Severin Hansen

Severin Hansen Jr. (born Erik Severin Risager‑Hansen, 1936–2020) was a Danish furniture designer celebrated as a leading figure in mid‑century Scandinavian modernism. Coming from a family of cabinetmakers—with his father, Hans Severin Hansen, a respected craftsman and furniture salesman—he inherited both the tradition and innovation of Danish woodwork.

He designed a broad range of furniture—tables, desks, nesting tables, coffee tables, sewing tables, side tables and bedroom furniture—crafted primarily from rosewood and mahogany, with some teak editions. His style is minimalist yet warm, emphasizing careful joinery, angular silhouettes, and clean lines.

From around 1958 onward, his trademark mitred corner joinery became unmistakable. Reviewers note that “a leg joined to a table top by a neat, triangular three‑way mitre—this is Severin Hansen. The design is unmistakable.” The refined minimalism of his furniture earned him a reputation as the “quiet architect” of Danish modernism.

Severin Hansen’s legacy lies in his architectural approach to furniture: each piece is structurally elegant without superfluous ornament, rooted in craftsmanship and clarity. Today, his Model 36 desk, Model 41B tables, and other Haslev‑produced works are prized examples of Danish mid‑century design, appreciated by museums and collectors alike. His contribution remains a subtly powerful influence on contemporary minimalistic furniture design.