Kai Kristiansen mirror

This wall-mounted mirror, crafted in oak and measuring 59 cm by 105 cm, is a hallmark of Danish modern design from the 1950s. The frame’s solid oak exhibits a warm golden hue that has mellowed gracefully with age, its surface showcasing pronounced grain patterns and occasional faint lines where the wood has settled over time. The glass sits flush within a subtly chamfered edge, its reflective plane uninterrupted by bevels or ornamentation, emphasizing the purity of form.

The overall shape is a minimalist rectangle with gently rounded internal corners, a detail that lends softness to the otherwise strict geometry. At each outer corner of the frame, exposed round tenons serve both as structural joinery and as an aesthetic signature of fine cabinetmaking. These tenons contrast slightly in tone, drawing the eye to the precision of the mortise-and-tenon joints. The depth of the frame, at 2 cm, ensures the mirror sits close to the wall, reinforcing its integration into an interior rather than projecting as a separate object.

Kai Kristiansen (born 1929) brought to this design the rigor of his cabinetmaking training and the human-centered ethos of Kaare Klint’s Royal Danish Academy school. His work is defined by strict geometric logic tempered by a concern for everyday use and comfort; here, that balance is evident in the unobtrusive scale, the gentle rounding of corners, and the unobstructed sightlines provided by the flush glass. The mirror invites engagement rather than demanding attention, making it a functional yet quietly elegant presence in a hallway, dressing area, or living room.

Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark, this piece bears the Danish Furnituremakers Control stamp on its reverse, a guarantee of craftsmanship and material quality upheld by national standards. Kjersgaard’s workshop was renowned for its refined joinery, choice of solid timbers, and collaborations with leading designers. The oak frame’s finish remains original, with only minor surface marks and a few light scratches on the glass that testify to measured use without detracting from its visual clarity.

This mirror embodies the spirit of mid-century Danish modernism: honest materials, restrained detailing, and an unwavering focus on utility. Its condition is very good, with the wood’s patina and the glass’s slight wear adding to its authenticity rather than signaling neglect. As a surviving example of Kristiansen’s early work and Kjersgaard’s production excellence, it stands as both a practical accessory and a piece of design history.