Denmark is known for its freezing winters. But where there is cold, there is a need for cosy comfort, and Danish modernism was born out of this idea. It is about many things and often contradicts itself. One of these contradictions is key to the entire concept: creating something equally aesthetically pleasing as it is functional. Although not strictly a ‘rule,’ almost every piece of furniture follows this idea.
Hans Wegner
Origins of Danish Modern Style
The German Bauhaus movement is effectively what started it all. The two key ideas behind this were simple structure and the concept that ‘form must follow function’. As a result of being exposed to this movement in the 1920s, Danish-born Kaare Klint worked with his students and some Danish cabinetmakers at the University of Copenhagen; a collaboration that resulted in the creation of some of the first Danish modern furniture.
As the concept of ‘form must follow function’ suggests, it was commonplace in the creation of Bauhaus furniture to put aesthetic appeal further down the list of priorities. The major shift that Danish modernism utilised was giving these two components equal priority. Taking inspiration from the human form, the pieces that the Danish modernists created were eye-catching works of art as much as they were comfortable pieces of furniture.
The sculpted style of these pieces was achieved by using bended plywood, a material that became a popular choice in post-WWII Europe. Among many intentions, one of the most important to Danish modern furniture makers was to create pieces that could be manufactured in large quantities, meaning that good design could be accessible to all. Below are some of the best Danish furniture designers to ever do it.
As the concept of ‘form must follow function’ suggests, it was commonplace in the creation of Bauhaus furniture to put aesthetic appeal further down the list of priorities.
Arne Jacobsen
Hans Wegner
The man responsible for designing over 500 Danish modern chairs, Hans Wegner devoted his life to his craft. Some of his most important works include the Papa Bear Chair, the Three-legged Shell Chair, as well as what is regarded as the ultimate Danish modern dining chair, the Wishbone Chair. While stylistically, these pieces are very different from one another, the features consistent throughout are a sculpted appearance, conscious of the human form, with a handcrafted feel. Wegner designed his dining and accent chairs to be the centrepieces of the room, driven by the notion that a chair’s lack of backside should mean that it can be admired from every angle. As a master of his medium, he should be the go-to designer for anyone looking for Danish modern teak furniture, such as tables or dressers.
Finn Juhl
The work of Finn Juhl can be easily distinguished and characterised by the subtle surrealist, slightly fantastical quality to his designs. One of the first designers of Danish modern furniture to have his works promoted internationally, it was his designs that first introduced the American market to Danish modernism. One of the most valuable things that Juhl brought to his work was the fact that he designed the pieces with the intention of using them in his own home. This allowed for designs such as the Poet Sofa, a settee-sized Danish modern sofa with a sculpted form, almost like a wave, and an enveloping seat in a similar style to Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair. The Poet Sofa is unique in that it could look equally at home in a kids’ playroom or as a centrepiece to your living room. For another interesting Danish modern take on a classic piece of furniture, Juhl’s dressers and desks, made with coloured steel, are a fun addition to your home.
Arne Jacobsen
If you’re a fan of vintage, look no further than Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair for a stylish piece of Danish modern furniture. This chair was designed for the lobby of the SAS Royal Copenhagen hotel and it was so groundbreaking that it set off the egg chair craze of the 1960s. One of the biggest draws for this piece is the womb-like space, which provides the user with the ability to disconnect from the world around them. Working with body-conscious designs, some of Jacobsen’s other Danish modern pieces include the Drop Chair, and Swan Chair. All in all, the cheeky take on form in Arne Jacobsen’s designs elevates your mood as much as it elevates the mood of your room.
Jens Risom
Born in Denmark, Jens Risom emigrated from Copenhagen to New York in 1939, and took his ideas for Danish modern furniture creations with him. After crossing paths with Hans Knoll not long before he began the Knoll Furniture empire, he gave Risom his big break. Fifteen of Risom’s designs, featuring chairs and dining tables, were included in Knoll Furniture Company’s inaugural line. The most interesting piece of all, the Risom Lounge Chair, features a relaxed shape, and a wooden frame latticed with cotton straps. It is also a vintage hallmark of Jens Risom’s furniture designs.
Wegner Chairs
Words — Zach Thompson
