Beech and Papercord Armchair by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s (sold)






























Beech and Papercord Armchair by Frits Schlegel (Attr.), Denmark ca 1940s (sold)
Frits Schlegel was a defining Danish functionalist architect and designer, and while highly successful as an architect, from the 1930s onward he also designed a number of furniture lines with inspiration from the Bauhaus movement.
This armchair stands as evidence of why many Danish architects succeeded at the craft of furniture design. The precision of the structure and the cord weaving is evident at first glance, showing great geometric order. Driven by function, Schlegel’s focus on practicality, structural stability, and a design in favour of these principles can be observed in the straight lines and absence of excess decoration. He saw possibilities in the aesthetics of modernist design and materials, becoming one of the first architects in Denmark to experiment with concrete in architecture - the use of the underrated material of paper cord is therefore no surprise. Noteworthy for its durability, paper cord is also beloved for its functional and aesthetic qualities. This material became an important material in the Danish Modern period of the 1940s and 1950s. The woven or basket form of the seat of this chairs has a tight, visually pleasing pattern in great condition. This armchair has an equally arresting beech structure that shows great craftsmanship, and would make a lovely addition to any interior.
Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how this piece can be best described. The most renowned Danish designers of the era preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models - such as this chair - are Danish Modern classics.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has minor scratches and discoloration.
Dimensions:
23.23 in W x 26.77 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 15.16 in; Seat depth 22.05 in; Arm height 20.47 in
59 cm W x 68 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 38.5 cm; Seat depth 56 cm; Arm height 52 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
European seating design from the 1940s often sits at the intersection between late Art Deco and the early stages of modernism. While earlier decades favoured more elaborate ornamentation, this period saw a gradual simplification of form, with designers focusing more on proportion, silhouette, and comfort.
This pair of armchairs follow that direction through their restrained yet carefully shaped form. From the rounded backs, to the tapered wooden legs, the elements reflect both the elegance of Art Deco and a move toward more practical, everyday use. In these armchairs, this is evident in the pronounced curve of the wooden arms that define the overall look. Since the arms create a hollow form, the beautiful upholstery is visible from the sides as well, further complementing the gentle curvature. The upholstery, in a deep green tone, gives the pair its visual identity, introducing both colour and a soft texture that contrasts with the sleek and slender wooden legs below. Each chair stands on slender legs that echo the solid construction and frame the upholstered body without distracting from it.
This pair of armchairs exemplifies a tradition of European seating that values both comfort and design, making them a perfect choice for interiors that appreciate material honesty and functional refinement. The pairing of materials give them a distinctive but versatile presence, whether placed in a living room, study, or relaxed seating area.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the materials, the items have marks, scratches and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
52.59 in W x 34.64 in D x 38.77 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Seat depth 20.07 in; Arm height 24.60 in
65 cm W x 88 cm D x 98.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Seat depth 51 cm; Arm height 62.5 cm
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Denmark has 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 technology and design, creating many of the most memorable pieces of Danish design history. This pair of chairs is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers and the immediately recognisable characteristics of Scandinavian design.
These armchairs combine compact upholstered bodies with exposed stained beech elements that give the design its distinctive look. The plush seats rise into gently inclined backrests, with the upholstery creating soft volume. The light-coloured, finely textured fabric emphasises the simple shapes and contrasts with the deep chestnut tone of the beech. Most striking are the armrests, flow from the front legs and sweep upward in a continuous curve before extending toward the backrests. Their pronounced arcs frame the upholstered bodies while leaving the sides open, giving a light appearance to the form, from both the front and side profile. The rear legs remain straight and slender, reinforcing the contrast between the restrained wooden structure and the padded back and seat. The relationship between the soft fabric, stained wood and carefully controlled curves gives the chairs their visual character. These 1930s armchairs capture the craftsmanship and simplified forms that characterised an important moment in furniture history.
In Danish design, things are made to last rather than to be replaced, while the home enhances an unburdened lifestyle. Living well is in itself a form of art, and furniture design is meant to complement it. This pair is ideal to serve these purposes in an elegant, comfortable, and stylish manner.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchairs have recently been reconditioned. The wood has some stains. Due to the age and nature of the beech, the chairs may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.82 in W x 31.29 in D x 31.89 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 20.87 in; Arm height 24.80 in
60.5 cm W x 79.5 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 63 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Seating from the 1940s reflects a pivotal moment in the development of Scandinavian modernism. While later Danish furniture became known for its lighter and more minimalist expressions, many designs from this earlier period retained a greater sense of softness and intimacy. In line with the Art deco movement, cabinetmakers focused on comfort, bold craftsmanship, and the human experience of furniture. Upholstered chairs became particularly important during these years, combining refined silhouettes with an emphasis on relaxation and everyday use.
This armchair embodies those qualities through its enveloping form. The rounded backrest sweeps seamlessly into the curved armrests, creating a protective, cocoon-like silhouette that immediately conveys comfort. Upholstered in a rich dark brown fabric, the chair gains depth and character through its subtle variations in tone and texture, as the light dances across its surface. Tufted button details adorn the inner backrest, introducing a decorative element that enhances the chair’s visual rhythm without distracting from the overall form. The generous seat cushion further reinforces the inviting nature of the design, while the softly rounded edges give the body a playful feel. The chair rests on four tapered beech legs that chromatically complement the upholstery. Every curve serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose, making this piece truly charming.
