Arne Jacobsen office chair

This is a rare office chair, model 3117, designed by Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 1965. The model 3117 is a functional variant of Jacobsen’s iconic Series 7 chair, adapted for the workplace with the addition of a height-adjustable swivel base on castors and integrated armrests.

The seat shell is crafted from molded laminated plywood, fully upholstered in original black leather. The leather shows signs of wear and patina, consistent with regular use and the chair’s age, contributing to its vintage character. The contours of the seat and back are organically curved to support the body ergonomically, with the signature butterfly-like silhouette that characterizes the Series 7 line.

The armrests are made of chromed steel tubing, with leather pads matching the seat upholstery. The tubular frame and the rest of the understructure are made of chromed steel as well, including the five-legged swivel base, which is equipped with castor wheels and a central adjustment mechanism for seat height. The engineering of the base is precise and durable, reflecting the industrial refinement typical of mid-century Scandinavian design.

Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971) was one of Denmark’s most influential modernist architects and designers. His work for Fritz Hansen, particularly the Series 7, Ant, and Egg chairs, became defining symbols of Scandinavian functionalism. The Series 7, introduced in 1955, was the culmination of his research into molded plywood techniques and remains one of the most produced chair models in design history. Model 3117, introduced as an office version, is notably rarer and was often specified for architects’ studios and executive settings.

Fritz Hansen, founded in 1872, is a cornerstone of Danish furniture manufacturing, known for its commitment to design integrity and craftsmanship. The chair is marked with Fritz Hansen and Danish Furnituremakers Control labels, indicating authenticity and quality standards in accordance with Danish modern traditions.

The chair measures 64.5 cm in width, 50 cm in depth, and 81.5 cm in height (25.4 x 19.7 x 32.1 inches). The seat height is adjustable via the central post mechanism. This piece is a significant and collectible example of Jacobsen’s applied design, bridging residential elegance and office functionality in the mid-century Scandinavian canon.