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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

The so-called “Kurulstol” or “Kurul” chair, is an iconic model by Danish designer, Henning Kjærnulf. The Kurul chair is an ancient folding chair, originally a folding stool with straight or curved legs. Among the Romans, in addition to being an ordinary utility chair, it was symbolically linked to officials, often within the judiciary.

This pair of chairs combine the traditional kurul structure with a rounded and curved appearance, with an upholstered seat and backrest that gives the historic look a modern edge. The oak frames are carved and sculpted in an unmistakeable way, showing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. The bodies are composed of two slats of wood of equal length in the front and back, fastened together in a saltire formation (resembling the letter X) which are extended up at the top and back to form the armrests and the backs as well. The seats are upholstered in soft sheepskin, stretched between the front and back slats connecting the two. Kjærnulf removed the folding function of the historic design, giving his model a more stable, organic look. This impression is further enhanced by the solid oak, which is carved with great precision into straight and curving lines. The rich sheepskin melts these carved and straight lines together, contrasting to the oak’s smoothness. While the historic kurul chair was often decorated with intarsia, this model only showcases subtle decor elements, such as the charming sculpted mark in the front with a flower (or the sun) carved into the wood.

While the kurulstol is a Renaissance classic originating from ancient Rome, thanks to Kjaernulf, Scandinavian modernism remains at the core of the design. Kjærnulf’s designs are easy to spot in a crowd thanks to his originality, making his pieces like the razorblade chair and this kurulstol eternally unique. This chair was manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmobel in Denmark during the 1960s.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. The pair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. 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:

24.8 in W x 26.77 in D x 31.29 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 26.18 in

65 cm W x 55 cm D x 88 cm H ; Seat height 49 cm; Arm height 63.5 cm

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Henning Kjærnulf’s furniture is recognised for its strong woodworking and distinctive approach to traditional forms, often combining substantial wooden constructions with carved details and expressive silhouettes. His designs moved beyond the restrained lines associated with much of Danish modern furniture, introducing more decorative elements while retaining a clear emphasis on craftsmanship.

This pair of armchairs, attributed to Kjærnulf brings together a solid oak frame, pronounced carvings, and generously upholstered seating. The chairs have tall oak inclined backrests that give a strong vertical presence. Three horizontal rails cross each back, their edges carved into flowing curves that soften the otherwise straightforward wooden structure. Long armrests project forward from the back and rest on the vertical supports, just wide enough to reveal the grain and texture of the oak. Below, the legs are reinforced by low stretchers, while the front side of the seats introduces another decorative element through carved semicircular cut-outs. These details create a rhythm between the backrest and lower frame without making the construction feel overly ornamental. Thick mohair cushions sit within the oak frames, their deep brown colour complementing the warm tones of the wood. The softness of the upholstery is particularly effective against the exposed joinery and carved surfaces, giving the chairs a comfortable character while leaving the craftsmanship visible.

Kjærnulf’s more expressive furniture occupies an interesting position within Danish design, drawing on traditional woodworking while developing individual forms. Used together in a living room, library or conversation area, the chairs have the power to contribute to an interior with their inviting look.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the wood, the items have minor marks, scratches, and discolouration. The cushions 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:

27.36 in W x 29.72 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 23.62 in; Arm height 21.65 in

69.5 cm W x 75.5 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 60 cm; Arm height 55 cm

REQUEST PRICE HERE

Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

This so-called “kurulstol” or kurul chair, is an iconic model by Danish designer, Henning Kjærnulf. The Kurul chair is an ancient folding chair, originally a folding stool with straight or curved legs. Among the Romans, in addition to being an ordinary utility chair, it was symbolically linked to officials, often within the judiciary.

This armchair combines the traditional kurul structure with a rounded and curved appearance, with an upholstered seat and backrest that gives the historic look a modern edge. The oak frame is carved and sculpted in an unmistakeable way, showing the skills of both the designer and the manufacturer. The body is composed of two slats of wood of equal length in the front and back, fastened together in a saltire formation (resembling the letter X) which are extended up at the top and back to form the armrests and the backs as well. The seat, upholstered in soft sheepskin, is stretched between the front and back slats connecting the two. Kjærnulf removed the folding function of the historic design, giving his model a more stable, organic look. This impression is further enhanced by the solid oak, which is carved with great precision into straight and curving lines. The rich sheepskin melts these carved and straight lines together, contrasting to the oak’s smoothness. While the historic kurul chair was often decorated with intarsia, this model only showcases subtle decor elements, such as the charming sculpted mark in the front with a flower (or the sun) carved into the wood.

While the kurulstol is a Renaissance classic originating from ancient Rome, thanks to Kjaernulf, Scandinavian modernism remains at the core of the design. Kjærnulf’s designs are easy to spot in a crowd thanks to his originality, making his pieces like the razorblade chair and this kurulstol eternally unique. This chair was manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmobel in Denmark during the 1960s.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chair’s seat has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. 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:

24.8 in W x 26.77 in D x 31.29 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 26.18 in

65 cm W x 55 cm D x 88 cm H ; Seat height 49 cm; Arm height 63.5 cm

About the designer:

Danish mid-century designer and architect, Henning Kjaernulf, is somewhat of a mystery. A lot more is known about his designs than Kjaernulf himself. His wooden designs, crafted to perfection, speak for themselves. Kjaernulf mainly designed for the Danish manufacturers EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, and Vejle Stole Møbelfabrik. The latter produced the designer’s well-known teak extending dining table design. The historic archives of the Danish municipality, Stenlille, reveal the history of Nyrup Møbelfabrik, mentioning Kjaernulf’s architectural designs for the company’s factory, referring to him as an architect based in Odense, Denmark.

Kjaernulf’s works reveal quality craftsmanship throughout, featuring clean Danish modern era lines with sculpted edges and shapes. The unique shapes, like his razorblade chair backrests, distinguish the designer from other Danish mid-century designers.

In light of how sought after his dining sets and lounge chairs are, it remains a mystery why so little is known about the designer. The curious background of Kjaernulf if anything, adds more charm to his pieces. ~H.