Names of various furniture shapes don't come any more interesting than the "slipper chair". This pair of early mid-century Danish chairs add the touch of Scandinavian Modernism to the classic shape.

A slipper chair is an armless, upholstered chair that has short oak legs so that it sits closer to the ground. When it first made its appearance in the early 18th century, this low-slung chair was used in women's bedrooms as seating, and it was often used when maids helped them put on their shoes or slippers, hence the name. These chairs show a dedication to craftsmanship and a soft, almost naïve mode of expression. With their soft, far more people-friendly design, these chairs from the 1930s represent some of the first attempts at a Danish interpretation of international modernism. Finn Juhl considered the upholstered furniture of the 1930s as a vibrant and more contemporary sculptural direction, which applies to these chairs as well.

The crème, long hair upholstery is lush, and the overall design with the round and soft edges of the seat and high back adhere less to the strict functionality of earlier, stiffer schools of thought. These chairs feature the older design of mid-century slipper chairs where the legs do show, revealing the natural beauty of the wood. In this case, the so-called “bun” feet of the chairs stand out thanks to their peculiar shape.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches. The chairs have been reupholstered recently in a premium, crème long hair fabric.

Dimensions:

21.85 in W x 30.51 in D x 35.43 in H; Seat height 15.74 in

55.5 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 90 cm H; Seat height 40 cm

About the Designer:

The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.

Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.

Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.

The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.