Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, Arne Hovmand-Olsen created furnishings that boasted all of the alluring qualities now associated with vintage Scandinavian modern design. The esteemed Danish designer favored high-quality teak, oak and rosewood for his sideboards, chairs and dining tables. Elsewhere, Hovmand-Olsen’s side tables and credenzas feature elegant organic curves and tapered legs, while his graceful armchairs and dining chairs are characterized by slender frames and sculptural seat backs.
From an early age Hovmand-Olsen showed an interest in drawing and an aptitude for design. In 1938, he began his apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker under Peder Olsen Sibast, the founder of Sibast furniture company. Owing largely to the creative direction of Peder’s son, designer Helge Sibast, during the mid-century era, the manufacturer is internationally revered today for its wide range of sleek and collectible modern furniture.
In 1941, Hovmand-Olsen enrolled in a technical school to study furniture design, and opened his own workshop shortly after graduating. He created a range of furnishings for such notable manufacturers as Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Elven Geertsen and Jutex. He found success in Denmark, but attained even greater notability when he began selling his work in America.
Mid-century-era design from this region of the world — including objects like Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair, Alvar Aalto’s undulating Savoy vase and Tapio Wirkkala’s leaf-shaped birch-laminate tray — took off in the States after the Second World War, when Scandinavia’s simple, curvilinear wooden furniture, home goods and textiles suddenly seemed the perfect foil for glass-and-steel skyscrapers.
Hovmand-Olsen closed his workshop during the 1970s. Today his work is widely collected by enthusiasts of mid-century Scandinavian modern furniture.
Find vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen seating, tables, storage pieces and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$2,617 / set
H 31.11 in W 19.3 in D 19.69 in
Set of 4 Danish Teak Dining Chairs by Schionning & Elgaard, 1960s
By Schionning & Elgaard
Located in Praha, CZ
Set of four mid-century modern dining chairs designed by Schionning & Elgaard and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. The chairs feature beautifully sculpted solid teak frames with...
Fabric, Teak
$2,379 / set
H 31.5 in W 19.3 in D 18.12 in
Set of 6 Danish Teak Dining Chairs Attributed to Erik Buch, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant set of six Danish teak dining chairs attributed to Erik Buch and produced in the 1960s. Featuring a light and refined design with excellent seating comfort. The chairs are in...
Teak
$7,733 / set
H 29.34 in W 19.89 in D 19.69 in
SET OF 4 H.W. KLEIN FOR BRAMIN TEAK WOOD DINING CHAIRS, DENMARK 1960s
By Bramin Mobler, Henry Walter Klein
Located in Reutlingen, DE
Absolutely fantastic designed and very rare set of four H.W. Klein for Bramin teak wood dining chairs with anthroposophically shaped backrests and skai leather seats in top original ...
Faux Leather, Teak
$4,164 / set
H 30.32 in W 18.12 in D 16.54 in
Danish teak Dining Chairs by Niels O. Moller , model 7 , set of 6 , 1960s
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Gaggenau, DE
The set is in good condition, however, as with all vintage items some minor wear marks should be expected. Dimensions: Width:46 cm Depth:42 cm Height: 77 cm Seat Height: 45cm Pleas...
Teak
Dining Chairs in Teak by Hans Olsen, 1960s, Set of 4
By Hans Olsen
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A striking set of four dining chairs attributed to renowned Danish designer Hans Olsen, dating from the 1960s. These chairs feature a beautifully sculptural form, combining elegant d...
Teak
$2,855 / set
H 29.14 in W 21.66 in D 20.48 in
Vintage Danish Teak Dining Chairs No. 7 by Helge Sibast 1960s Set of 4
By Sibast, Helge Sibast
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage danish teak dining chairs model 7 by Helge Sibast 1960s Set of 4 Set of four stunning Danish Mid-century modern dining chairs designed in the 1950s by Danish master carpente...
Oak, Teak
$2,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 19.25 in D 20 in
Mid Century Teak Chairs by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold, 60s -- Set of 4
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Madison, WI
Stunning Vintage Mid Century Teak Chairs by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold, 1960s--Set of 4 These chairs have been completely refu...
Leather, Teak
$6,100
H 30.75 in W 19.75 in D 19.75 in
Vintage Danish Mid-Century Niels Otto Møller no. 83 Teak Dining Chairs (Set of 6
By Neils O. Möller
Located in Emeryville, CA
J.L. Møller, founded by designer Niels Otto Møller in 1944, is renowned for exceptional Danish craftsmanship, timeless design, and meticulous hand-finishing. The brand’s dining chair...
Wool, Teak
$2,950 / set
H 30.38 in W 18.25 in D 20 in
Vintage Danish Modern Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs / Niels Moller
By Erik Buch
Located in Chicago, IL
A fine set of 4 Danish Modern Dining chairs very much in the manner of Erik Buch. No labels attached at this time. Note the beau...
Teak
$3,569 / set
H 30.71 in W 20.08 in D 17.72 in
Vintage Danish Teak Dining Chairs from Slagelse Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Set of six dining chairs crafted from solid teak wood, produced in Denmark by Slagelse Møbelfabrik during the 1960s. These chairs are a fine example of classic Danish mid-century mod...
Teak
Set of 6 Teak and Bouclé Dining Chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, 1960s
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Jutex
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous set of six (6) dining chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Jutex (1960s Denmark) is comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs. Some of the many things that make th...
Bouclé, Teak
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
Johannes Andersen Teak Dining Chair for Uldum Møbelfabrik, Denmark, c. 1960
By Johannes Andersen, Uldum Møbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Offered here is a beautifully sculptural Johannes Andersen dining chair, designed circa 1960 and produced by Uldum Møbelfabrik in Denmark. This authentic Danish Modern / Scandinavian...
Faux Leather, Teak
Set of 6 Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' Model #6140 Dining Chairs, 1960s, Signed
By Broyhill, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Offered here is a set of six Broyhill Premier 'Brasilia' (model #6140) dining chairs, including two armchairs and four side chairs, that has become one of the most sought-after Ameri...
Wood, Fabric
Set of Four Dining Side Chairs by Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates, 1960s
By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by iconic mid-century modernist Adrian Pearsall and produced by Craft Associates in the 1960s, this elegant set of four (4) high-back side chairs (Model 2051-C) showcases th...
Fabric, Wood
Arne Jacobsen 'Series-7' Jacaranda Rosewood Stacking Chairs, 1960s, Signed
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional set of 1960s Jacaranda rosewood 'Series-7' stacking chairs by Arne Jacobsen represents a rare and compelling chapter of Brazilian modernist history, blending Scandin...
Metal
