Henning Kjærnulf dining chairs

This set of eight dining chairs was designed by Henning Kjærnulf and produced by EG Kvalitetsmøbel in Denmark during the 1960s. The chairs are crafted from solid oak and exhibit a sculptural approach to traditional forms, reflecting Kjærnulf’s distinctive interpretation of Scandinavian brutalism. The backs of the chairs are shaped with three carved and undulating horizontal slats, each presenting an ornamental silhouette that merges both Gothic and folk-inspired elements. The shaping is bold yet refined, with softly beveled transitions that emphasize the natural grain and texture of the oak.

The oak has been left in a natural finish, displaying a warm, medium-toned hue with visible medullary rays and a consistent open grain that contributes to a sense of material honesty and artisanal solidity. The seats have been recently reupholstered in a neutral bouclé fabric, adding tactile softness and visual contrast to the robust wooden frames. The upholstery is finely tailored and in excellent condition, showing no signs of wear or discoloration. The wooden frames are also in very good condition, retaining their structural integrity and original form with only minor surface wear consistent with age.

Henning Kjærnulf was a Danish furniture designer known for his expressive and often architectural interpretations of vernacular Scandinavian forms. Active mainly during the mid-20th century, Kjærnulf often worked with oak and pine, blending historical references with the clean, functional lines of modern Danish design. His work is noted for its sculptural presence, particularly in chairs and dining tables, where he frequently incorporated deeply carved decorative elements. EG Kvalitetsmøbel, the manufacturer, was a Danish furniture producer known for its quality woodworking and collaboration with notable designers during the 1950s and 60s.

These chairs represent a synthesis of traditional craftsmanship and expressive modernism, aligning with the Brutalist tendency to reveal structure and material. Their visual language is both rustic and deliberate, suitable for both historical and contemporary interiors.

Each chair measures 51.5 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, and 101.5 cm in height. The seat height is 44 cm. In imperial units, this corresponds to approximately 20.3 inches wide, 21.3 inches deep, and 39.9 inches high, with a seat height of 17.3 inches.