Architect, teacher and furniture designer Kaare Klint is among the most important figures in Scandinavian modernism. Widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture, Klint sought to pay homage to historical furniture styles and prized functionality as essential to designing for modern living. He established the design school at Copenhagen’s Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and his students became mid-century legends of cabinetry and furniture-making.
Klint prioritized functionalism and drew on an array of influences in his own work. Furniture experts will observe the influence of 18th-century English seating in his Red chair, while Klint’s iconic Safari chair had roots in campaign furniture. The other exemplary chairs, sofas and tables for which he is known bear the mark of Thomas Chippendale and Biedermeier furniture as well as Greek and Roman forms.
Klint's father was Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint, a formidable architect of his day. The younger Klint initially followed in his father’s footsteps, studying under him as well as distinguished architect Carl Petersen. Alongside Danish architect Ivar Bentsen, he headed the renovation of the Designmuseum Denmark in Copenhagen from 1920–26 (Klint also furnished the institution as part of the project). Around the same time, Klint helped found the furniture design school at the Royal Danish Academy. The impact of his role as an instructor there cannot be overstated — he mentored such esteemed cabinetmakers and furniture designers as Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher.
A prominent advocate of ergonomics, Klint valued comfort and functionality over style. Painstaking research went into each piece of sophisticated yet wholly unadorned furniture he designed, as he endeavored to build structures that took into consideration human proportions and scale. And like the Shakers, Klint believed that quality craftsmanship and good materials were integral to the design of durable furniture that was free of embellishment.
The humble grace of Klint’s style characterizes legendary seating designs that continue to charm today’s legions of mid-century modern enthusiasts. His Safari chair, Faaborg chair, Ravenna armchair and Propeller stool — as well as most of the seating created by Danish modernists generally — have warmed interiors and influenced furniture designers all over the world.
Find vintage Kaare Klint furniture and other Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.
Kaare Klint Original Rare Set of Ten '3758A' Armchairs in Niger Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1930, made 1950s These dining chairs in Niger leathe...
Brass
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Four '3758A' Armchairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of four armchairs, model '3758A', leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1930 These dining chairs in light brown to cognac leather and m...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Four Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of four dining chairs, fabric, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1928, made 1950s These dining chairs were designed by Danish master ...
Brass
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Ten '3758A' Armchairs in Mahogany
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', fabric, leather piping, mahogany, Denmark, design 1930 These dining chairs in light creme fabric wi...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
2020 KK37580 Dining Chair by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Walnut & Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Kaare Klint
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a KK37580 Large "Red Chair" designed by Kaare Klint, produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The chair is made with a solid oiled walnut frame and a tan leather ...
Leather, Walnut, Foam
A very rare set of Rio rosewood Barcelona chairs by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 3949 set of six chairs in rio rosewood and black leather. Kaare Klint / Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather, Rosewood
$3,600Sale Price / set|55% Off
1st Edition Hand-Woven Original Danish Beech Wood Kaare Klint Church Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1st edition of the Iconic Danish Church Chair by Kaare Klint. Handcarved and hand-woven and Originally designed for the Bethlehem Church in Copenhagen, Denmark. The chairs are made ...
Seagrass, Beech
'Faaborg' armchair in elm by Kaare Klint, 1950's
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model 9662 - 'Faaborg' chair in elm wood with seat in patinated red leather. Designed by Kaare Klint and made by Rud Rasmussen Snedkerier.
Leather, Elm
Kaare Klint, Barcelona chairs model 3758, set of four
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint Barcelona chairs model 3758, set of four Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Denmark, 1937 vinyl, oak 35 h x 22.5 w x 18.5 d in (89 x 57 x 47 cm) Decal manufacturer's label to u...
Oak
Kaare Klint the "Red Chair" for Rud Rasmussen Model 3758
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Vienna, AT
Mahogany frame covered in Indian red leather designed by Kaare Klint in 1927 for the lecture hall of the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen and manufactured by Rud Rasmussen...
Beech
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and finely detailed armchair mahogany that retains its original striated horsehair fabric, leather welting and patinated brass tacks.
Brass
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Pair of Safari Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Pair of Safari chairs new upholstered with mokka aniline leather. New straps of butt hide leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Ru...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Two-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding two-seat sofas on six-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black horsehair. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen.
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Red Chair, Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'Red Chair' in Cuban mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen 1936-1940. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/...
Brass
Kaare Klint Pair of Armchairs for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint a pair of armchairs in mahogany. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSEN/SNEDKERIER/45 NØRREBROGADE/KØBENHAVN and architect's monogrammed pa...
Leather, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Oak framed Classic sofa designed by Kaare Klint and made by Mastercabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. Beautiful crisscross frame-work. Original upholstery which will make a statement in any...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,509 / item
H 31.5 in W 22.05 in D 22.84 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair with ottoman
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair new upholstered with Vintage aniline leather. With ottoman. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made by Rud Rasmussen.
