Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind easy chairs
This modular seating group, model 175 “Moduline” was conceived in 1962 by Danish designers Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind and brought to life by France & Søn in Denmark. Each armless lounge unit features a solid rosewood frame with a lustrous, reddish-brown grain that ranges from deep chocolate veins to lighter honeyed streaks. The timber is expertly milled to precise, squared edges and joined with exposed mortise-and-tenon construction, underscoring the system’s architectural clarity and structural honesty.
The seating surfaces are formed by generously proportioned cushions upholstered in original black leather. The hide’s matte finish has mellowed over time, developing a supple patina and subtle creases that attest to both its durability and gentle use. Deep tufting and low-profile button detailing articulate each cushion into a rhythmic grid, lending sculptural volume and a tactile richness. Beneath the cushions, a hidden suspension of interlaced webbing provides responsive support, balancing firmness with resilience.
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen (1930–2009) and Torben Lind forged their collaborative reputation on modular and multifunctional furniture, emphasizing flexibility and user-defined configurations. With Moduline, they translated functionalist principles into an elegant seating system: three identical units can stand alone as lounge chairs or join seamlessly to form sofas of varying lengths. This adaptability made the design equally suited to private living rooms, executive lounges, and reception areas.
France & Søn, active at the forefront of mid-century Danish furniture production, was renowned for pairing artisan craftsmanship with contemporary design. The company’s workshops in Denmark delivered meticulous finish work—from the even stain and hand-rubbed polish on the rosewood to the precise tailoring of the leather upholstery. Each unit bears a discreet metal tag and serial stamp on its underside, confirming its provenance and serial number within the original production run.
This configuration remains in very good vintage condition. The rosewood frames show only minor surface patina consistent with careful use, with no splits or loose joints. The leather upholstery retains full integrity, with uniform wear and no tears or discoloration. Each section measures 59 cm in width, 72 cm in depth, and 70.5 cm in height, with a seat height of 38 cm—approximately 23.2 by 28.3 by 27.8 inches overall, and a 15-inch seat height—offering balanced proportions and timeless appeal.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 59 / D: 72 / H: 70.5 / Seat H: 38 |
Producer | France & Son |
Color | Black |
Decade | 1960s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Leather, Rosewood |
Designed in | 1962 |
Item Number | 131198 |
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen
Torben Lind