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.
Easy Chair in Teak and Original Cognac Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By OPE Möbler, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair in Teak and Original Cognac Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen Additional Information: Material: Teak and original cognac leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Easy chair mode...
Leather, Teak
Afromosia & Leather Easy Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare easy chair model “Sälen” designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden during the 1950s, is a remarkable example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design. This sculptural chair exemplifies Kofod-Larsen’s refined craftsmanship and his signature organic forms. The frame is constructed from solid afromosia wood, exhibiting a dark, rich patina that beautifully emphasizes the natural grain and texture of the material. The design features elegantly tapered legs and armrests that flow fluidly into the overall frame, creating a structure that feels both light and robust. The slightly reclined backrest and generous seat width strike a balance between visual harmony and ergonomic comfort. The seat and backrest are upholstered in brown leather, tightly stretched over a curved plywood shell and accented with a row of decorative brass rivets along the backrest, enhancing its aesthetic detail. A loose, generously filled cushion in matching leather adds an additional layer of comfort and softness to the chair. Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of Denmark’s most influential designers, renowned for blending sophistication with functionality. The “Sälen” chair...
Leather, Wood
Armchair in Teak and Leather by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen, 1957
By Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Armchair in Teak and Leather by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen, 1957 Additional Information: Material: Teak and leather Style: Mid century, Scandi...
Teak, Leather
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak and Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak and Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Teak and original cognac brown leather Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Rare ...
Teak
Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood with Stool by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare easy chair with matching stool, model V11, was designed by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark during the 1960s. Both pieces ...
Leather, Rosewood
The Chieftain Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Chieftain easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark in the early 1960s, stands as one of the most revered and iconic pieces in...
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 A rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish architect-designer Ib Kofo...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Teak & Leather, 1955
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare Danish lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for G. Laauser in 1955. This elegant piece features a beautifully sculpted teak wood frame with a gently steamed backrest, show...
Leather, Teak
Danish Modern Teak and Leather Lounge Chair by N. A. Jørgensen, 1960s
By Bramin Mobler
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Solid teak armchair or lounge chair recently upholstered in tanned brown aniline leather. The 'nails' armrests are made from hand sanded/finished oak. It was manufactured by N. A. Jø...
Leather, Teak
Armchair in Leather and Teak by Larsen and Bender for Willy Beck, Denmark, 1950
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Danish armchair by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, Denmark, 1950s. This is a truly striking piece in original deep brown leather with solid dark teak legs, full o...
Leather, Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 Rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish ...
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Leather, Oak
