Illum Wikkelsø easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model 451, was designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark in 1958. Crafted from rosewood and upholstered in brown leather, these chairs exemplify the Danish mid-century modern approach to seating, balancing sculptural form, material richness, and relaxed ergonomics.

The frames are constructed from solid rosewood, a dense and durable tropical hardwood prized for its deep, richly veined grain. The wood has aged to a lustrous dark reddish-brown tone, highlighting its natural character. Each chair features a low, wide stance with a sweeping backrest and a deep, inclined seat designed to promote a comfortable lounging posture. The seats and backrests are upholstered in the original cognac brown leather, which has developed a visible patina over time, including surface markings and tonal variations. The leather remains tight and intact, showing signs of graceful aging that add textural depth to the pieces.

The design is notable for its sharply angled rear legs that flow upward to support the floating backrest. The arm panels extend flatly, forming a unified plane with the seat sides and contributing to the chairs’ strong architectural silhouette. The seat is subtly suspended within the frame beneath the upholstery, a detail that reduces visual mass and introduces slight flexibility to enhance comfort.

Illum Wikkelsø (1919–1999) was a key figure in Danish modernism, celebrated for his intuitive forms and dedication to comfort and construction quality. His designs often balance organic curves with functional requirements, and model 451, introduced in the late 1950s, reflects an experimental approach to mass and contour.

Each chair measures 78 cm wide, 70 cm deep, and 77 cm high, with a seat height of 39 cm (approximately 30.7 x 27.6 x 30.3 inches, seat height 15.4 inches). The chairs are in very good vintage condition, with structurally sound rosewood frames and well-preserved surface finishes. The leather upholstery is original and intact, showing a consistent patina with natural age-related wear. Offered as a pair, these chairs represent a rare and authentic example of Wikkelsø’s refined design philosophy and Danish mid-century modern heritage.