What is Danish mid century furniture?

Danish mid century furniture refers to furniture designs that originated in Denmark during the mid 20th century, from around 1940 to 1970. This period saw a rise in Scandinavian minimalism and emphasis on functionality in furniture and interior design. Some key features of Danish mid century furniture include:

Clean Lines and Simplicity

Danish mid century furniture is characterized by simple, clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Decorative elements are kept to a bare minimum, with the focus instead on accentuating the natural beauty of materials like wood, leather, and wicker. This allows the physical forms and structures of the furniture to take center stage.

High Quality Materials

The most commonly used materials in Danish mid century designs are teak, oak, walnut, leather, canvas and steel. Extra attention is paid to the quality of materials, their natural patterns, grains and textures. The use of quality materials ensures durability and longevity.

Functionality and Craftsmanship

In addition to aesthetics, Danish furniture places great emphasis on functionality, ergonomics and craftsmanship. The furniture is designed to be highly functional and specifically tailored to human use. At the same time, great craftsmanship ensures sturdiness and attention to construction and joint details.

Notable Danish Mid Century Furniture Designers

Some of the most influential Danish designers and brands behind mid century furniture include:

• Hans Wegner – Known as the king of chairs, Wegner designed over 500 chairs as well as sofas and tables. Some of his most iconic designs are the Round Chair, Wishbone Chair and Shell Chair.
• Finn Juhl – Juhl pioneered sculptural and organic forms in furniture. Some famous designs are the 45 Chair, NV Towers bookcase and Chieftain Chair.
• Arne Jacobsen – Jacobsen has an architectural background and his designs reflect simplicity and fluidity. Well known pieces include the Swan Chair, Egg Chair and Ant Chair.
• Poul Kjaerholm – Kjaerholm’s metallic PK series became iconic, combining steel, leather and wood. The PK91 daybed is one of his most famous designs.
• Børge Mogensen – Mogensen focused on functionality and craftsmanship. His BM series uses wood from sustainable forests. Popular items are the Spanish Chair and Safari Chair.
• PP Møbler – Founded by cabinetmaker Paul Pedersen, PP Møbler is known for teak and rosewood dining sets and bedroom suites.

Common Characteristics and Materials

Here are some typical features and materials seen across various Danish mid century furniture pieces:

Woods

• Teak
• Oak
• Walnut
• Rosewood
• Ash

Other Materials

• Leather
• Wicker
• Canvas or fabric
• Steel
• Glass

Design Features

• Angular, rectilinear frames
• Splayed legs for stability
• Low profiles
• Spindle backs on chairs
• Minimal surface ornamentation
• Exposed joinery
• Organic, sculptural shapes

Color Palette

• Light, natural wood tones
• Black stained wood
• White or colored canvas/fabrics
• Black, white or gray leather
• Chrome for steel parts

Most Iconic Danish Mid Century Furniture Designs

Here is a look at some of the most iconic and influential Danish mid century furniture pieces:

Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

The 1958 Egg Chair has become a landmark of Danish design. Its curved, cocoon-like form pioneered the use of geometric shapes. The floating base was inspired by Eero Saarinen’s pedestal tables.

Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen

Jacobsen designed the Swan Chair in 1958 for the Radisson SAS hotel. Its gently curved back resembles a swan’s neck and makes a bold, sculptural statement.

Round Chair/The Chair by Hans Wegner

Wegner’s Round Chair from 1949 showcased his constant striving for simplicity. Its clean, organic shape dispensed with ornate details and epitomized Danish mid century style.

Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner

With its distinctive steam-bent back and minimalist shape, the Wishbone Chair became an instant classic upon its 1949 launch. More than 5 million have been sold worldwide.

Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen

Originally designed in 1948 for the Florence Knoll collection, the Womb Chair is perfectly named for its cozy, enveloping seat and customizable comfort.

PK22 Chair by Poul Kjaerholm

The cantilevered PK22 combined a tubular steel frame with a woven cane seat, showcasing Kjaerholm’s ability to blend materials. It was the first in his iconic PK series.

Danish Modern Dining Chairs

Iconic dining chairs like the Wishbone, Round, Spanish, Safari and Wegner’s chairs popularized simple, sculptural forms for dining comfort and style.

Danish Modern Coffee Tables

Low-slung teak coffee tables with clean lines or tapered legs epitomized Danish refinement alongside furnishings like the Safari and Spanish chairs.

How to Spot Danish Mid Century Furniture

Here are some tips on recognizing Danish mid century furniture and assessing authenticity:

• Look for a Made in Denmark label to verify country of origin.
• Examine materials and construction – high quality solid woods like teak were commonly used.
• Assess the design aesthetic – clean lines, minimal ornamentation and neutral colors are typical.
• Identify hallmarks of famous designers like Wegner, Jacobsen and Juhl.
• Look for manufacturer’s marks from noted brands like PP Møbler, Fritz Hansen and Artek.
• Some originals had paper labels on the underside. Reproductions often lack markings.
• Evaluate wear and repairs – blemishes indicate age and use as opposed to new imitations.

Consult experts if uncertain about authenticity. While replicas have flooded the market, true Danish mid century pieces are investments worth identifying.

