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.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sofa Attributed to Milo Baughman
By Thayer Coggin, Milo Baughman
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This exquisite vintage sofa, often attributed to the iconic designer Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, is a stunning example of mid-century modern design, known as the Cube sofa due t...
Fabric, Walnut
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Sofa This sofa measures: 74 wide x 32 deep x 27 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm heig...
Upholstery, Walnut
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 71.75 wide x 26.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,000 / set
H 27 in W 47.5 in D 32 in
2 IB Koford Larsen Selig Danish Mid Century Modern Walnut Settee Sofa Love Seats
By Selig
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of two mid century modern IB Koford Larsen for Selig Danish / Scandinavian settees or love seats. Made of walnut featuring sculpted frame with tapered legs and vertical slats. ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,300Sale Price|40% Off
H 28 in W 94 in D 32 in
Midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Solid Walnut Frame Sofa or Daybed
By Mel Smilow
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning midcentury American Modern Mel Smilow Walnut frame long low sofa or daybed. Beautiful armless sofa with solid walnut sculpted frame and steel spring support insert. Has Orig...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa, Scandinavian, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa, Scandinavian, 1960s
Fabric, Wood
$4,699
H 29.53 in W 71.66 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Three Seat Sofa Senator, Danish Design Teak Couch by Ole Wanscher
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 182 x 75 x 80 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This Mid Century three seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This mod...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
$6,720Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.25 in W 84 in D 27 in
Compact Danish Modern Sofa with Teak Paws, Oak H Base, 1960's, 2 Configurations
Located in Culver City, CA
Every now and then a piece like this lands in our hands with no label, no tag, and no paper trail, one of two things is true. Either it's a forgettable piece from a forgettable factory, or it's the kind of thing that spent sixty years quietly being beautiful while the design world caught up to it. This one is very much the second thing. I mean, look at it. That low, sweeping silhouette with the back that rakes back just enough to say "I'm relaxed but I have standards." Those angled sides that taper down into the seat like the whole sofa is mid-exhale. The beautifully proportioned H-stretcher base in warm honey oak, four dowel legs with just enough spread to feel grounded without feeling heavy. And then ~ those teak paws. Those gorgeous, rounded, perfectly placed teak armrest caps that sit proud of the upholstery like little punctuation marks at the end of the perfect sentence. You know where else you've seen large teak paws like that? On Hans Wegner's Mega Papa...
Velvet, Oak, Teak
Mid-Century Walnut Three Seater Sofa
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, J.B. Van Sciver Company, De Ster Gelderland, Bertil Fridhagen
Located in Raleigh, NC
Mid-century walnut frame three-seater sofa. Newly reupholstered with new foam and new fabric. The fabric is a rich deep blue mohair. A moody pop of color that compliments the warm wo...
Fabric, Mohair, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Long Danish Sofa by Bramin w/ Sculpted Teak Legs
By Bramin Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This gorgeous Danish made sofa sits four people comfortably in its 7+ feet length. Designed with swooping arms that are fully cushioned, and a teak base with tapered legs and middle ...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Modern Sofa by Ib Kofod-Larsen Newly Reupholstered
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Chicago, IL
Danish Modern Oak Frame Sofa Newly Reupholstered in Ivory Sheep’s Wool Shearling by Ib Kofod-Larsen Elegant Danish modern sofa designed by renowned architect and furniture designer ...
Oak
Vintage Mid Century Modern Karpen Sofa with Pullout Bed
By Karpen & Bros.
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Karpen Sofa with Pullout Bed Retro Chic Furniture Set with Newly Upholstered Cushions! Dimensions: Sofa- H 26" W 137" D 37" S...
Bouclé
MCM 4 Piece Modular Adjustable Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Coastal Bamboo 4 Piece Modular Sectional Sofa by Heywood Wakefield Newly Reupholstered in a Textured Green & Creme Linen Blend Fabric with Creme Welt Trim Cra...
Bamboo
MCM Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Sofa Newly Reupholstered Mid Century Modern Classic Heywood Wakefield Aristocraft Desig...
Leather, Wood
MCM Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Sofa – Newly Reupholstered
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin Sofa – Newly Reupholstered Beautiful, clean-lined sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, fully restored and newly reupholstered ...
Velvet, Wood
Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Sofas for Reupholstery
By Ward Bennett
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Ward Bennett Style Parlor Sofas on Chrome Bases in Original Burgundy Leather - Set of 2 Item does not have maker's label. Selling for reupholstery.
Chrome
