The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Danish Sofa in Brown Leather and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, teak, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and angular shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. The a...
Leather, Teak
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Umber Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This model evokes the timeless elegance of Borge Mogensen's designs. With three spacious seats, it provides ample room for relaxation. The we...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Sofa in Brown Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. T...
Leather, Mahogany
Unique Jacob Kjaer Sofa in Original Niger Leather and Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer 1
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kjaer, sofa, original Niger leather, brass, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1930s Exemplifying the quintessential essence of Danish design of the thirties, this rare sofa by Jacob...
Brass
Danish Banana Sofa in Cognac Brown Faux Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Banana sofa, faux leather, stained wood, brass, Denmark, 1950s This voluptuous sofa is based on a solid construction of round shapes and curvaceous lines. The seating area and the b...
Brass
Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, sofa, patinated leather, teak, Denmark, design 1953, manufactured late 1950s-1960s. Elegant two-seat settee in admirable cognac leather and teak by ...
Leather, Teak
2 seats sofa in brown leather, Illum Wikkelso for Holger Christiansen
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 2 seats sofa in very good condition. The leather has a very beautiful patina and remains very sick. Very nice proportions. One of the most iconic danish design from 1960's.
Leather, Wood
1970s, Danish 2-seater classic sofa, original brown leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Brown leather with nice patina. Beech wood legs. Manufactured by ...
Leather, Beech
Brown Leather Danish Mid Century "V11" Three Seater Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and an iconic example of a Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original light brown and beautifully patinated leather with beautiful matching wooden...
Leather, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Two Seater Sofa Dark Brown Leather of Danish Design, 1960s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
The two-seater sofa in dark brown leather, Danishly designed and manufactured by Stouby Møbelfabrik in 1960, is an example of timeless craftsmanship and aesthetics. Stouby Møbelfabri...
Leather
Large Expandable 3-Seater De Sede DS-44 Sofa in Tobacco Brown Buffalo Leather
By De Sede
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Mid-Century Modern plush made in Switzerland. The De Sede DS-44 buffalo "Neck" leather is extremely thick (up to 5mm or 3/16in) and yet is super soft. Top quality buffalo has a high-...
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø V11 Sofa in Original Leather and Rosewood legs, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in amstelveen, NL
An exceptional and rare three-seat V11 sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, circa 1960s. This iconic Danish modern sofa features its original high-quality leather upholstery wi...
Leather
Gunnel Nyman was known as a glass artist, but this piece is a striking example of her early training in furniture design.
With its grid-like doors and wavy trim, the 1940s design feels as fresh as ever.
