Founded in Hellerup, Denmark, by entrepreneur Ejvind Kold Christensen, furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen was instrumental in advancing the career of Poul Kjærholm, a revered Danish cabinetmaker who brought a graceful and sleek new style to Scandinavian design.
Christensen and Kjærholm formed not only a close friendship but also a fruitful business partnership that endured for decades. The company produced most of Kjærholm’s acclaimed armchairs, stools and lounge chairs — which were often framed in brushed steel and upholstered in leather — until Kjærholm’s death in 1980.
Christensen began his career as a sales manager for the furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Søn. In the late 1940s, Christensen introduced the young Hans Wegner to Carl’s son, Holger Hansen — who was by then running his family’s legendary company — after recognizing the potential of this new designer. Wegner, Hansen and Christensen solidified their partnership by forming SALESCO — a marketing company with the sole purpose of promoting Wegner’s now universally celebrated body of work.
In the mid-1950s, Christensen partnered with promising designer Kjærholm — their pairing was the result of Wegner recommending that Christensen help develop Kjærholm (Wegner had been a teacher of Kjærholm’s at what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts). Christensen established his eponymous company with the singular goal of manufacturing his friend’s works.
E. Kold Christensen’s founder offered Kjærholm the room he needed to explore the structural potential of steel in furniture-making — he created forward-looking seating, tables and other pieces that reflected the influence of modernist designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich rather than the output of his Scandinavian peers, who worked primarily with wood. (Kjærholm would later experiment with wood during the 1970s.)
The refined PK22 chair, a lounger made of steel with a seat of leather or canvas has over time been compared to Mies and Reich’s Barcelona chair and is a fine example of Kjærholm’s mid-century innovations for E. Kold Christensen. It was an instant commercial success — launching both the designer's and manufacturer's careers. Later, Kjærholm’s iconic PK24 chair merged stainless steel, leather and a sinuous seat of woven wicker, while his PK61 coffee table offered a fanciful, off-center support structure for its glass top. By 1960, Kjærholm had twice been awarded the Grand Prize at the Milan Triennale.
In the 1980s, E. Kold Christensen sold the production rights to a range of Kjærholm’s work to Fritz Hansen, where the designer had incidentally worked for a short time in the early 1950s (the company now has rights to the complete collection) . Many of Kjærholm’s works are part of collections at the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, while museums in Norway, Denmark, Germany and Sweden also have his works — each produced by E. Kold Christensen — in their permanent collections.
On 1stDibs, find vintage E. Kold Christensen chairs, tables, lighting and more.
1956, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, PK22 Lounge Chairs
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Steel
Early PK 33 Stool by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early 'PK-33' stool, with a round black leather cushion on three satin-chromed flat bar legs. Maker's mark on underside.
Chrome
Cognac Leather PK 22 Poul Kjaerholm Lounge Chair, Scandinavian Modern, 1960's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cognac leather PK 22 Poul Kjaerholm lounge chair, Scandinavian Modern, 1960's While his mid-century Danish peers were working with wood, P...
Steel
$14,500 / set
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pompano Beach, FL
Poul Kjaerholm lounge chairs. Matte chrome-plated steel and cane. Impressed manufacturer's marks to underside. E Kold Christensen Denmark.
Poul Kjaerholm "PK 101" Spiral Form Chandelier by E. Kold Christensen, 1956s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Skokie, IL
Poul Kjaerholm "PK 101" sculptural candelabrum produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, circa 1956. Additional information: Materials:matte chrome-plated steel Dimensions: 14.5" d...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 Easy Chair for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 easy chair. Dull chromium-plated steel, black colored oxhide, loose down cushions. Executed by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark.
Steel
Occasional Table 'PK61' Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table PK61 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1956. Steel and Porsgrunn marble with fossils. H: 33 cm/ 13" L: 85 cm/ 33 1/2" W: 85 cm/ 33 1/2"
Marble
Poul Kjaerholm PK9 Dining Chair in Original Brown Leather by E. Kold, 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century dining chair model "PK-9" in steel and brown original leather by Poul Kjærholm produced by E. Kold Christensen Denmark, 1960s. In good original condition and ...
