With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his coffee tables, chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with vintage tan aniline lea...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, Aniline Leather, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back reupholstered with black pure aniline leat...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Armchairs by Kai Kristiansen, 1950
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern Danish pair of open armchairs made of hand crafted polished Teakwood, designed by Kai Kristiansen in good condition. The back rest of the Scandinavian low back lounge chairs are spindled and curved with slim, arched armrests, standing on four wooden feet. Newly upholstered in a white-grey cotton fabric. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1950, Copenhagen, Denmark...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Teak
$2,433Sale Price / set|20% Off
1960s Kai Kristiansen Model KK161 Pair of Teak Armchairs for Magnus, Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- sturdy and stable - carefully refurbished - pillows newly upholstered - height of seat 39 cm
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Leather Troja Armchair, c1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen 'Troja' round chair from circa 1960. The frame is made from Afromosia African teak wood. The seat has been reupholstered in premium aniline cognac brown leather.
Teak, Leather
Danish Vintage ‘Troja’ Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made Danish vintage ‘Troja’ chair by Kai Kristiansen. This was made in Denmark and dates from the 1960’s. It is of superb qua...
Bouclé, Wood
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model 42 By Kai Kristiansen For Schou Andersen From 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 6 dining chairs is truly an iconic example of the timeless elegance that characterizes mid-20th century Danish furniture design. The chairs are model 42, designed by the ...
Fabric, Teak
Paper Knife Armchair by Kai kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Magnus Olesen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Paper Knife armchair designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Teak frame upholstered with new wool fabric from...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Danish Design Paper Knife Lounge Chairs by Kai Kristiansen in Teak Black
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of 'Paper Knife' model 121 lounge chairs in teak and black leather (faux) design by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen in 1955. Gorgeous organic design style sculpted in s...
Faux Leather, Teak
Midcentury Teak Armchair 'Troja' by Kai Kristiansen, 1950s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Teak armchair in black faux leather upholstery. 'Goth' Finnish with patinated brass dots. It was designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1959 and made by Eilersen as a commission piece for IK...
Teak
$9,473Sale Price / set|30% Off
Three Paper Knife Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Hellouw, NL
Set of three paper knife chairs, model 121, by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen from Denmark 1960s. These chairs in teak have a trul...
Teak, Fabric
Set of 4 Model 31 Chairs, Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a set of bespoke Model 31 dining chairs designed by the influential Kai Kristiansen. Produced in Denmark in the 1960s these instantly recognizable chairs are constructed ...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Lounge Chair in Rio Rosewood Model Paperknive
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian lounge chair in Rio rosewood model paper Knive by Kai Kristiansen. New foam and cover. Other cover on demand. + €250. Referenced by the Design Museum ...
Teak
$1,829Sale Price|20% Off
Easy Chair in Teak and Newly Upholstered Grey Wool Seats by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant easy chair, crafted from teak and expertly reupholstered in soft grey wool, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavian design. Designed by the acclaimed Danish d...
Wool, Teak
Set of Four Dining Chairs, Model 42, Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 4 dining chairs is an excellent representation of the timeless and elegant style that characterizes mid-20th century Danish furniture design. The chairs are model 42, des...
Fabric, Rosewood
$3,200 / set
H 31.5 in W 18 in D 16 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of Four Dining Chairs in Teak for K.S. Mobler Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Niels Otto Møller, K.S. Mobler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Fantastic set of four dining chairs in teak with wool seats designed in the 1960s by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Mobler of Denmark. The style of these Kai Kristiansen chairs is often mi...
Teak
$27,641 / set
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 16.93 in
Kai Kristiansen Set of 10 Model 42 Rosewood and Leather Dining Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Model 42 Dining Chairs, 1956. A set of 10 dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. The frames are made fro...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,640 / set
H 29.25 in W 21 in D 21 in
Set of four Danish Kai Kristiansen model 42 rosewood & leather dining chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Liberty, NY
Stunning classic set of four mid century 1960's Danish rosewood model 42 dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. The sculptural rosewood frames display beautiful craftsmanship, with the ba...
Leather, Rosewood
$11,697 / set
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 18.12 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Eight Restored Customizable Model 42 Teak Dining Chairs
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Kai Kristiansen eight restored customizable model 42 teak dining chairs Set of eight fully restored, 1960s teak dining chairs Schous Møbelfabrik. The ch...
