Carl Hansen & Son has stood at the forefront of Danish modernism for more than a century, ever since its founding in 1908 on the island of Funen in Odense. Carl Hansen, the founder, built the company’s DNA on meticulous craftsmanship and uncompromising quality, initially hand-producing heavy Victorian-style bespoke furniture. By 1915, with the establishment of a factory that combined traditional woodworking with early forms of serial production, the company developed a hybrid model that later became fundamental to producing furniture at scale while preserving exceptional craftsmanship.
The company’s resilience was tested during the 1930s. Amid the global economic downturn, Carl Hansen’s second son, Holger Hansen, assumed leadership. His pragmatic decision to manufacture sewing-machine cases for Singer saved the company from collapse, and importantly, laid the industrial foundation for producing complex furniture designs consistently—paving the way for future growth after World War II.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1949, when Holger Hansen met Hans J. Wegner. This partnership produced some of the most iconic works in Danish modernism—CH22, CH23, CH24 (the Wishbone Chair), CH25, and more. These designs fused structural clarity, sculptural beauty, and functional logic in ways that redefined the international perception of Danish furniture. The Wishbone Chair, still made today, requires more than 100 separate steps and remains a global symbol of Danish craftsmanship. The collaboration evolved into a lifelong partnership and set the trajectory for the company’s international recognition.
Alongside Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son has produced and revived masterpieces by Kaare Klint, Ole Wanscher, Børge Mogensen, Mogens Koch, and other leading figures of Danish design. The company continues to engage with contemporary masters as well—most notably through its collaboration with Tadao Ando on the Dream Chair.
Material integrity is central to the company’s ethos. Carefully selected oak and walnut are crafted with finishes such as soap or natural oil that allow the wood to age gracefully. Paper cord seats—woven entirely by hand—embody the brand’s philosophy of longevity, repairability, and sustainability. The firm preserves the artisanal knowledge of its craftsmen through an apprenticeship system designed to pass skills to future generations.
Under the leadership of Knud Erik Hansen, grandson of the founder, Carl Hansen & Son has grown into an international brand with flagship stores in Tokyo and Osaka, while maintaining production on Funen Island. The company acts not only as a manufacturer but as a cultural custodian, preserving and communicating the story of Danish modernism to the world.
About
Year: 1908–Present
President: Carl Hansen → Holger Hansen → Jul Nygaard → Ella Hansen → Jørgen Geana Hansen → Knud Erik Hansen
Designer: Hans J. Wegner, Kaare Klint, Ole Wanscher, Børge Mogensen, Mogens Koch, Tadao Ando
Place: Odense, Denmark
History
1908
Founded in Odense by Carl Hansen.
1914
Experiences growth during World War I; introduces machinery and modernizes its factory, shifting from bespoke furniture to bedroom furniture production.
1924
Exhibits at Dansk Møbelfabrikers Salgsudstilling, establishing ties with Andreas Tuck.
1927
Participates in the Fredericia trade fair. This year also marks the beginning of the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions, emphasizing handcraft.
1934
The Great Depression impacts production; Holger Hansen takes over after Carl suffers a heart attack. Export to Sweden and contracts such as sewing-machine cases restore financial stability.
1939
World War II begins. Instead of producing low-quality wartime furniture, the company invites Frits Henningsen to design superior pieces. The CH18 becomes a long-standing model.
1943
Holger becomes co-owner; the company is officially renamed Carl Hansen & Son.
1945
Postwar demand surges for high-quality furniture, reinforcing the firm’s identity.
1946
Begins advertising in the retailer-oriented magazine Møbelhandleren. Hires Ejvind Kold Christensen as a sales representative.
1948
Holger publishes a critical article on declining export quality in Møbelfabrikanten, challenging major manufacturers such as Fritz Hansen, FDB, and Søborg Møbler.
1949
The landmark meeting with Hans J. Wegner. Wegner designs four chairs (CH22, CH23, CH25, CH27) and a sideboard (CH304). The company shifts to direct consumer advertising—an unconventional but highly successful strategy.
1950
Interiors Magazine features Wegner’s “The Chair,” generating international recognition. Wegner wins the Lunning Prize.
1951
RY Møbler, AP Stolen, GETAMA, and Carl Hansen & Son collaborate as Salesco to promote Wegner’s designs. CH24 wins at the Milan Triennale.
1955
Kold Christensen leaves to establish EKC for selling Poul Kjærholm’s works.
1958
The company celebrates its 50th anniversary, employing over 70 craftsmen.
1959
Founder Carl Hansen dies. Holger becomes chairman of the Furniture Manufacturers’ Association and the Quality Control Committee.
1961
Financial difficulties arise due to excess teak inventory. Holger dies suddenly.
1962
Ella Hansen takes charge, appointing Jul Nygaard as CEO. Strict cost management restores profitability.
1966
Italian and Finnish modernism overshadow Danish furniture at the Cologne Fair.
1968
George Jensen Inc.’s failed New York showroom causes major market disruption. GETAMA leaves Salesco; cooperation with Wegner deteriorates.
1969
Synthetic materials rise in popularity, reducing demand for wooden furniture.
1972
Andreas Tuck goes bankrupt, dealing a blow to the Carl Hansen manufacturing network.
1974
AP Stolen collapses; Salesco effectively dissolves. Soren Willadsen becomes a partner, forming CH-RY-SW.
1988
Jul Nygaard dies; Jørgen Geana Hansen becomes CEO.
1991
Japanese subsidiary Design is established.
1992
A new relationship begins with Wegner’s design studio.
1996
Begins production of the CH07 Shell Chair—originally designed for Johannes Hansen.
2002
Knud Erik Hansen becomes CEO. Investment in production results in a threefold increase in output. International distribution expands; many historic Wegner designs are reintroduced.
2011
Acquires Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark’s oldest cabinetmaking workshop.
2012
Acquires PJ Furniture.
2014
Launches a centennial logo to commemorate Wegner’s 100th birthday.
2015
Opens a flagship store in Osaka.
2020s
Accelerates sustainability initiatives; fully transitions to FSC-certified wood.
2024
Opens a new flagship store in Tokyo’s Omotesando district.
Furniture
・CH22 Lounge Chair
・CH23 Dining Chair
・CH24 Wishbone Chair
・CH25 Lounge Chair
・CH26 Armchair
・CH29 Sawbuck Chair
・CH33 Chair
・CH07 Shell Chair
・CH44 Armchair
・CH445 Wing Chair
・CH468 Oculus Chair
・KK47000 Safari Chair
・OW149 Colonial Chair
・OW150 Daybed
・BM1160 Hunting Table
・Deck Chair Series
・MK99200 Folding Chair
・Bookcase System
・TA001 Dream Chair