Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
Vintage Sculptural Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig Denmark
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home an iconic chair from one of the biggest names in Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern design with this breathtaking sculptural rocking chair made by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig o...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood, Beech
Danish Modern Penguin Rocking Chair By Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Renowned Danish designer, Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Penguin Rocking Chair – a true testament to Scandinavian craftsmanship – features a sculptural bentwo...
Steel
$5,995 / set
H 30.5 in W 29 in D 32 in
Danish Modern Walnut Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
These exceptional Danish modern lounge chairs represent a masterful collaboration between renowned architect and furniture designer Ib Kofod-Larsen and Selig, dating to the 1960s. Ea...
Fabric, Walnut
$4,500 / set
H 40 in W 28.5 in D 35.5 in
Danish Modern Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ib Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Designed by architect and furniture maker Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig during the 1950s, this Danish Modern reclining lounge chair and matching ottoman embody the effortless balance of ...
Bouclé, Walnut
$3,525Sale Price|25% Off
H 29.75 in W 74.5 in D 28.5 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Selig Mid-Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Sofa & Ottoman
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wayne, NJ
Ib Kofod-Larsen Scandinavian Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa and ottoman / footstool for Selig. The ottoman measures 25"x 20.50" x 17" high with cushion. Both are marked Selig. If y...
Wood
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chair This chair measures: 30 wide x 32 deep x 27 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance of 22.75 inch...
Upholstery, Teak
$2,895
H 30 in W 28.5 in D 31 in
Expertly Restored - Danish Modern Reclining Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Oakwood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Springs ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Fabric, Wood, Oak, Walnut
$3,250
H 30.5 in W 28.75 in D 29.5 in
Ib Kofod Larsen Danish Modern Caned Back Lounge Chair Mid Century New Boucle
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Caned Back Lounge Chair, designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig, Denmark, circa 1960s. It has been cleaned and Danish oiled. It has recently been reupholstered in an ivo...
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.58 in W 30 in D 28 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wayne, NJ
Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...
Walnut
Danish Modern Teak Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern teak lounge chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. A masterclass in Scandinavian craftsmanship, these iconic lounge chairs showcase the g...
Brass
$487Sale Price|25% Off
H 30.25 in W 26 in D 19 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen Armchair for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Authentic Ib Kofod-Larsen armchair for Selig, circa 1950s. Beautifully refinished teak frame paired with a rich cognac vinyl seat—a perfect example of Danish mid century modern desig...
Teak
$3,900 / set
H 28 in W 22 in D 24 in
Pair Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig "Penguin" Chairs with Black Leather Seats, 1960's
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Danish Modern Kofod-Larsen for Selig Black Leather Penguin Chairs. Featuring a sturdy black wrought Iron framework, ergonomic, slightly slante...
Wrought Iron
Danish Modern Sculpted Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New Pirelli Webbing _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Upholstery, Walnut, Beech
Expertly Restored - Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Lounge Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960’s. This distinctive Danish modern design features a solid walnut wood frame with four large slats ac...
Walnut, Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Penguin Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Mid Century Modern design with this authentic Penguin Rocking Chair by renowned Danish designer, Ib ...
Beech
Ib Kofod Larsen Sculpted Rocking Chair by Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning rocking chair designed by Danish furniture designer Ib-Kofod Larsen for Selig in Denmark c. 1960’s. Featuring a walnut-stained beechwood frame with a slatted back. New high-...
Upholstery, Walnut
IB Kofod-Larsen 'Penguin' Danish Rocking Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Asheville, NC
Classic Danish modern Kofod-Larsen penguin rocking chair. Featuring a sturdy black wrought Iron framework with capped feet, slightly slanted and uphols...
Wrought Iron
Mid-Century Modern Sculpted Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare modern rocking chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960s. This elegant rocking chair frame is crafted in walnut-stained beechwood with an open back and ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Danish Modern Walnut Rocking Chair by IB Kofod Larsen
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic sculpted Mid-Century Danish Modern rocking chair by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. A remarkable example of one of Larsen’s best designs. Sculpted walnut stained solid beechwood fr...
Fabric, Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculptural Rocking Chair for Selig, Denmark, 1960s
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Mid-Century Danish Modern rocking chair, model 650-15, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. This elegant rocker has a walnut-s...
Fabric, Walnut
Danish Modern Sculpted Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish modern sculpted rocking chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig.
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
Sold
H 35 in W 32 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Kofod Larsen Selig Danish Rocking Lounge Chair Rocker, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a ravishing and rare, Danish rocking chair, by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig, circa 1950s. In excellent vintage condition. The cushions have recently been profe...
Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculptural Rocking Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Mid-Century Modern rocking chair, model 650-15, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark, circa 1960s. This elegant rocker has a walnut-stained ...
Fabric, Walnut
Sculptural Walnut Rocking Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen
By Selig, Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Littleton, CO
A dark walnut sculptural rocking chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1962 for Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik. Imported to the U.S. by Selig.
Upholstery, Walnut
Single Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig "Penguin" Rocking Chair, 1950s
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early original Classic Danish modern Kofod-Larsen by Selig Penguin Rocker. Featuring a black lacquered iron framework, bentwood shell, ergonomic pi...
Iron
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sculpted Rocking Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare modern rocking chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in Denmark circa 1960s. This elegant rocking chair frame is crafted in walnut-stained beechwood with an open back and ...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut