Frits Henningsen dining chairs

This rare set of twelve dining chairs was designed and produced by Danish master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1940s. The chairs are a refined example of Scandinavian mid-century craftsmanship, displaying a careful balance between structural simplicity and subtle curvature, consistent with Henningsen’s signature approach to form and material.

The frames are crafted in Cuban mahogany, a dense hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown tone and fine grain. Over time, the wood has developed a warm patina, which accentuates the fluid transitions and softly rounded edges of the design. The rear legs are subtly curved and flow upward into a high backrest, which is framed by an arched crest rail. Vertical spindles extend downward in a rhythmically spaced array, providing both support and visual lightness.

Each chair is newly reupholstered in a light grey linen fabric, offering a quiet contrast to the darker timber and enhancing the tactile softness of the seat. The upholstery is tightly fitted and sits slightly recessed into the frame, maintaining the chair’s clean profile while ensuring comfort and durability. The seat structure is rectilinear, reinforced with stretchers in each direction, contributing to overall rigidity and stability.

Frits Henningsen (1889–1965) was a central figure in Danish cabinetmaking during the first half of the 20th century. Trained under Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and later establishing his own workshop, Henningsen was renowned for his uncompromising standards and dedication to handcrafted production. His work often integrated traditional construction techniques with gently modernized silhouettes, as seen in this set of chairs.

The chairs are in good vintage condition with only minor signs of use, preserving the integrity of both the woodwork and the reupholstered surfaces. These examples exemplify the restrained elegance typical of Henningsen’s oeuvre and offer a cohesive aesthetic suitable for formal dining environments or refined interiors.

Each chair measures 48 cm wide, 50 cm deep, and 85 cm high, with a seat height of 45 cm (approximately 18.9 x 19.7 x 33.5 inches; seat height 17.7 inches).