A trained cabinetmaker, Poul Kjærholm’s use of industrial methods and materials in the 1960s brought a fresh, graceful, sleek new style to Danish modern design.
At what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Kjærholm studied under Hans Wegner and Jørn Utzon — an industrial designer and the architect of the celebrated Sydney Opera House. The latter greatly influenced Kjærholm’s furniture production techniques — although he employed natural materials such as cane and leather, to a far greater extent than his peers Kjærholm embraced the use of steel (rather than wood) framing for his chairs, daybeds and tables.
Kjærholm’s signal design was the PK22 chair of 1956, a low-slung leather lounger on a steel base. The ideas introduced in the PK22 — Kjærholm’s designs were named using a numeric system devised with his manufacturer, E. Kold Christensen — were refined throughout his career, as the offerings below show: the PK11 chair of 1957, with back and armrests formed by a semicircle of ash; the capacious, richly patinated leather seat of a vintage 1961 PK9 chair; the elegant rattan swoop of the PK 24 chaise longue (1965). The chaise longue's leather headrest, held in place by a steel counterweight, best shows Kjærholm's particular gift for combining technological advancements with a respect for traditional detailing.
While respectful of the past, Poul Kjærholm's sensibility is one of optimism and expectation. His was design for those who lived with verve and élan, and confidently anticipated the future.
Find a collection of vintage Poul Kjærholm furniture on 1stDibs.
Poul Kjærholm PK-11 Armchairs by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of PK-11 armchairs designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
$7,975 / item
Poul Kjaerholm PK9 Chair in Leather by Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The PK9 also known as the “Tulip chair”, is made up of 3 pieces of brushed stainless steel that join to form the legs and support the leather seat. It’s unique shape was inspired by ...
Steel
2012 Poul Kjaerholm PK8 Dining Chairs in Leather and Brushed Aluminum
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are PK8 Dining Chairs, initially designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1978. These particular examples date to 2012 and were produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark. The listed price inclu...
Aluminum
Early PK1 Chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A first-production example of the PK1 chair designed by Poul Kjaerholm. This chair features a refined and Minimalist frame of bent steel rods with seat and ...
Steel
2008 Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK8 Dining Chair in Divina Melange 120
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a PK8 Dining Chair, originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen in 1978. This particular example was produced in Denmark in 2008. The chair features a sculptural m...
Aluminum
2008 Set of Eight Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen PK8 Dining Chairs in Fabric
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of eight PK8 Chairs, originally designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1978. Most of these examples were produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark 2008, and o...
Aluminum
Poul Kjærholm PK22 Lounge Chair
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Kjærholm lounge chair in patinated tan leather. Frame of brushed steel. Model PK22, made by Fritz Hansen.
Stainless Steel
$29,850 / set
H 31 in W 23 in D 23 in
Six Poul Kjaerholm PK9 Chairs. Fritz Hansen. Stainless, Cognac Leather. Signed.
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Set of 6 PK 9 Chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen, Denmark. Recent production in solid stainless steel with cognac, caramel Leather. Signed Fritz Hansen. Very few si...
Stainless Steel
PK24 Chaise Longue Chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
This PK24 chaise longue, designed by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, embodies the Danish master’s commitment to refined simplicity and exceptional materials. Its flowing sculptural p...
Metal
$26,055Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.14 in W 25.99 in D 23.63 in
6 Chairs PK9 from Poul Kjaerholm for Kold Christensen
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Suite of 6 dining chairs model PK 9 designed by Poul Kjaerholm in 1961 for Kold Christensen. It’s an early edition in good condition. Very rare set made by one of the most sought a...
Metal
PK 22 - Easy chair in black leather by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 22 - Armchair in black leather with steel frame. Stamped by manufacturer Fritz Hansen and designed by Poul Kjærholm.
Steel
$7,000
H 26 in W 25 in D 22 in
Early Poul Kjaerholm PK11 Armchair for E Kold Christiansen Denmark 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Troy, MI
Early model PK11 armchair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christiansen Denmark circa 1957 Architectural three leg frame in stainless steel with original leather seat and arced backres...
Stainless Steel
$6,281
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 29.93 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair E. Kold Christensen Denmark Steel Leather 1968
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Munster, NRW
First edition of the PK20 lounge chair, a graceful, elegant masterpiece created in 1968 by Danish designer Poul Kjaerholm for Ejvind Kold Christensen. It consists of an aesthetic c...
Steel
$10,900Sale Price|22% Off
H 28 in W 54 in D 28 in
PK-31 Settee by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, 1960s Denmark, Signed
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This highly collected early production original of the PK-31 loveseat sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen has beautifully aged black leather and patinated steel. Designed...
