Danish Mid-Century Modern furniture reflected Scandinavian materials and craftsmanship and mixed them with a modern style, and the period from roughly 1940 through 1960 was a high point for Danish furniture makers. This set shows why.

This particular chair silhouette has been popular since the 1930s, from around the time Flemming Lassen designed the overstuffed easy chair, the “Tired Man”, for The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Competition in 1935, and Finnish architect Marta Blomstedt’s chair of the same name for the foyer of the Hotel Aulanko in Hämeenlinna in 1939. The design of this chair is characterized by organic, bear-like shapes that create a cosy and welcoming sensation with the curved form and voluminous armrests. In Flemming Lassen’s words, this shape is as warm and safe as a polar bear cub in the arms of its mother in the middle of the ice cap”. As a representation of early modernist seating, there is a profound focus on comfort and cosiness, that invokes a pleasant homelike feeling. The chair has two different sets of beech legs, spherical bun feet in the front, and tapered legs in the back. This is an interesting detail that primarily serves the chair’s stability, while also adding visual interest.

We have added a newly produced matching, upholstered ottoman to provide additional comfort and visual interest. The ottoman matches the chair with its round shape, bun feet, and extremely soft, alpaca wool blend upholstery. Together, they form a cosy and luxurious set that exudes Danish design and craftsmanship.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium alpaca wool blend fabric; the ottoman is a later addition, upholstered in the same fabric as the chair.

Dimensions:

31.49 in W x 39.37 in D x 36.22 in H; Seat height 17.71 in

80 cm W x 100 cm D x 92 cm H; Seat height 45 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.