Leather, Ash
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn 'Sawbuck' Dining Chair in Teak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 'Sawbuck' dining chair, model CH29, teak, beige fabric, Denmark, design 1952 Hans Wegner's chair exemplifies a solid construction, despite its...
Fabric, Teak
$2,105
H 31.89 in W 22.45 in D 23.23 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Safari Chair, Original Leather, 1960s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Safari chair original patinated aniline leather. Straps maintained in the original patinated leather. Frame in solid ash. Model Safari chair, made b...
Leather, Ash
Kaare Klint Leather Safari Chair, 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Kaare Klint "Safari chair" in patinated original cognac brown leather. Designed by Kaare Klint in 1933, produced by Rud. Rasmussen, Denmark.
Leather
Kaare Klint Armchair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 'red chair' in Cuban mahogany. Upholstered with Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, 1934-1938. Underside with manufacturer's paper label RUD. RA...
Mahogany, Leather
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa. Sides, seat and back upholstered with savak. Model 5011. Original condition. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen. Reverse with paper lab...
Mahogany, Wool
$69,013
H 34.26 in W 53.15 in D 31.5 in
Rare Kaare Klint Box sofas in Mahogany & Niger Leather, Scandinavian Modern
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen snedkerier. A stunning pair of rare Kaare Klint Model no. 4118S two-seater box-shaped sofas with profiled cross legged mahogany frame. (Also called X-Bas...
Leather, Mahogany
Private listing for Amy; set of 12 Kaare Klint Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Private listing for Amy - set of 12 Kaare Klint chairs in mahogany.
Fabric, Mahogany
Sold
H 35.24 in W 24.02 in D 22.25 in
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Ten '3758A' Dining Chairs
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten dining armchairs, model '3758A' , horsehair, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1927, made 1950s These dining chairs were desig...
Mahogany
Sold
H 33.47 in W 18.9 in D 19.3 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Ten 'Red Chairs' in Original Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of 10 dining chairs, 'The Red Chair', model 3949, original patinated leather, mahogany, Denmark, designed 1928, manufactured 1960s. These dining c...
Leather
Sold
H 34.06 in W 22.64 in D 21.26 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Four 'Red Chairs' in Niger Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of four dining chairs, 'The Red Chair', model 3758, original Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, designed 1927, manufactured 1930s These dini...
Brass
Sold
H 34.85 in W 22.45 in D 22.05 in
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Set of Four 'Red Chairs' in Original Leather
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, set of four dining chairs 'The Red Chair', model 3758, mahogany, original patinated Niger leather, brass nails, designed 1927, manufactured 1930s. Set of four dining chairs, designed by Kaare Klint in 1927 and manufactured by Rudolf Radmussen. These iconic chairs were initially designed for the lecture hall of the Danish Art and Design Museum. Later on they were also presented at the World Expositon in Barcelona, where the design won the grand prix medal in 1929. The chairs are therefore also called 'Barcelona Chair'. Kaare Klint designed the chairs with an historic reference in mind. The form was influenced by an 18th century English design Classic: The Chippendale chair...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 33.86 in W 20.87 in D 20.48 in
Set of 4 Kaare Klint ‘The Red Chair’ Model 3949 – Rud Rasmussen, 1936
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional set of four Model 3949 chairs, widely known as “The Red Chair,” designed by Kaare Klint and produced by the esteemed cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen. A cornerstone of Danis...
Naugahyde, Oak
Kaare Klint Set of Eight Red Chairs for Rud, Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint set of eight red chairs in mahogany, upholstered with black leather. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 32.29 in W 20.28 in D 17.52 in
Set Of Six Church Chairs Model Church Chair In Oak By Kaare Klint From 1960s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of six church chairs, designed by Kaare Klint and made of solid oak with wicker seats. The chair is known as the Church Chair and was originally designed in 1936 for the Bethlehe...
Wicker, Oak
Sold
H 33.47 in W 18.9 in D 20.08 in
Set of ten Niger leather 'Red Chairs' designed by Kaare Klint Denmark, 1928
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Originally designed in 1928, the ‘Red Chair’ is one of Kaare Klint’s most iconic creations, embodying his meticulous attention to proportion, materiality, and craftsmanship. This par...
Leather, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 18.12 in
Rare Set of Four Kaare Klint Armchairs in Mahogany and Niger Leather, 1920’s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Valby, 84
A rare and highly collectible set of four Kaare Klint armchairs, crafted from solid mahogany and upholstered in Niger leather. These chairs are a unique variation of the original des...
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six Kaare Klint Red Chairs by Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of six Kaare Klint Red Chairs by Rud Rasmussen. Solid mahogany, brass nailheads, cognac leather.
Brass
Sold
H 33.47 in W 19.3 in D 20.08 in
Set of ten 'Red Chair' dining chairs by Kaare Klint, Denmark, 1928
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mahogany and patinated Niger leather. Originally designed in 1928, the ‘Red Chair’ is one of Kaare Klint’s most iconic creations, embodying his meticulous attention to proportion, ma...
Leather, Mahogany