Nanna Ditzel & Illum Wikkelsø easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Nanna Ditzel and Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1950s. The design marks an early exploration of organic modernism within Scandinavian furniture, merging sculptural softness with a refined material palette.

The chairs feature a teak base frame paired with cylindrical steel legs ending in teak feet. The seat and backrest form a continuous shell with low-set, gently curved armrests that flow seamlessly into the backrest, creating a single upholstered volume. Their silhouette is characterized by smooth contours and subtle asymmetry, lending the chairs a soft yet architectural presence. The original upholstery is a brown wool fabric with a fine, tight weave and a warm earthy tone, typical of the period.

The chairs are in very good condition, with the original upholstery showing minor wear such as slight compression and surface variation but remaining structurally intact. The teak frames are clean and well-preserved, while the steel legs exhibit a light patina consistent with age.

Nanna Ditzel and Illum Wikkelsø, better known for their individual careers, occasionally collaborated in the 1950s, blending Ditzel’s sculptural approach with Wikkelsø’s functional sensibilities. Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik was recognized for high-end production and partnerships with leading Danish designers, helping elevate Scandinavian design’s international profile during the mid-century.

These chairs reflect the transitional style of the 1950s Danish design scene, shifting from rigid modernist geometry toward more organic, human-centered forms.

The dimensions are 80 centimeters wide, 70 centimeters deep, and 74 centimeters high, with a seat height of 38 centimeters (approximately 31.5 by 27.6 by 29.1 inches, seat height 15 inches).