Why Danish Mid Century Furniture Is So Popular

Here are some of the reasons behind the enduring global popularity of Danish mid century furniture design:

• Timeless aesthetic appeal – The simple, uncluttered lines and organic shapes have never gone out of style.
• High quality – The pieces are made from solid, long-lasting woods by master craftsmen.
• Multifunctionality – Danish furniture can work well in any interior setting from homes to offices.
• Comfort – Ergonomics and functionality make the furniture extremely comfortable for long term use.
• Sustainability – Many designers advocated using responsibly sourced woods from renewable forests.
• Investment value – Classic mid century Danish furniture holds and increases in value, making it a design investment.

In recent decades, Danish mid century design has seen a major resurgence in popularity across deco, vintage and modern interiors.

Where to Buy Danish Mid Century Furniture

Here are some good options for buying original vintage or modern reproductions of Danish mid century furniture:

Vintage Furniture Stores

Vintage and consignment stores specializing in mid century furniture often carry original Danish pieces from the 1940s-60s.

Online Vintage Sites

Websites like Chairish, 1stDibs and Etsy offer curated collections of authentic vintage and antique Danish furniture.

Modern Furniture Stores

Retailers like Design Within Reach and Scandinavian Designs sell authorized modern reproductions of iconic Danish designs.

Danish Furniture Brands

Classic Danish brands like Fritz Hansen and Carl Hansen & Son continue to manufacture popular mid century pieces today.

Auctions

Live and online auctions at houses like Wright can be places to find diamond-in-the-rough Danish furniture at lower prices.

Estate Sales

Estate, garage and moving sales are worth perusing for potential finds being sold by private individuals.

Costs and Budgeting

Like other vintage and antique furniture, prices for Danish mid century pieces vary greatly depending on:

• Item type – Rare designs by famous designers command higher prices.
• Age and condition – Well-kept vintage pieces are priced higher than worn ones.
• Materials used – Teak and rosewood tend to be pricier woods.
• Reproductions vs. originals – Authentic pieces have higher value than recreations.
• Where you buy – Online shops, auctions or stores will impact price.

Here is an overview of typical price ranges for some popular types of Danish mid century furniture:

Item	Typical Price Range*
Dining table	$400 – $3000
Dining chair	$100 – $1000
Lounge chair	$400 – $4000
Coffee table	$200 – $2000
Sideboard	$300 – $2500
Desk	$400 – $1500
Nightstand	$200 – $800

*For authentic vintage pieces in good restored condition. Reproduction prices are generally lower.

Setting a clear budget beforehand allows smart bidding and hunting for deals. With some diligence, Danish mid century gems can be found at reasonable prices.

Restoration and Care

Like other antiques, Danish mid century furniture may need some restoration work for optimal use and enjoyment. Here are some tips for care and maintenance:

• Use mild soap and water to clean wood, avoiding excessive moisture.
• Re-oil wood pieces annually to nourish and protect the finish.
• Touch up scratches or mars in the wood with markers or waxes.
• Replace broken caning or woven seats as needed for seating.
• Tighten loose joinery carefully to avoid damage.
• Consider professional refinishing if wood is worn or discolored.
• Protect pieces from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

With periodic upkeep, a high-quality Danish furniture investment can last for generations.

Reproductions vs. Original Pieces

Danish mid century furniture has been widely reproduced, often making it hard to identify true vintage pieces. Here are some differences between originals and reproductions:

Original Vintage Furniture

• Made from the 1940s-1960s in Denmark.
• Has labels from the original manufacturers.
• Constructed from solid wood like teak and rosewood.
• Displays signs of minor wear and age marks.
• Has higher collectible and monetary value.

Modern Reproductions

• Manufactured more recently, from the 1990s onward.
• Lacks original maker’s marks.
• Uses wood veneers and engineered woods.
• Appears in pristine, brand new condition.
• Has lower prices and resale values.

While reproductions emulate the Danish mid century look, original pieces have inherent collectibility and historical design significance that impacts their value.

How to Incorporate Danish Style into Your Home

The clean, minimalist look of Danish mid century furniture can complement and enhance a wide range of interior decors. Here are some tips on incorporating it into your home:

Living Room

A Danish lounge chair or sofa makes a striking yet cozy living room focal point. Balance with glass, marble or wood tables and natural textured rugs.

Dining Room

Define the dining space with iconic Danish dining chairs around a sculptural table. Use pendant lamps and warm wood finishes for ambiance.

Bedroom

A Danish nightstand, desk or dresser cut clean lines amidst the coziness. Pair with linen bedding, rattan accents and a jute rug for texture.

Home Office

Let iconic Danish office chairs form the foundation for a stylish and ergonomic workspace, along with minimalist shelving and desks.

Outdoor

Weather-resistant Danish teak furniture brings mid century style outside. Use it around patios, sunrooms or gardens.

Conclusion

With its timeless appeal and endless versatility, incorporating Danish mid century furniture into modern life is an elegant design choice. Whether investing in an iconic antique chair or choosing reproduced staples, this pinnacle of Scandinavian style enhances any space while providing durable daily utility.

By blending clean lines, organic shapes, refined details and quality craftsmanship, the Danish mid century look never goes out of fashion. Its focus on simplicity, functionality and natural materials continues to inspire interiors and furniture lovers worldwide.