Steel
Poul Kjaerholm PK20 Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic PK-33 Ottoman in camel leather, designed by Poul Kjærholm, produced by Fritz Hansen. Stainless steel frame is a nod to Kjærholm's affinity for industrial materials, employed a...
Stainless Steel
$6,300
H 30.3 in W 22.8 in D 22.8 in
Poul Kjærholm PK-9 Dining Chairs by E. Kold Christensen Brown Leather, Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Vienna, AT
Early original 1960's PK9 single chair for E. Kold Christensen (marked), produced circa 1960-1970- We have another set of four available, please inquire. This single chair is in stu...
Steel
$16,168
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 26.38 in
Set of 2 PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1955
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of Two PK 22 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark, 1955. A rare early set of PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm, produced by E. Kold Christensen before the manufacturing was taken...
Metal
Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen pk33 Stool
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in London, GB
In original condition with nice patina to the leather. Poul Kjaerholm pk33 for E. Kold Christensen. Denmark c1959 This is stamped
Steel
Poul Kjærholm, Side Chair, Steel, Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in High Point, NC
A steel and black leather PK-9 side chair or dining room chair designed by Poul Kjærholm and produced by E Kold Christensen, Denmark, c. 1960s. With makers stamp to underside. Vinta...
Steel
Sold
H 29.93 in W 21.66 in D 18.51 in
First Edition PK9 Tulip Chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, DK 1961
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
First edition PK9 tulip chair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This chair features a flat steel frame and the original cognac leather upholstery. Superb patin...
Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Danish Black Leather PK22 Easy Chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen.
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This chair was designed in 1956 by Poul Kjærholm in Denmark. it features a thick black leather seat and backrest and a flatsteel base. Poul Kjærholm is a trained cabinetmaker who co...
Steel
Sold
H 27.96 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
Vintage Danish PK22 Easy Chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, 1956
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
This chairs were designed in 1956 by Poul Kjærholm in Denmark. it features a thick black leather seat and backrest and a flatsteel base. Poul Kjærholm is a trained cabinetmaker who completed his studies at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts, Poul Kjærholm had a particular interest in construction materials; especially steel, which he considered a material deserving the artistic respect that was commonly awarded to wood. Poul Kjærholm initiated a collaboration with furniture manufacturer Ejvind Kold Christensen in 1955, and that collaboration continued for the rest of Kjærholm’s life with the two families remaining close to this very day. Two years after the designer’s passing, the Kjærholm trustees entrusted Fritz Hansen with the production and sales of ‘The Kjærholm Collection’– designs developed by Poul Kjærholm from 1951 to 1967. Fritz Hansen is honoured to continue production to this day and to distribute Poul Kjærholm’s furniture...
Steel
Set of 6 PK9 Chairs by Poul Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in New York, NY
Leather, chrome-plated steel, rubber. Produced by E. Kold Christensen. Great set with beautifully patinated metal and leather. Each chair is stamped with makers mark.
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 30 in W 22.8 in D 22.8 in
Early PK9 Chair in Leather by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen / Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Truly an amazing piece of functional art/ sculpture. Recently acquired from an architect who was living in Denmark in the 50's, 60's, believed to be 1st year production. The PK9 als...
Steel
Early Pair of Poul Kjaerholm PK1 Chairs for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Pair of PK1 chairs designed by Poul Kjaerholm and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen. First edition with original roped seats and original untouched condit...
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-11 Armchair by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare PK-11 armchair designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
Poul Kjærholm PK-11 Armchair by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare PK-11 armchair designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
Sold
H 28.35 in W 24.41 in D 24.41 in
Pair of PK 22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjearholm, Denmark, Oxblood Leather
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Antwerp, BE
A pair of PK 22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjaerholm, Denmark. Designed in 1956 and produced by E. Kold Christensen. Brushed steel frame covered with durable oxblood leather upholstery. S...
Stainless Steel
PK33 Stool by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PK33 stool by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1959. Matte chrome-plated steel and leather. Impressed manufacturer's mark to frame under cush...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 26.97 in W 25.01 in D 17.33 in
PK 11 by Poul Kjaerholm in Walnut & Black Elegance Leather by Thomas Kjaerholm
By Poul Kjærholm
Located in London, GB
A PK 11 chair by Poul Kjaerholm in satin brushed stainless steel, solid walnut, and black 20198 elegance leather. Unlike many of is contemporaries Kjærholm adopted steel rather than ...
Stainless Steel