This book seeks to explain why so many iconic pieces of furniture emerged from Denmark and how Danish furniture design has developed over time. It explores the historical evolution from the Viking era to the present day, focusing especially on the golden age of Danish Modern—from the 1940s to the 1960s—while examining the cultural background, defining characteristics, and the individuals who shaped this tradition. Its goal is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Danish furniture design.
The book begins by addressing why Denmark is known as a “design nation,” tracing a cultural history in which the concept of “design” encompasses not only the creation of beautiful objects but the shaping of an entire way of living. The Danish approach emphasizes social cohesion, collaboration, and designing for the well-being of everyday life.
The opening chapter, “CHAPTER 1: Denmark, a Nation of Design?” explains foundational knowledge essential for understanding the history of Danish furniture and the circumstances that allowed design to flourish in Denmark. It is followed by “CHAPTER 2: The Flow of Danish Modern Furniture Design,” which provides an overview of the development of Danish furniture from the Viking era to modern times. Key characteristics such as simplicity, functionality, the use of natural materials, and refined craftsmanship are highlighted.
The book devotes its most extensive chapter, “CHAPTER 3: Designers and Architects of the Golden Age,” to the pioneering figures who defined Danish Modern. It presents the lives, philosophies, and representative works of Kaare Klint, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Verner Panton, Nanna Ditzel, and others. Kaare Klint—often called the father of Danish modern furniture—is introduced through his methods of “re-design,” logical proportioning, and ergonomic thinking. Wegner’s legacy is detailed through diagrams that illustrate the lineage of his Chinese Chair, Y Chair, and the Round Chair (“The Chair”). Finn Juhl’s sculptural forms and expressive sensibility are explored through pieces such as the Chieftain Chair and No.45 Chair. Arne Jacobsen’s architectural background and his iconic molded plywood and upholstered pieces—including the Ant Chair, Series 7, Egg Chair, and Swan Chair—are explained. The chapter also traces the minimalist steel-and-leather designs of Poul Kjærholm, the bold colors and materials of Verner Panton, and the influential work of Nanna Ditzel, including the Trinidad Chair and her rattan furniture.
“CHAPTER 4: Manufacturers and Craftsmen Who Supported the Designers” examines the two primary production frameworks in Denmark: traditional cabinetmakers and modern furniture factories. It introduces the Meister system, the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions, and manufacturers who bridged traditional craftsmanship with industrial innovation, such as PP Møbler. The book also discusses initiatives that helped popularize quality furniture among the general public, such as FDB Møbler and Den Permanente.
The final chapter, “CHAPTER 5: From the Mid-1990s to the Period of Rediscovery,” explains how Danish furniture design experienced a period of decline after the golden age but began a revival in the 1990s as “Scandinavian Design” once again gained global attention. It also highlights the work of contemporary designers such as Kasper Salto and Cecilie Manz.
Through these chapters, the book offers a clear and richly illustrated overview of the historical flow of Danish furniture design, illuminating not only the golden age but the developments preceding and following it. Readers can gain a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and technical foundations that shaped Danish Modern.
About
Author
Keita Tatara
Publisher
Seibundo Shinkosha
Size
148 × 210 mm (272 pages)
Content Overview
Introduction
Background to understanding the history of Danish furniture design.
CHAPTER 1: Denmark, a Nation of Design?
Fundamental knowledge essential for understanding Danish design and the cultural context in which design became widely embraced.
CHAPTER 2: The Flow of Danish Modern Furniture Design
An overview tracing the development of Danish furniture from the Viking era to the present.
CHAPTER 3: Designers and Architects of the Golden Age
Biographies, design principles, and major works of landmark designers such as Kaare Klint, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, and others.
CHAPTER 4: Manufacturers and Craftsmen Supporting the Designers
Cabinetmakers, factories, and craftsmen who collaborated with designers to bring their ideas to life.
CHAPTER 5: From the Mid-1990s to the Period of Rediscovery
The decline and revival of Danish design, including the rise of contemporary designers.
Furniture Overview
The book presents a wide range of furniture spanning various periods of Danish design, especially the golden age. It introduces model names and designs in detail, showing how each reflects the designer’s philosophy, the production techniques of the time, and Danish culture.
