“Danish Modern” is a recognized term around the world standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the mid-20th century. Like this easy chair, Scandinavian cabinetmakers’ seating designs are generally characterized by clarity in design and extremely high quality in craftsmanship and choice of materials.

The beautiful teak and oak frame supports the upholstered body, while also providing structural interest. Both from the back and the sides, the frame engages with the body in a visually interesting way, without any visible joinery. The round edges of the body create a nice balance with the tapered legs. As with most chairs with great sitting comfort, this model is also built in a permanently reclined position, with a seat raised towards the front. The two key visual elements are the backrest’s peculiar shape, and the subtle decoration on the armrests. The former is the result of the wide, rectangular “ear flaps” that embrace the sitter. The design of the back enhances the button tufting as well, with thirteen buttons arranged symmetrically in three lines. The armrests have an added layer of sculpted wood as decoration, and along with the back, make this chair unmistakeable visually. The armrests follow the curves of the rest of the body, and show great craftsmanship.

Denmark has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th and 20th century, the country had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces to produce unique designs like this chair, with an unchanged level of quality and timelessness.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin.

Dimensions:

28.34 in W x 33.85 in D x 36.61 in H; Seat height 22.04 in

72 cm W x 86 cm D x 93 cm H; Seat height 56 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.