Story
Planmøbler occupies a singular position in the history of Danish furniture production. As its name suggests—combining Plan (planning) and Møbler (furniture)—the workshop was conceived as an entity dedicated to furniture making integrated directly into architectural planning.
Rather than promoting a specific designer or developing an independent brand identity, Planmøbler functioned as a production partner aligned with architectural projects, executing and supplying furniture according to comprehensive design plans. Its most notable contribution was to the Aarhus City Hall project, designed by Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller, for which a young Hans J. Wegner was responsible for the complete furniture design.
Through this project, Planmøbler became a decisive proving ground in Wegner’s early career, providing the framework within which his abilities could be demonstrated on an architectural scale. While much of the company’s detailed history remains obscure, the legacy it left through the furnishing of Aarhus City Hall forms an essential chapter in the formative period of Danish Modernism.
About
Year: Early 1940s – c. 1950s
President: Unknown
Designer: Hans J. Wegner
Place: Aarhus, Denmark
History
1938: Planning for Aarhus City Hall begins under the direction of Arne Jacobsen and Erik Møller.
1941: Hans J. Wegner is commissioned to design all furniture for the City Hall; Planmøbler undertakes production.
1941: Manufacture of modular office furniture and tambour-door cabinets commences.
1941: Town Hall Chairs (armchairs and side chairs) are completed and delivered to the City Hall.
1941: A swiveling executive office chair (models 421 / A721) is produced for senior offices.
1942: Aarhus City Hall is completed, with the furniture functioning as an integrated part of the overall interior concept.
Late 1940s: Revised versions of the Town Hall Chair continue to be manufactured.
Late 1940s: Cooperation with subcontractors, including the workshop of H. Knudsen Jensen, enables larger-scale production.
1947: Additional furniture related to the City Hall project is produced.
Early 1950s: Documented activity of Planmøbler gradually ceases, and the company disappears from historical records.
Furniture
• Town Hall Armchair
• Town Hall Side Chair
• Executive Office Chair 421 / A721
• Tambour Door Cabinet A5622
• Service Table
• Wooden Hanger
• Office Desk
• Desk Lamp