Kai Kristiansen dining chairs

This set of six dining chairs, model 42, was designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1956 and produced by Villy Schou Andersen in Denmark. The chairs are executed in rosewood with upholstered seats and backrests in green fabric. Model 42 is among Kristiansen’s most recognized works, notable for its refined balance between sculptural form and ergonomic design. The backrest is slightly curved and tilts to follow the body’s natural posture, while the sharply angled armrests integrate seamlessly into the frame, creating a distinctive Z-shaped profile.

The rosewood frames display rich grain patterns characteristic of the material, enhancing the visual depth and elegance of the design. The joinery and construction emphasize Danish craftsmanship of the mid-century period, where durability and precise detailing were paramount. The green upholstery provides a subtle contrast against the warm rosewood, adding both comfort and restrained sophistication. This set remains in excellent condition, with the wood and upholstery preserved to a high standard, showing only minimal signs of age.

Kai Kristiansen (b. 1929) was a Danish furniture designer associated with the mid-century modern movement. He trained as a cabinetmaker and studied under Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, which shaped his strong sense of functionalism and proportion. Kristiansen’s designs are known for their clarity, innovative forms, and refined craftsmanship. Model 42 is one of his most enduring contributions, celebrated for its sculptural qualities and practical comfort.

Produced by Villy Schou Andersen, a Danish cabinetmaker and manufacturer, these chairs reflect the collaboration between skilled production and modernist design that defined the golden era of Danish furniture. The model is considered a hallmark of 1950s Danish modern style, combining organic form, minimalism, and high-quality natural materials.

Each chair measures 54 cm in width, 55 cm in depth, and 74.5 cm in height (21.3 x 21.7 x 29.3 inches). The seat height is 44 cm (17.3 inches), and the armrest height is 68 cm (26.8 inches).