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
This ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Rosewood console and mirror by Arch. Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1950s, Rare
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Forest, BE
This is a elegant hallway floating console and mirror. The model offered in rosewood. Made of the finest veneer. The mirror is made of massive rosewood. There is one open space. Comp...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Lounge Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful scandinavian modern easy chair in teak Model KK161 designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Magnus Olesen Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
This comfor...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Cabinet by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern cupboard cabinet in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960s. This lovely case ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of 'Paper Knife' Easy Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Magnificent pair of ‘Model 121’ easy chairs designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen and produced by Magnus Olesen in Denmark. Beautifully crafted solid teak frames with the signature arm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Executive Desk Model EP 401, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Item has been carefully refurbished
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Teak and Wicker Sewing Stand
By Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Garnerville, NY
Stylish Danish Modern teak and wicker sewing stand designed by Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik, Denmark. Circa 1960. Featuring a roomy slide ou...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Wicker, Teak
Midcentury Desk by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballe Møbelfabrik, 1950s
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Kai Kristiansen design this large desk in 1950s for Feldballe Mobelfabrik. Iconic Model 70. The desk have six drawers on the front and two doors on the backside. This executive desk ...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Chest of Drawers Model 394 in walnut wood, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful Chest of Drawers (Model 394 / 1D-4) designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured recently by Kai Kristiansen & Friends ApS, Denmark. The Entre serie was originally produced...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Walnut
Kai Kristiansen 384 Side Table made by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in New York, NY
Kai Kristiansen Side Table 384 made by cabinetmaker Aksel Kjersgaard. Kai Kristiansen double drawer side table model 384 made of high qualit...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Teak Wall Console by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Köln, DE
Hochwertig und mit Liebe zum Detail produzierter Teakholz Nachttisch zur Wandmontage (zwei Schrauben)
Zwei flache Massivholz Schubladen mit filigranen Alugriffen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Classic Set of 12 Kai Kristiansen Troja Armchair, C1960, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning set of 12 Kai Kristiansen 'Troja' round chair from circa 1955... designed in the style of famed Hans Wegner Chair,. The frame is made from Afromosia Teak wood which retains ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Set of Eight Dining Room Chairs, Model 42, Designed by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 8 dining chairs is truly an iconic example of the timeless elegance that characterizes Danish furniture design from the Mid-20th Century. The chairs are model 42, designe...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Vintage Teak Chair, Model 31
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in ŚWINOUJŚCIE, 32
Truly elegant original 1960s vintage Kai Kristiansen Model #31 accent chair in excellent condition.
This is an early, sought after vintage model, with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Set 6 Sculptural Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, K.S. Mobler
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set 6 sculptural teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark. Nice original condition. Finish and patina. Extremely c...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Naugahyde, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood No 42 Dining Chairs with Paul Smith Fabric, Set of 2
By Paul Smith, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Originally designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1956 and manufactured by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, the No 42 chair is one of the most well known designs in mid century Danish furniture...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Fabric
Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood Chair Model 42 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Modern Rosewood chair Model 42 by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s.
Mid-Century Modern armchair designed by Danish architect Kai Kristian...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Midcentury Chest of Drawers in Oak by Kai Kristiasen, Danish Design
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of chest of drawers in oak. Designed by Kai Kristiasen and made by Aksel Kjærsgaard cabinetmakers. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Paper Knife Armchair by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Paper Knife armchair by Kai Kristiansen, produced in Denmark in around 1950s. Teak frame preserved in very good condition, with original stamp at the back. Custom made boucle cushion...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Chest of Drawers, Dresser by Kai Kristia
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern chest of drawers in teak designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Feldballes Mobelfabrik in Denmark in the 1960's.
This exquisite case...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Compass Chair with Walnut Legs and Light Gray Blue Upholstery
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Single Kai Kristiansen Compass chair with light blue upholstery. The Compass Dining Chair / Kompas was designed in 1958 by Kai Kristians...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Upholstery
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Nightstand, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Model 384 Bedside Cabinets, circa 1960.
Restored rosewood nightstand cabinet, produced by cabinetmaker Aksel Kjaersgaard in Odder, Denmark, circa 1960. The cabinet ...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen 1950s Rosewood Dressing Table
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kje...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Danish Mid-Century Commode in Oak by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Commode in Oak designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Great original condition, 1950s.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Oak
1960s Kai Kristiansen Teak Dining Chairs Model 31 for Shou Andersen, Denmark, Se
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
-The wooden parts have been carefully refurbished
- Newly upholstered
- High of seat 45 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen for Torring / HJN Mobler Model 63 Danish Modern Teak Secretary
By Kai Kristiansen, Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Beautiful sculptural Danish modern secretary.
Design by Kai Kristiansen for Torring / HJN Mobler.
Model 63 in teakwood.
A beautiful minimalistic sculptural secretary in excellent design and craftmanship. It was build without using keys.
The desk surface drops down to expose three small drawers and paper dividers. Center drawer offers a small flip up mirror.
Pullout desk...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Set of Three Teak Nesting Tables by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Shippensburg, PA
This is a very nice Danish Mid-Century Modern trio of nesting tables designed by Kai Kristiansen and executed by Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik in teak during the 1960s. The smallest table re...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Bedside Cabinets, Rosewood
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen
Bedside Cabinets, circa 1960.
Pair of Brazilian rosewood bedside cabinets, produced by Aksel Kjersgaard, Odder, Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
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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