Story
Kaare Klint (1888–1954) is celebrated as the father of Danish Modern design. His work formed the foundation of Denmark’s modern design movement, combining architectural logic, functionalism, and material honesty into a unified philosophy that influenced generations of designers.
Deeply inspired by his father, architect P.V. Jensen-Klint, he developed a strong sense of proportion and structure from an early age. His Faaborg Chair, designed in 1914 for the Faaborg Museum, represented his belief that form must arise from function—lightweight, balanced, and purpose-driven.
Klint pioneered the concept of “re-design,” analyzing classical furniture archetypes and adapting them for modern living. The Red Chair Series and the Safari Chair embody this approach, blending traditional forms with modern proportions, craftsmanship, and rational construction.
Equally important was his scientific study of human measurements and ergonomics. Klint’s research established the human-centered principles that became essential to Danish Modern design, emphasizing usability, comfort, and timeless proportion.
As an educator, his influence was profound. In 1924, he co-founded the Furniture Department at the Royal Danish Academy, shaping the minds of later masters including Børge Mogensen and Ole Wanscher. Through his teaching, Klint’s ideas spread far beyond his own work, fundamentally shaping the identity and quality of Scandinavian design.
About
Year: 1888–1954
Place: Frederiksberg
Manufacturer: Rud. Rasmussen
History
1888: Born in Frederiksberg
1903: Began studying architectural design under his father
1914: Designed the Faaborg Chair for the Faaborg Museum
1916: Expanded furniture design while supporting his father’s architectural work
1920: Led refurbishment of the Danish Museum of Art & Design
1924: Co-founded the Furniture Department at the Royal Danish Academy
1927: Created the Red Chair Series, modernizing historical forms
1928: Received the Eckersberg Medal
1929: Exhibited the Red Chair at the Barcelona International Exposition
1930: Developed concepts for the Propeller Stool based on geometry and proportion
1932: Completed foundational research on human body measurements
1933: Introduced the Safari Chair, a pioneering knock-down design
1936: Designed the Church Chair for Grundtvig’s Church
1940: Achieved full integration of architecture and furniture at Grundtvig’s Church
1942: Taught Mogensen and Wanscher, influencing the next generation
1944: Appointed professor at the Royal Danish Academy
1946: Introduced standardized furniture dimensions into the curriculum
1949: Awarded Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) in London
1951: Exhibited at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Exhibition
1954: Passed away in Copenhagen and awarded the C.F. Hansen Medal
1962: Propeller Stool entered official production
1970s: Major works revived and reintroduced
1990s: Re-evaluation of the “Klint School” by design historians
2000s: Renewed recognition of Klint as a pioneer of human-centered design
Furniture
・Faaborg Chair KK96620
・Red Chair Series
・Red Chair 3758
・Red Chair 4291
・Red Chair 4292
・Safari Chair
・Safari Sofa
・Propeller Stool KK87830
・Propeller Tray KK87831
・Church Chair
・Additive System Cabinet
・Bookcase System
・Sideboard Series
・Dining Table Series
・Folding Stool
・Side Table Series
・Writing Desk
・Desk with Drawer Units
・Armchair Red Chair 3759
・Wall Cabinet System