Along with Vernor Panton, cabinetmaker and architect Arne Vodder was a leading light of what might be called the “second generation” of forward-thinking 20th-century Danish furniture designers — those who, following in the footsteps of Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl and others, first applied the skills, traditions and philosophical tenets of Scandinavian craftsmanship to a modern furniture idiom.
Vodder was a graduate student in architecture trained by Juhl, a pioneer of furniture design credited with igniting the Scandinavian modernist movement that swept like wildfire across the United States in the postwar era. Vodder made his mark in the 1960s, when modern design had gained wide acceptance, particularly in the business world. Accordingly, many of Vodder's chairs, created for manufacturers such as France & Søn, Fritz Hansen and Sibast, are quiet in form — projecting an air of sturdiness and strength, rather than avant-garde styling.
Vodder’s aesthetic flair is very pronounced in his vintage cabinets and storage pieces — sideboards, bookcases, credenzas and buffets. In such pieces, the designer liked to play with asymmetry.
Vodder’s bookcases often have a seemingly random array of variously sized shelves and nooks. A typical Vodder sideboard of the mid-century period — his classic Model 29 case piece is known to collectors — might have four sections, each different in purpose and look: an open stack of vertical shelves, and other cupboards covered with sliding panels in contrasting colored laminates and wood veneers.
As you will see from the works on 1stDibs, Vodder had a sense of what kind of design was appropriate for which space: sobriety in the boardroom; playfulness at home.
Find vintage Arne Vodder furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Easy Chair in Teak and Original Cognac Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
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
Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, circa 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, circa 1960s Additional Information: Material: Oak, flagline, sheepskin Style: midcentury, Scandinavia Very Rare Lounge Chair M...
Oak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Easy Chair Produced by a.R. Klingenberg & Søn
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Produced by A.R. Klingenberg & Søn in Denmark.
Cane, 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
Easy Chair in Leather and Teak by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Sälen easy chair, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden during the 1950s, stands as a compelling example of Scandinavian mid-century furniture that mar...
Leather, Teak
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
Arne Vodder Mid Century Lounge Chair in Beech & Leather by Bovirke Denmark 1950s
By Arne Vodder, Bovirke
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Danish mid century wooden lounge chair by Arne Vodder in beech and original and beautifully patinated woven brown leather produced by Bovirke in Denmark, 1950s. In good o...
Leather, Beech
Midcentury Modern Leather Chaise Lounge by Arne Vodder, Denmark, 1950s
By Arne Vodder, Bovirke
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking chaise lounge by Arne Vodder, in a cool and elegant design with smooth lines. Made from oak with wreathed cognac colored leather straps. A beautiful teak tray, shaped to com...
Leather, Beech, Teak
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
Midcentury Teak Lounge Chair by Rastad & Relling, Gustav Bahus, Norway, 1950s
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful teak lounge chair from Rastad & Relling, model “Bambi-Chair 56/2”. Curved, smooth lines with a wonderful silhouette. Original leather.
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish "Model 300" Lounge Chair in Teak & Cane by Arne Hovmand Olsen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A rare 1950s "Model 300" lounge chair designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for A.R. Klingenberg & Søn. This sculptural Danish chair has been thoroughly reconditioned, retained the origina...
Cane, Teak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Danish Modern Scissor Lounge Chair in Teak + Beech, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare Danish Modern Scissor Lounge Chair in Teak + Beech from 1960. This unique piece embodies mid-century design, showcasing craftsmanship and style in perfect harmony.
Teak
