Architect Flemming Lassen was as noted for his furnishings as he was for his buildings, and he created bedroom furniture and other pieces specifically for the inviting interiors he brought to fruition. The Danish modernist is credited by many for his role in introducing his native country to functionalism, which prioritizes practicality over excessive ornamentation in design. Lassen is widely known for his comfortable, plush vintage sofas, lounge chairs and other seating, such as the overstuffed Tired Man armchair and Mingle sofa.
Lassen's mother and father were both painters. In the early 1900s, he and his brother — architect Mogens Lassen — began to attend boarding school where they befriended Arne Jacobsen, with whom Flemming would come to share an affinity for the principles of functionalism. Jacobsen became a leading light of Scandinavian modernism — his celebrated mid-century designs include the Swan chair and the Egg chair — and he and Flemming remained close throughout their lives, maintaining a strong personal relationship as well as a professional bond as like-minded colleagues.
Lassen and Jacobsen exchanged ideas and collaborated — the former shared his friend’s holistic approach to building projects, which is evidenced by Jacobsen’s design for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Jacobsen’s designs for the property encompassed everything from the architecture to interiors and furnishings. Together, Lassen and Jacobsen won an award at the “Architects Building and Housing Exhibition,” which was held at the Forum in Copenhagen in 1929. The duo was recognized for its “House of the Future,” a circular structure fitted with a then-revolutionary automatic garage door opener and windows that rolled up and down with a handle — just as they would in a car. The House of the Future has influenced Danish architecture to this day.
Flemming also often collaborated with his older brother Mogens, designing buildings and furniture alike. Mogens designed all kinds of tables and seating, and worked with the likes of Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and Ole Wanscher on various projects.
Flemming Lassen created the oak-and-sheepskin Tired Man armchair for The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Competition in 1935. Three years later, he designed the Mingle sofa. Both seating pieces are very popular with collectors today.
Find vintage Flemming Lassen furniture on 1stDibs.
Rare Children's Bed by Flemming Lassen
By Flemming Lassen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare children's bed in solid patinated Oregon pine from 1935. By Flemming Lassen and Erhard Rasmussen.
Pine
Antique Children's Mannequin
Located in London, GB
A rare antique child mannequin, circa 1880, French. Losses to the outer fabric consistent with age and a dent to the metal top. The boots are cast iron so there mannequin ...
Iron
Rare Poul M. Volther Single Bed in Teak and Cane 1950s
By Poul Volther
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul M. Volther, single bed, teak, cane, Denmark, 1950s This rare bed design is a creation of Danish designer Poul M. Volther, conceived in the 1950s. The bed strikes a balance betw...
Cane, Teak
Rare 19th Century Spanish Colonial Bishop's Bed
Located in Rio De Janeiro, BR
This 19th-century Spanish Colonial bed is a magnificent example of antique craftsmanship, reflecting the rich tradition of colonial furniture design. Carved in dark wood, it features...
Wood
$2,680
H 40 in W 80 in D 2 in
Rare John Widdicomb "KING" bed / headboard, Mediterranean Boutique Series
By John Widdicomb
Located in Buffalo, NY
*SELDOM SEEN*. ....A fabulous King size Bed from a coveted boutique series by John Widdicomb, circa 1965. Expertly crafted mahogany case construction finished in a wonderful mahogany...
Mahogany, Giltwood
A Rare Italian Gilt Zinc Decorated Iron King Bed, C. 1870.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Crafter of twin beds, this wonderful king bed has double shaped headboards rise in graceful arched and scrolled silhouettes, crowned with ball finials and joined by twisted column up...
Iron, Zinc
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Single Bed in Brass
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Osvaldo Borsani, single bed, model L79, brass, lacquered wood, fabric, Italy, 1963. This eccentric single bed is designed by Osvaldo Borsani and embodies a splendid construction of...
Brass
RARE VINTAGE RALPH LAUREN AMERICAN KiNG HUDSON STREET BED
By Ralph Lauren
Located in Pulborough, GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this rare Vintage Ralph Lauren American King Hudson Street Bed in rosewood-stained mahogany. A truly exc...
Hardwood
Jules Wabbes Rare Single Bed in Elm with Metal Details
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, single bed, elm, metal, Belgium, 1960s This particular bed is specifically designed as a hanging bed for the ferry boat ‘Reine Fabiola’. From 1963 to 1964, Jules Wabb...
Metal
LM Platform Bed
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The LM Platform Bed is straightforward and composed, defined by clean lines, precise joinery, and balanced proportions. Nothing is hidden or unnecessary—...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Fir
Rare 19th century mahogany and porcelain inlaid 4 poster bed
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Rare 19th century mahogany and porcelain 4 poster bed circa 1889. Debenham antiques are pleased to offer this stunning and unique 4 poster bed of grand proportions. Quite likely to...
Porcelain, Mahogany
Children's Bunk Bed, Loft with Below Deck Play/Study Area
Located in New York, NY
This is a kids' bunk bed. Ships flat and easily assembles with a simple cam and bolt fasteners. Pictured here are two full size mattresses. Main unit is lofted at 5 feet deck. Config...
Plywood
$2,409
H 33.27 in W 53.15 in D 88.35 in
Rare multifunctional headboard with single bed - MIM, Italy, 1960s
By MIM Roma
Located in Correggio, IT
An extraordinary example of Italian rationalist design, this rare multifunctional headboard produced by MIM (Mobili Italiani Moderni) in the 1960s stands out for its versatility and ...
Metal, Aluminum