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.
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Wool and Teak by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of easy chairs, model 4346, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark during the 1950s, exemplifies the refined elegance and craftsmansh...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Pair of Kandidaten Teak Easy Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Kandidaten easy chairs, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE in Sweden during the 1950s, embodies the essential qualities of Scandinavian mid-century design—functionality, natural materials, and a refined, understated elegance. These chairs highlight Kofod-Larsen’s signature approach, where sculptural lines and comfort are brought together through expert craftsmanship. The teak wood frames are gracefully proportioned, featuring clean, angular silhouettes with soft, organic curves that lend the chairs both structure and lightness. The armrests are gently contoured, flowing seamlessly into the rest of the frame, while the slatted backrests not only enhance the visual openness but also provide ergonomic support. The teak has developed a rich patina over the decades, showcasing the natural grain and deepening the character of the wood. This warm surface tone contrasts subtly with the original wool upholstery. Upholstered in textured wool fabric in muted, earthy tones, the seat and back cushions complement the wood’s natural warmth while introducing a tactile softness. The original fabric remains intact, showing only minor signs of use, consistent with careful preservation. The cushions are well-formed, retaining their shape and comfort, offering an inviting place to sit without compromising the visual clarity of the design. The Kandidaten chairs...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Pair of Arne Vodder Easy Chairs in Wool, Oak & Teak by Bovirke, 1952
By Arne Vodder
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The BO-90 easy chairs, designed by Arne Vodder and produced by Bovirke in 1952, represent an early and exceptionally rare example of Vodder’s unique interpretation of Danish modernis...
Fabric, Oak, Wool, Teak
Pair of Ib Kofod-Larsen Samsö Easy Chairs by OPE, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Samsö easy chairs, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden, exemplifies the sculptural elegance and material richness that define Scandinav...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Easy Chairs in Wool and Teak by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The model U56 easy chairs with accompanying stools, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956 and crafted by the Danish cabinetmaker Christensen & Larsen, represent a hallmark of Scand...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
FD125 Easy Chairs, Designed by Tove and Edvard Kindt-Larsen, 1950s
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of easy chairs, model FD125, designed by Tove and Edvard Kindt-Larsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s, exemplifies the refined eleg...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Ib Kofod-Larsen pair of Canditate easy chairs, Denmark, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of Candidate lounge chairs, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1950s. This elegant pair of Danish easy chairs beautifully captures the refined, sculptural style that makes ...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Midcentury Lounge Chairs in Teak and Velvet by C.B Hansen, 1950s
By C.B.Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of lounge chairs in oil finished teak and velvet. Designed and made by cabinetmaker C.B. Hansen. Great condition.
Fabric, Teak
Early 1950s Danish Pair of Easychairs in Oak and Teak
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Early danish pair of easychairs in oak and teak armrests. This could be the predecessor of Magnus Olesen's model 107. But a design by Ib Kofod-Larsen would also be possible. Anyway, ...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
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
Ib Kofod-Larsen High Back Seal Chair in Afrormosia Teak for OPE, Sweden, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ib Kofod-Larsen high back seal chair in Afrormosia teak and in bright red Maharam Halliingdal for OPE, Sweden, 1960s. Ib Kofod-Larsen's beautif...
Wool, Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl NV #45 Chairs in Walnut by Baker Circa 1955 Mid Century
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Once described as the most beautiful chair in the world, the number 45 chair is certainly one of Finn Juhl's most important designs. Acknowledged as the father of Danish modern desig...
Walnut