Teak
$1,990 / set
H 30 in W 21.75 in D 20 in
Kai Kristiansen for Korup Stolefabrik, Denmark, Model 32 Teak Chairs, a Pair
By Korup Stolefabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Stunning, sculptural pair of Kai Kristiansen for Korup Stolefabrik teak armchairs.
Upholstery, Teak
$3,200
H 29.14 in W 27.17 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Lounge Chair Armchair, Denmark, 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-century teak lounge chair armchair, Denmark 1960. Set of 2 ! New uoholstery in torquois blue.
Fabric, Teak
$924Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 20.48 in
Kai Kristiansen Scandinavian Midcentury Dark Wood Dining Chair 1960s
By Shou Andersen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian model 31 chair designed by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen with dark solid wood frame and new fabric seat and back, Denmark 1960s production
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Thonet Style Bentwood Armchairs, C1960
By Thonet
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of hard to find bentwood armchairs in the style of Thonet. In very good vintage condition with minimal wear. Have other sets that can be combined but these are the only...
Beech
$4,561
H 28.75 in W 65.75 in D 32.29 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Paper Knife 3-Seater Teak Sofa in Leather , Denmark
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Skelet in very good original condition - Leather pillows in good original conditions - Patinated leather
Leather, Teak
$3,344Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 31.75 in W 18.25 in D 18.25 in
Set of 4 Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Møbler Teak Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
By K.S. Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and refined set of four Danish Modern dining chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Møbler, Denmark, circa 1960s. These beautifully proportioned chairs exemplify the ...
Papercord, Teak
Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen Model 42
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Dining chairs, model 42, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured in Denmark by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik. The chairs are made from solid teak, featuring tapered legs, curved ar...
Hardwood, Teak
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Armchair, 1950s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This exquisite vintage design armchair, crafted during the Art Deco or Mid-Century Modern era, showcases a blend of elegance and structural innovation. The chairs armrest and legs i...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspendi...
Naugahyde, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s, Set of 4
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspend...
Naugahyde, Teak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, Rosewood, alcantara, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. Rosewood frames with seat and back upholstered with white alcantara. Back pad...
Rosewood, Fabric
Sold
H 29.14 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Set of Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Dining Chairs, teak, wool, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Skovmand and Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Dining chairs produced by Skovman Andersen for the Illum Bolighus department store in Copenhagen. teak frames with seat and back reupholstered with 100 % New Zealand wool. Back pad h...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 29 in W 19.75 in D 22 in
Set of 4 Kai Kristiansen Model 42 Solid Rosewood "Z" Armchairs 1960s Vintage
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
An outstanding and increasingly rare set of four rosewood Model 42 armchairs designed by Kai Kristiansen and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. Often referred to as the “Z-chair” ...
Wool, Rosewood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Design Rosewood Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s, Set of 2
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspendi...
Naugahyde, Rosewood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Design Rosewood Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s, Set of 4
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspendi...
Naugahyde, Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 21.66 in D 21.26 in
Model 42 Chair in Solid Santos Rosewood by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A single Kai Kristiansen model 42 chair, the frame of finely grained Santos Rosewood and the fresh upholstery in black leathercloth, with the whole chair in excellent condition. Desi...
Faux Leather, Hardwood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid-Century Teak Z-Chair, Model 42, by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s, Set of 4
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Kai Kristiansen : Model 42 The Z chair, also referred to as chair #42, by design of Kai Kristiansen and produced by Slagelse Møbelvaerk. This chair got it’s Z shape from the suspend...
Naugahyde, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Armchair Troja
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Danish furniture designer Kai Christiansen studied under Koa Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts before setting up his own design office at the age of 26 and moving forwar...
Fabric, Teak
Kai Kristiansen Armchair, Denmark, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Torino, IT
Kai Kristiansen Armchair, Denmark, 1960 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Denmark Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Designer –Kai Kristiansen Producer – M...
Teak
Danish Vintage Teak Compass Chair by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
A stylish and extremely well made Danish vintage teak compass chair by Kai Kristiansen. This was recently imported from Denmark, it dates from the 1...
Bouclé, Teak