Niels O. Møller dining chairs

This is a rare complete set of ten model 78 dining chairs designed by Niels Otto Møller, produced by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. These chairs are emblematic of Danish mid-century craftsmanship, combining elegant material choices with ergonomic clarity and a sculptural sensibility.

Each chair is constructed from solid rosewood, selected for its dark reddish-brown coloration and distinctive grain pattern. The frames are characterized by gentle curvature in the back legs and a subtly tapering backrest formed of three horizontal slats. The top rail is shaped to support the lumbar region and is smoothly contoured along its edge, highlighting the wood’s natural texture and polish. The front legs are slightly rounded and taper delicately, creating a light, vertical expression.

The seats have been newly reupholstered in dark brown vegetable-tanned leather sourced from Tärnsjö, a Swedish tannery known for its high-quality and ecologically treated hides. The leather has a matte finish and firm yet pliable surface, offering a refined complement to the richness of the rosewood. The reupholstery retains the original proportions and construction methods, ensuring historical integrity while enhancing functional longevity.

Niels O. Møller (1920–1982) was one of Denmark’s most meticulous and disciplined modern furniture designers. Trained as a cabinetmaker before studying design, Møller brought a craftsman’s precision to all his creations. The model 78, introduced in 1962, is one of his most refined dining chair designs, distinguished by its seamless joinery, organic lines, and understated elegance. J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, the family-run company established by Møller in 1944, became internationally recognized for its dedication to hand-finished furniture and timeless design.

The set is in good vintage condition with signs of use and patina on the rosewood frames. The leather upholstery is recent and in excellent condition, free of wear. All joints remain tight, and the chairs are structurally sound.

Each chair measures 47 cm in width, 49 cm in depth, and 80.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 45 cm (18.5 x 19.3 x 31.7 inches, seat height 17.7 inches). This complete set offers a cohesive and historically significant representation of Danish mid-century dining design, blending material luxury with subtle modernist form.