Steel
$12,000 / set
Set of Six PK-1 Dining Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six dining chairs designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen in 1955. Originally, the series PK-1, -2, and -3 referenced a complete line of steel-frame chairs with the ...
Steel
PK61 coffee table by Poul Kjaerholm EKC Denmark 1956 with Carrara marble top
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in BE
PK61 coffee table by Poul Kjaerholm EKC Denmark 1956 with Carrara marble top The PK61 coffee table, designed by Poul Kjærholm for Ejvind Kold Christensen in 1956, showcases his signa...
Carrara Marble
PK20 Easy Chair by Poul Kjaerholm Produced by E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stamford, CT
A PK20 chair produced by Kold Christensen in Poul Kjaeholms iconic matte chrome finish. Leather is in great shape without staining and remains supple. E. Ko...
Chrome
1957 Provenance: The PK 61 Coffee Table by Paul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
The Masterpiece. The PK 61 is the definitive minimalist coffee table—a floating plane of stone suspended on a knife-edge steel frame. Designed by Paul Kjærholm in 1956 and produced b...
Marble, Steel
1956, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, PK22 Lounge Chair in Red Leather
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Metal
Poul Kjaerholm "PK61" Coffee Table in Cipollini Marble & Steel by E. Kold, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Danish mid century low coffee table model "PK61" with an iconic and decorative squared Cipollini marble top and an asymmetrical chrome plated steel base by Poul Kjaerholm prod...
Marble, Cut Steel
PK 31-3 leather sofa by Poul Kjærholm, E.Kold Christensen, Denmark 1960
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Renens, CH
Iconic PK31 three-seater leather sofa by Poul Kjærholm, EKC Denmark 1958. This sofa is from the first edition produced by E.Kold Christensen until Fritz Hansen takes over the produc...
Steel
Rare Poul Kjærholm PK62 Porsgrunn Side Table, E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare Poul Kjaerholm PK62 side table with frame of brushed chromed steel, original top of Porsgrunn marble. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm 1968 and made by E. Kold Christensen, marked wit...
Marble, Steel
Pair of "PK22" armchairs by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1950s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of "PK22" armchairs with satin-finished steel frame and suspended seat in cognac-colored leather. Design by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1955 model. Designed by Poul ...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm Set of Nesting Tables in White Perspex and Steel
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, set of 'PK17' nesting tables, perspex acrylic, steel, Denmark, 1957 These modernist Danish nesting tables by Poul Kjaerholm were manufactured...
Steel
Midcentury “PK 54” dining table by Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing dining table, model “PK 54”, by Poul Kjærholm. Large round marble table top with a tumbled surface. Square brushed steel base with a lightness that contrasts the solid top. P...
Marble, Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK 80 daybed black leather E. Kold Christensen Denmark 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
PK 80 was one of the most sophisticated works from this period by Kjaerholm. Its striking proportions, the elegance of its materials and connections, and the beauty of the large welt...
Metal
PK24 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1965
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Zwevegem, VWV
In 1965, Danish designer Poul Kjærholm designed the iconic PK24 lounge chair, produced by renowned furniture manufacturer E. Kold Christensen. The PK24 quickly became a symbol of Da...
Stainless Steel
$24,609Sale Price / set|20% Off
4 Poul Kjaerholm PK9 E. Kold Christensen chairs with seat height extensions
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Highclere, Newbury
A set of 4 Danish Mid Century vintage leather and steel PK9 chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen with additional bespoke, later designed, optional seat height extensions. These are a beautifully crafted set of chairs with a simple but striking form that have often been cited as Kjaerholm’s finest work; and for good reason… as the story goes Kjaerholm was inspired by a sand imprint of his wife’s behind from a day at the beach. Later, during the design process, Hanne Kjærholm sat in boxes of clay to find the most optimal and comfortable solution; so now you know. These also have the additional benefit of expertly crafted seat height extensions that can be used or not, depending on the height of your preferred table. Note that these are not original extensions as the chairs didn't ever have such additions as they were designed at a lower height to match Kjaerholm’s PK tables...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK61 for E. Kold Christensen Coffee Table, 1969
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic early version PK-61 coffee table, designed by Poul Kjærholm, 1969 for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1956-1981 in brushed, chromium-plated steel with glass top, marked with EKC...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm, PK61 coffee table Marble, E. Kold Christensen Denmark 1960s
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
The low table PK 61 Kjaerholm created to complement the PK 22 lounge chair is one of his most elementary designs. The table is constructed of four welded steel elements joined with m...
