Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.
Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.
Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.
Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.
Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.
Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.
The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.
Frits Henningsen Danish Modern Lounge Chair with New Upholstery
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Frits Henningsen Danish modern lounge chair. Tastefully reupholstered in grey heather textile with cinnamon accented piping. Solid mahogany legs retain original finish and appearance...
Textile
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and floral-printed fabric lounge chair designed and produced by cabinet maker Frits Henningsen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Large tears, fraying fabric, and loose trim from heavy wear...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Midcentury Lounge Chairs by Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of Classic midcentury lounge chairs upholstered in fabric and standing on solid mahogany legs. Designed by Danish architect Frits Henningsen, circa 1940. Made in Denmark. Great ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Scandinavian Vintage Lounge Chairs by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful lounge chairs by master carpenter Frits Henningsen, elegantly executed with curved armrests that create a striking silhouette. Midnight blue, smooth textile upholst...
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair with Lillehammer wool
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen lounge chair new upholstered with blue Lillehammer wool fabric. Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Mahogany, Wool
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany and purple fabric lounge chair designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 37.25” H x 29” W x 36” D Seat height: 16.5”
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Horsehair Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This lounge chair was designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1940s or 1950s. The horsehair is original and shows patina evidence of age. The ottoman / footstool ha...
Leather, Birch
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Armchair Lounge Chair in Velvet, Danish Mid Century 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This stunning Danish mid-century chair by Frits Henningsen brings timeless elegance and modern flair to any room. Designed in the early 1950s, it draws inspiration from classic Engli...
Velvet
Easy chair in new fabric from the 1940's by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered easy chair in 'Forenza' fabric (colour: Rosemary) and dark stained wooden legs. 1940's by Frits Henningsen.
Fabric
Easy low chair in new fabric from the 1940's by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered easy chair in 'Forenza' fabric (colour: Rosemary) and dark stained wooden legs. 1940s by Frits Henningsen.
Fabric
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair in Patterned Upholstery and Wood
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, wingback chair, multicolored pastel fabric, stained beech, Denmark 1930s. This modest yet refined armchair is a design piece from designer Frits Henningsen. Crafte...
Fabric, Beech
Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn Unique Windsor Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Søn, Windsor armchair, beech, Niger leather, Denmark, designed and made early 1940s The Windsor chair is a design typology with deep historical roots, originating in England in the 18th century and subsequently gaining popularity across Europe and North America. Traditionally characterized by its wooden construction, spindle back, and sturdy yet elegant silhouette, the Windsor chair has been subject to numerous reinterpretations by designers over the centuries. One such reinterpretation came in the early 1940s when Danish designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) was commissioned by Carl Hansen & Søn to create a modern version of the Windsor chair. The early 1940s was a period marked by significant material constraints due to the ongoing Second World War. The shortage of upholstery materials made traditional upholstered furniture increasingly difficult to produce. As a result, Danish furniture manufacturers sought alternative designs that relied primarily on solid wood – one of the few readily available materials. In response to this challenge, Carl Hansen & Søn, one of Denmark’s most esteemed furniture makers, approached Frits Henningsen to develop a contemporary Windsor chair...
Leather, Beech
Frits Henningsen Chair, Requires Reupholstery, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Frits Henningsen chairs, Denmark, 1940s. Designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen. The chiar requires reupholstery. It is priced as is but for in house reu...
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Easy Chair from 1935 Produced in Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wingback easy chair designed in 1935 by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen leather, mahogany and brass lounge chair with nailheads from Denmark, circa 1940.
Leather, Wood
Armchair Made In Blue Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Fritz Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance. Upholstered in sumptuous blue velvet and crafted with exquisite mahogany, it exudes sop...
Velvet, Mahogany
Armchair Made In Red Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Frits Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance. Upholstered in sumptuous red velvet and crafted with exquisite mahogany, it exudes soph...
Velvet, Mahogany
$2,750
H 32 in W 26.75 in D 28.5 in
Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Easy Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt
By Frits Henningsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s small scale lounge chair attributed to Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard made in Denmark between ca. 1950. The chair exhibits the rolled armrest detail and tapered front le...
Beech, Wool
Danish Midcentury Settee by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant Danish settee or loveseat from circa 1950s by Master Furniture Maker, Frits Henningsen Solid and sturdy small piece with a strong presence and charming demeanor. Coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Scandinavian 1940s Sheepskin Lounge Chair, Made in Denmark
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Custom-made in Denmark, this sheepskin lounge chair is the epitome of luxury and comfort. Upholstered in the finest long wool New Zealand sheepskin, this chair not only feels incredi...