This armchair captures the enduring appeal of early Danish design, where comfort, material quality, and elegance coexist effortlessly. Rich in character and craftsmanship, it stands as a testament to the Danish cabinetmaking tradition.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the age and nature of the wood, the armchair has some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The piece has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
31.10 in W x 27.95 in D x 26.77 in H; Seat height 16.53 in; Seat depth 21.85 in; Arm height 25.59 in
79 cm W x 71 cm D x 68 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Seat depth 55.5 cm; Arm height 65 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Art Deco pieces used bold geometry to create iconic elements of interior design. While the movement is frequently associated with angular silhouettes and decorative detailing, many Scandinavian interpretations introduced a calmer and more restrained approach and rounder forms. Danish furniture makers in particular favoured sculptural curves and high-quality upholstery to define the character of a piece rather than relying on excessive ornamentation.
This shift produced seating that retained the elegance of Art Deco while moving toward the softer sensibility that would later define Scandinavian modernism. Through its strong contours and carefully balanced proportions, this 1930s danish armchair is reflective of its era. The most distinctive feature is the oversized circular armrests, which frame the seat in a bold, sculptural manner. The curved shape creates a strong visual rhythm while softening the otherwise classic structure of the chair. The body is fully upholstered in a thick boucle fabric whose textured surface enhances the softness of the silhouette across the curves. The backrest rises slightly above the armrests and complements the roundness of the arms with its more angular look, without disrupting its appearance. Beneath the body, the chair rests on a low wooden plinth base with small feet, grounding the form and providing visual contrast to the softness above. The restrained palette further emphasises the shapes and allows the sculptural quality of the armrests to remain the focal point.
The interplay between the upholstery and the dark wooden base gives the chair a controlled sense of weight and balance. Rather than appearing delicate or overly decorative, the design feels strong while still prioritising comfort. This piece demonstrates the refined elegance that characterised Danish interpretations of Art Deco seating.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. The item has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.31 in W x 37.01 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 20.47 in; Arm height 23.62 in
77 cm W x 94 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat Depth 52 cm; Arm height 60 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Denmark has 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 technology and design, creating many of the most memorable models of Danish design history. This pair of chairs is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers and the immediately recognisable characteristics of Scandinavian design.
This armchair combines a compact upholstered body with exposed stained beech elements that give the design its distinctive look. The plush seat rises into a gently inclined backrest, with the upholstery creating soft, continuous volumes. The light, finely textured fabric emphasises these simple shapes and contrasts with the deep tone of the beech. Most striking are the armrests, which flow from the front legs and sweep upward in a continuous curve before extending toward the backrest. The pronounced arcs frame the upholstered body while leaving the sides open, giving a light appearance to the form from both the front and side profile. The rear legs remain straight and slender, reinforcing the contrast between the restrained wooden structure and the padded back and seat. The relationship between the soft fabric, stained wood and carefully controlled curves gives the chair its visual character. This 1930s armchair captures the craftsmanship and simplified forms that characterised an important moment in furniture history.
In Danish design, things are made to last rather than to be replaced, while the home enhances an unburdened lifestyle. Living well is in itself a form of art, and furniture design is meant to complement it. This chair is ideal to serve these purposes in an elegant, comfortable, and stylish manner.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reconditioned. The wood has some stains. Due to the age and nature of the beech, the chair may have marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has recently been reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.82 in W x 31.29 in D x 31.89 in H; Seat height 19.68 in; Seat depth 20.87 in; Arm height 24.80 in
60.5 cm W x 79.5 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 50 cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 63 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This remarkable armchair was designed by German artist, Willi Ohler. The so-called “Worpsweder” either denote chairs made at the Worpsweder Kunsthütten (Worpsweder arts huts) in Germany, or a specific style of German chairs with solid wood frames, broad armrests, often from tall wood, with woven seats and backs. This piece features all of those characteristics.
Crafted during a time when movements like Modernism were reshaping design worldwide, this early 20th-century armchair reflect a transitional style rooted in both simplicity and elegance. This era emphasises clean lines, unique shapes, and high-quality craftsmanship to achieve timeless pieces like this one. The honey-toned wood highlights the warm patina that has developed over decades. The softly sculpted armrests framing the chair bring both elegance and ergonomic comfort to the overall form. Woven wicker is the main highlight of the piece. The material is used to construct the seat and tall backrest. The beautifully symmetrical pattern showcases the timeless artistry of artisanal furniture. The rectangular, slim legs create a sleek structure while not abandoning sturdiness. This chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship and exquisite materials.
Worpswede in Lower Saxony is famous nationwide for its long tradition as an artists' colony. Nowadays, about 130 artists and craftsmen and women live there permanently. The artists who created the so called "Worpsweder Kuentlerkolonie" were looking for the simple and original in art and life. The traditional reed and rush woven chairs of this region were greatly appreciated by the artists of the colony, and some of them were still produced around 1900-1920. They have become collectors’ pieces thanks to the craftsmanship that went into each chair’s creation.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials the item has minor scratches and discolouration.
Dimensions:
34.64 in W x 33.07 in D x 46.45 in H; Seat height 16.53 in; Seat depth 19.68 in; Arm height 24.80 in
88 cm W x 84 cm D x 118 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Seat depth 50 cm; Arm height 63 cm