Poul Kjærholm stool

This rare stool, model PK-33, was designed by Danish modernist Poul Kjærholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark during the 1950s. The design is a quintessential example of Kjærholm’s philosophy, which combined industrial materials with refined craftsmanship and an architectural sensitivity to form and proportion. The stool features a circular seat cushion upholstered in original cognac-toned leather, supported by a visible fastening button at the center, resulting in a slightly concave surface that visually reinforces comfort and functionality.

The frame is constructed from chromed steel, formed into three legs with a precise geometric clarity and a cantilevered triangular support structure beneath the seat, which is characteristic of Kjærholm’s commitment to minimalism and engineering precision. The metal has developed a soft patina over time and bears traces of usage consistent with the stool’s age, with some superficial scuffs and wear. The leather shows notable signs of use, including creasing, tonal variation, and a visible area of repair, but retains structural integrity and its rich character.

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) was a leading figure in Danish furniture design known for his rigorous and poetic approach to materials, especially his preference for steel over wood. Trained as a cabinetmaker and educated at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen, Kjærholm emphasized clarity of construction, honest expression of materials, and an elegant restraint in his designs. The PK-33 stool exemplifies his vision of a piece that is simultaneously functional, sculptural, and spatially unobtrusive.

E. Kold Christensen was Kjærholm’s original manufacturer and collaborator, producing many of his early and now-iconic works before production later transitioned to Fritz Hansen. Under Kold Christensen, the pieces were made in small batches and are especially prized for their fidelity to Kjærholm’s original material choices and proportions.

The condition of the stool is good vintage, with patina and visible wear to both leather and frame. The leather cushion includes a documented repair, contributing to its authenticity and narrative as a functional, lived-in object. The dimensions are 52 centimeters in diameter and 33 centimeters in height, equivalent to approximately 20.5 inches by 13 inches. Compact and versatile, this piece operates as a stool, footrest, or sculptural accent in a space, showcasing the timelessness of Kjærholm’s design ethos.