Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.
Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.
Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.
Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.
Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.
Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.
The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.
1930s Frits Henningsen Pair of Sofa tables
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This pair of tables by Frits Henninsgen from the 1930/40/50s has always fascinated me. Normally, tables either have veneered or solid wood surfaces. These tables have both. And stran...
Hardwood
Pair 1950s Rud Rasmussen Hardwood D-Shaped Centre Tables with Brass Tipped Legs
By Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
Pair 1950s Rud Rasmussen Mahogany D-Shaped Centre Tables with Brass Tipped Legs. Restoration in progress, although pictures may show condition prior to this.
Hardwood
1950s Arne Hovmand-Olsen Pair of Teak Side Tables
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in London, GB
Arne Hovmand-Olsen: A pair of teak side tables. Manufactured and marked by Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, 1950's. H. 46 cm. L. 39 cm. W. 36 cm. (2) Restoration and Re-polishing included in...
Teak
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Hardwood Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, GB
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Mahogany Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen. In great structural condition. Re-polishing in progress.
Hardwood
Frits Henningsen solid elm table circa 1940-50s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in London, GB
This 1950s elm table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
1950s Gustav Bertelsen desk with brass shoes and six drawers
By Gustav Bertelsen
Located in London, GB
1950s Gustav Bertelsen Mahogany desk with brass shoes. Front with six drawers. H. 75. L. 155. B. 85 cm. This desk looks plain in the pictures but is in person a refined and beautifu...
Hardwood
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Bedside Tables with Brass Accents, France, 1950's
Located in Beirut, LB
A sophisticated pair of French mid-century modern nightstands crafted in wood during the 1950s, capturing the elegant transition from Art Deco opulence to mid-century simplicity. Ea...
Brass
Pair of bedside tables by Axel Larsson, Bodafors, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Larsson, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful set of bedside tables designed by Axel Larsson for Bodafors, Sweden, during the 1940s. Circular shape with a body made in elm. Glass top with a checkered pattern. Drawers ...
Brass
Rare Pair Of Tommi Parzinger For Charak Modern Mahogany And Brass Night Stands
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of 1950's mahogany and brass Tommi Parzinger designed for Charak Modern night stands, with one drawer a pull out writing table and two doors with an adjustable shelf, fully...
Brass, Bronze
(2) Swedish Teak Nightstands with Brass Handles, Circa 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your bedroom décor with a touch of Scandinavian sophistication with this stunning pair of teak nightstands, crafted in Sweden circa 1960. These timeless pieces embody the hallmarks of Swedish design – superior craftsmanship, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. Solid teak construction imbues the nightstands with a sense of strength and durability. The rich colored wood showcases a warm, honeyed patina that brings a touch of organic beauty to your bedside. The clean lines of the design, devoid of unnecessary ornamentation, exemplify the minimalist aesthetic so prevalent in Scandinavian furniture. The nightstands rest on sleek, tapered legs that contribute to their overall lightness and elegance. Functionality is seamlessly integrated into the design. Each nightstand features two drawers, offering convenient storage for bedside essentials. The drawers glide effortlessly on hidden tracks, a testament to the quality of craftsmanship. The drawer pulls are crafted from polished brass, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication against the rich teak. The contrast between the warm wood and the cool brass hardware creates a visually interesting detail that elevates the overall look of the nightstands. This pair of Swedish teak nightstands...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Side Tables/Nightstands, Rene Prou
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of French Mid-Century Modern neoclassical side tables/nightstands attributed to Rene Prou, circa 1940. The pieces are composed of veneered fruitwood and cantilevered...
Pair of Maple Bedside Tables by Maxime Old, France (c. 1940) – Dual-Sided Openin
By Maxime Old
Located in Milano, IT
An elegant pair of Mid Century modern bedside tables by renowned French designer Maxime Old (1910–1991) showcasing the refined craftsmanship and modernist sensibility that defined hi...
Brass