Marble, Steel
Nesting Tables model PK-71 designed by Poul Kjærholm. by E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Den Haag, NL
Nice set of nesting tables model PK71 designed by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, Denmark 1957. These minimalist shaped nesting tables have a Matt chrome ...
Steel
1960s Pk71 Nesting Tables by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Toy-like in scale and weight, this set of nesting tables can be used functionally or objet d'art.
Steel
PK 22 - Pair of easy chair in black leather by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 22 - Easy chair in black, patinated leather with original zigzag stitching on the back. Stamped from the manufacturer E. Kold Christensen. Designed by Poul Kjærholm.
Steel
Matched Pair PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair early PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen.. retain original black naugahyde, one chair top corners in need or repair (see photo), E. Kold Christe...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century "Pk 22" Lounge Chair in Patinated Leather Designed by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking PK22 lounge chair in patinated leather. Designed by Maa. Poul Kjærholm for Kold Christensen. Made in Denmark. Original condition.
Leather
Dining Table by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Dining table in Oregon pine with legs of steel. Two pieces in stock. Maker E. Kold Christensen.
Pine
Poul Kjaerholm PK61 basalt top EKC Denmark 1956
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This PK61 coffee table, designed by the legendary Poul Kjærholm and produced by Ejvind Kold Christensen in Denmark, 1956, stands as a testament to minimalist design and superior craf...
Slate, Steel
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in original leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in patinated original reddish aniline leather with frame in chromed steel. Designed in 1958 by Poul Kjærholm, made by E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
Early Propeller Stool by Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Lejre, DK
Early produced propeller stool in chromed metal and canvas designed by MAA. Poul Kjærholm for EKC Made in Denmark.
Metal
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/4 Sofa by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very rare and exceptional 4 seat PK31 sofa. This stunning sofa is designed by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1950's. Beautiful and high quality original black lea...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK63a E Kold Christensen Denmark 1968
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Striking coffee table model PK63a designed by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, Denmark 1968. In 1968, Poul Kjærholm set o...
Marble, Stainless Steel
PK 31 - 3 seater in black leather by Poul Kjærholm
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/3 - 3 seater sofa in patinated black leather and frame in black oxidised steel. Stamped from manufacturer E. Kold Christensen.
Steel
PK-61 Low Table by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1956
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A PK-61 low table designed by Poul Kjaerholm featuring a satin-chrome steel frame with the original 1.25" glass top. Made by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark, circa 1950s.
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK71 Nesting Tables for E. Kold Christensen – Denmark, 1950-60
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Early set of E. Kold Christensen PK 71 nesting tables PK71 Nesting Tables by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1957 A minimalist masterpiece, the PK71 nesting tables b...
Stainless Steel
PK20 Lounge Chair by Poul Kjaerholm, E. Kold Christensen, 1968
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Rare early edition Danish lounge chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen. Steel structure with leather seat. Signed under the seat. Model low back chair, very rare.
Steel
Early PK1 Chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A first-production example of the PK1 chair designed by Poul Kjaerholm. This chair features a refined and Minimalist frame of bent steel rods with seat and ...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK71 Nesting Tables for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1957
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful set of PK71 nesting tables in very good condition Designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1957. These particular tables are manufactured by E. Kold Christensen and are marked ‘Den...
Metal, Steel
1956, Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Set-2 PK22 Lounge in Black Leather
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Metal
Price Upon Request
PK 13 "Free Swinger" Cantilevered Armchair by Poul Kjaerholm, circa 1974
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in New York, NY
PK 13 "Free Swinger" cantilevered armchair with chrome-plated spring steel frame and natural brown leather cushion. Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Chris...
Steel