Kaare Klint
Red Chair (Rud. Rasmussen), Safari Chair, Propeller Stool, Faaborg Chair, Church Chairs, and designs based on ergonomic proportioning such as cabinets and dressing tables.
Ole Wanscher
Colonial Chair, Egyptian Stool, collaborations with A.J. Iversen.
Børge Mogensen
Spoke-back Sofa, Hunting Chair, Spanish Chair, Armchair 3238.
Hans J. Wegner
Peters Chair, Chinese Chairs (FH4283, FH1783), Round Chair (JH501), Peacock Chair (JH550 / PP50), Y Chair (CH24), numerous PP Møbler models (PP201, PP62/63, PP58, PP501, PP56, PP505, PP518, and others).
Arne Jacobsen
Ant Chair (3- and 4-legged versions), Series 7, Egg Chair, Swan Chair, Drop Chair, Giraffe Chair, Grand Prix, Lily (Series 8).
Finn Juhl
Pelican Chair, Poet Sofa, No.45 Chair, Grasshopper Chair, Chieftain Chair, wall clocks, and many pieces created with Niels Vodder.
Poul Kjærholm
PK25, PK22, PK0, PK11, PK9, PK91, PK31, PK27, PK61, PK54, PK111, PK20, PK15, and more.
Verner Panton
Zig-Zag Chair (re-design), Panton Chair, Wire Cone Chair, System 1-2-3 Series, Tatami Chair, Cone Chair.
Nanna Ditzel
Hanging Egg Chair (rattan), Trinidad Chair, Fan Chair, Bench for Two, City Bench, and more.
Additional designers such as Poul Cadovius (Royal System), Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, and many others involved in the golden age are also introduced.
Designers / Creators (Selection)
(Full list preserved from the original text, translated and alphabetized for clarity.)
A. J. Iversen, Aksel Bender Madsen, Ole Wanscher, Børge Mogensen, Carl Hansen, Cecilie Manz, Ejnar Larsen, Erik Jørgensen, Finn Juhl, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Grete Jalk, Gudmundur Ludvik, Hans J. Wegner, Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, Hee Welling, Henrik Tengler, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Jacob Kjær, Johannes Hansen, Johnny Sørensen, Jørgen Bækmark, Jørgen Gammelgaard, Kaare Klint, Kai Kristiansen, Kasper Salto, Kay Bojesen, Mogens Koch, Nanna Ditzel, Niels O. Møller, Niels Vodder, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, Poul Kjærholm, Poul Volther, Rud Thygesen, Rudolph Rasmussen, Søren Holst, Thomas Bentzen, Thomas Sigsgaard, Verner Panton.
Manufacturers
The book distinguishes between traditional cabinetmakers and modern furniture factories, both of which played essential roles in shaping Danish Modern. Major manufacturers discussed include:
FDB Møbler, Fritz Hansen, Rud. Rasmussen, PP Møbler, Johannes Hansen, France & Søn, P.J. Furniture, Fredericia Furniture, Niels Vodder, Erik Kol-Kristensen, Vitra, Thonet, S. Sommer, Yamakawa, House of Finn Juhl, among others.
A comprehensive list from the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibitions is also included, showing the breadth of workshops and companies that contributed to Danish furniture history.
Review
History of Danish Furniture Design is an essential volume for understanding why Denmark—a small Scandinavian country—became the birthplace of so many beloved masterpieces of modern furniture. Rather than merely introducing famous designers and their works, it traces historical developments from the Viking era, explains Denmark’s unique culture of collaborative design, and guides readers through the golden age of Danish Modern.
The book’s greatest strength is its detailed portrayal of the leading designers—Kaare Klint, Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Verner Panton, Nanna Ditzel—and the masterpieces that defined modern furniture. It explains how these works emerged not only from aesthetic ideals but from deep respect for materials, functionality, and craftsmanship.
Equally compelling is its focus on manufacturers and workshops that brought these designs to life. Through examples such as FDB Møbler, PP Møbler, and Den Permanente, the book highlights how high-quality furniture became integrated into everyday Danish life.
This book makes clear that Danish furniture—celebrated for its simplicity, functionality, and beauty—is the result of a rich interplay of history, culture, and human passion. It offers new insights for design enthusiasts and anyone who wishes to appreciate the narratives behind the furniture that enriches modern living.