Bernt Petersen easy chair

This rare easy chair, designed by Danish architect and furniture designer Bernt Petersen in 1964, is a distinctive example of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. The chair combines a natural oak frame with handwoven cane panels on the sides and back, offering a warm, textural contrast to the deep black leather cushions. The frame is constructed with clean, angular lines and a visibly refined joinery that reflects the Danish design emphasis on both function and clarity of form.

The oak has a golden hue with expressive grain patterns, contributing to the chair’s visual depth. The canework is intact with minor signs of wear, showing isolated breaks and slight fraying, consistent with age and use. The original black leather upholstery on both the seat and backrest has developed a soft patina, along with creasing and wear that is expected from regular use. The overall condition is good vintage, with structurally sound integrity and honest signs of age throughout.

Bernt Petersen, known for his minimalist and elegant approach, was active primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. He trained under furniture master Kaare Klint and worked with notable Danish firms such as FDB and Rud. Rasmussen. His work often emphasized the use of natural materials and traditional techniques while maintaining modern sensibilities. This chair was produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, a Danish workshop recognized for producing limited, high-quality furniture during the mid-20th century.

Stylistically, the chair is an archetype of Scandinavian modernism, merging simplicity with tactile material richness. It reflects the era’s values of craftsmanship, organic materials, and understated luxury.

The dimensions are 64 cm in width, 80 cm in depth, and 78 cm in height, with a seat height of 40 cm. In inches, this translates to approximately 25.2 inches wide, 31.5 inches deep, and 30.7 inches high, with a seat height of 15.7 inches.