Sheepskin, Oak, Walnut
$2,750
H 33 in W 27 in D 28 in
Danish Lounge Chairs in style of Frits Henningsen, ca, 1950 in Teal Colored Wool
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish low back armchair from around 1950. Very much in the style of Frits Henningsen with a strong design identity and clean strong lines. Solid and sturdy construct...
Wool, Beech
Frits Henningsen 1940s Danish Lounge Chair in Velvet
Located in London, England
Frits Henningsen - Lounge Chair, 1940s An elegant and graceful armchair designed and produced by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen c1940s. Henningsen was a key member of the Cop...
Velvet, Beech
$5,500
H 27.56 in W 34.26 in D 33.47 in
Danish Cabinetmaker Lounge Chair with Velour Upholstery, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and th...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Pair of Classic Midcentury Lounge Chairs, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant pair of Danish lounge chairs made circa 1950. We love the elegant angles and rounded shapes of the chairs and tall slim legs making them just very timeless m...
Mohair, Beech
Danish 1940s Lowback Easy Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size. Padd...
Wool, Beech
$6,766
H 43.71 in W 30.32 in D 35.44 in
Wingback Lounge Chair in Solid Oak and Wool by Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Henningsen
Located in Odense, DK
A stately and beautifully crafted Wingback Lounge Chair, designed and produced by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. This exceptional piece showcases the timeless elegance and robus...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Lounge Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of low lounge chairs featuring wingback-style backs with distinctly shaped corners. The chairs rest on tapered legs and are upholstered in green velvet. The solid wood frames ha...
Upholstery, Wood
$8,516
H 36.62 in W 29.53 in D 35.44 in
Frits Henningsen Wingback Chair in Walnut and Green Rubelli Fabric, 1930s
By Rubelli, Frits Henningsen
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed and made by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the mid-1930s. The particular model was exhibited at the 1933 exhibition held at the Industr...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Classic Midcentury Danish 1950s Low Lounge Chairs
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant pair of Danish lounge chairs made circa 1950. We love the elegant angles and rounded shapes of the chairs and tall slim legs making them just very timeless ...
Beech, Wool
High Back Lounge Chair by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1930s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
High back lounge chair by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1930s This high back easy chair has legs made in stained mahogany. The seat, back and sides hold the original olive green wool...
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 30.71 in W 95.28 in D 32.29 in
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Mahogany and Cognac Leather, circa 1930
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa in mahogany and cognac leather, Denmark, 1930s. This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. This ...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 37.75 in W 28.5 in D 32 in
Frits Henningsen, Danish Modern, Corduroy, Wood, Lounge Chair, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Stamford, CT
Frits Henningsen, Danish Mid-Century Modern, Corduroy, Wood, Lounge Chair, Denmark, 1940s High-back arm or lounge chair designed by Frits Henningsen in Denmark in the middle of the ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish pre-modern furniture design from the 1940's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in København K, DK
Pair of easy chairs in mahogany and restored with new sheep skin. Designed by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s and produced by his cabinet makers.
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Sold
H 43 in W 25.25 in D 33 in
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Mahogany by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s mahogany and wool wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Very elegant design that fits superbly into any modern desig...
Wool, Mahogany
1950s Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair , Denmark
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery
Fritz Hansen Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair White Sheepskin
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Lounge Chair, reupholstered in raw white sheepskin with dark stained beech legs. Features a classic and minimalist design with excellent seating comfort. It was manufactured by Fritz...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Beech
Sold
H 32.68 in W 26.38 in D 25.99 in
Danish Art Deco Lounge Chair by Frits Henningsen, Denmark 1920’s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Danish Art Deco Lounge Chair made in Denmark in the 1920’s, the chair is Attributed to the Danish Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. The ...
Velvet, Mahogany
Sold
H 32.29 in W 24.02 in D 27.56 in
Frits Henningsen, Pair of Lounge Chairs with Brandy Aniline Leather
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen pair of lounge chairs new upholstered with brandy coloured aniline leather. Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Classic Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair Danish Midcentury
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant lines by one of the early Danish iconic designers made around 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on Cuban mahogany legs in the signature style of Henningsen ...
Wool, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Chairs, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original pair of Frits Henningsen chairs, Denmark, 1940s. Designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen. The chairs have pre...
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen For Carl Hansen Signature Style Armchair
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Huntington, NY
A Frits Henningsen For Carl Hansen Signature Style armchair Frits Henningsen (1889-1965) was known as an uncompromising designer. He viewed qu...
Leather, Oak