Kaare Klint sofa

This very rare two-seat sofa, model no. 5011, was designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Rud. Rasmussen in Denmark in 1935. A quintessential example of early Danish functionalism, the piece demonstrates Klint’s approach to furniture as a meticulous balance of proportion, craftsmanship, and human scale — principles that would go on to define Scandinavian modern design.

The sofa is crafted from Cuban mahogany, a prized hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown hue, tight grain, and exceptional durability. The warm tone of the frame contrasts beautifully with the original niger leather upholstery, which displays a deep patina developed over decades of use. The patina enhances the natural character of the leather, showing variations in tone and texture that testify to the material’s quality and longevity. Its high, slightly flared sides and gently inclined backrest offer both architectural presence and ergonomic support, while the exposed wooden base provides structural integrity and visual lightness.

Kaare Klint (1888–1954) is widely regarded as the father of modern Danish furniture design. A professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Klint was instrumental in establishing design as a discipline rooted in functionality, tradition, and craftsmanship. His designs for Rud. Rasmussen — one of Denmark’s most respected cabinetmakers — exemplify these ideals, with each piece carefully proportioned and crafted to meet the human body and the space it occupies.

The model no. 5011 sofa remains one of Klint’s most refined and enduring designs. Originally conceived for institutional and residential interiors, it reflects the transition from historicist styles to modernist simplicity, while retaining a sense of understated luxury. Pieces like this are now highly sought after for their historical significance and timeless aesthetic.

Dimensions are 132 cm wide, 75 cm deep, and 92 cm high, with a seat height of 41 cm (52 x 29.5 x 36.2 in, SH 16.1 in)