Poul Kjærholm coffee table

The PK-61 coffee table is a rare design by Poul Kjærholm, produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark during the 1950s. It stands as a quintessential example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design, exemplifying Kjærholm’s characteristic fusion of industrial precision and refined materiality.

The table’s form is defined by its clean, square geometry and minimalist construction. The tabletop is a flat slab of cipollino marble, notable for its intricate pattern of soft green and grey veins set against a creamy white background. This marble, originally quarried in regions of Greece and Italy, is prized for its subtle color variations and expressive mineral textures, which provide both a visual focal point and a tactile quality to the surface.

Supporting the marble is a brushed stainless steel frame, reflecting Kjærholm’s hallmark detailing. Rather than welded joints, the frame’s corners are mechanically joined, underscoring a design ethos centered on transparency and structural honesty. The legs, square in profile, are inset slightly from the marble’s edge, creating an impression of the tabletop floating and allowing light to pass beneath. The base bears the original engraved E. Kold Christensen logo, confirming its authenticity and origin.

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) was a Danish designer renowned for his architectural approach to furniture, replacing traditional wood with metal as the primary structural element. His work often combined steel, stone, and leather in minimalist compositions that celebrate the inherent qualities of each material. The PK-61, introduced in 1956, is among his most acclaimed pieces, demonstrating his expertise in proportion, material junction, and contrast.

E. Kold Christensen was the original manufacturer of Kjærholm’s designs before production transitioned to Fritz Hansen in the late 1980s. Items from the Kold Christensen period are especially valued by collectors for their craftsmanship and adherence to the designer’s vision.

This coffee table measures 80 cm in width, 80 cm in depth, and 33.5 cm in height (approximately 31.5 x 31.5 x 13.2 inches). It is in excellent condition, with the marble top well preserved and showing only minor age-appropriate wear, while the stainless steel frame remains clean and structurally intact.