Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen never compromised on quality. His furniture is known for its impeccable craftsmanship, and unlike many designers of his day, Henningsen — a dogged perfectionist — rarely permitted any of his pieces to be built outside of his own workshop. Each of his elegant low-profile tables, chairs and sofas feature the clean lines and graceful curves typically associated with vintage mid-century modern and Scandinavian modern furniture.
Henningsen was born in 1889 and apprenticed as a cabinetmaker in the early 1900s. He was mentored by the well-known and respected cabinetmaker I.P. Mørck and completed his apprenticeship at the age of 22.
Henningsen also studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where one of his teachers was legendary furniture designer Kaare Klint, who is frequently called the father of Danish modernism. Henningsen saw Klint as a friendly rival, which motivated him to refine his craftsmanship and technique.
Henningsen traveled throughout Germany, France, and Great Britain to gather knowledge, experience and inspiration. He returned to Copenhagen in 1915 and set up a furniture store and workshop to create and sell his own designs. He also developed relationships with Rud Rasmussen and Carl Hansen & Søn, the only furniture manufacturers he trusted to produce his designs.
Bucking the angular and geometric furniture trends of the time, Henningsen embraced fluid and organic forms. Much of his inspiration came from the Rococo, French Empire and British 17th-century styles he encountered on his travels. The 1930 Heritage chair is a prime example of these influences. It features soft, curving lines and has a sophisticated appeal.
Another piece that showcases Henningsen’s style and craftsmanship is the 1952 Signature chair. A striking work that features an inviting curved seat atop sinuous carved wood legs, the Signature chair was his last design.
The straightforward and timeless style of Henningsen furniture continues to enjoy popularity today. In fact, in 2015, Carl Hansen & Son reissued the iconic Signature chair.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Frits Henningsen seating, side tables and cabinets on 1stDibs.
Freestanding Cabinet in Rosewood, Brass and Leather by Frits Henningsen, 1950's
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Cabinet in Rosewood, Brass and Leather by Frits Henningsen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass and leather Pro...
Brass
Frits Henningsen Solid Wood Cabinet with Tambour Door, Denmark, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Classic design with expert craftsmanship. This how this cabinet and the Danish master cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen could be best described. Unlike most cabinetmakers, Henningsen always designed his own furniture pieces, creating exclusively handmade pieces, like this cabinet. This elegant deep cabinet is made of luxurious book mirrored...
Wood
$10,927
H 59.85 in W 48.43 in D 13.39 in
Two-Door Solid Oak Cabinet with Scalloped Panels, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
In the style of Guillerme et Chambron, two-door display cabinet, solid oak, France, 1950s. This display cabinet stands on two substantial cylindrical drum feet set on a low, stepped...
Oak
Arne Vodder for Sibast Danish Teak Tambour Door Stereo Cabinet
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A striking record and stereo console designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler, Denmark, crafted in rich teak and bearing the original Sibast Furniture and Danish Furnituremakers Con...
Teak
$3,380
H 51.38 in W 51.19 in D 16.34 in
Danish Modern, Sclulptural Classic Cabinet in Oak and Burl Wood Veneer, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined Dansih cabinet crafted in oak with decorative burl wood veneer panels, dating to the 1940s-1950s. The facade features four geometrically framed panels with beautifully figu...
Oak, Burl, Birch
Tambour Door File Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century style rolling door cabinet with shallow drawers. Great for home or office storage. Please confirm location NY or NJ
Teak
$29,025
H 61.82 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Exceptional Bo Lindahl Cabinet in Walnut and Rosewood Marquetry, Sweden, 1953
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional cabinet was designed and handcrafted by Bo Lindahl in Sweden. This unique masterpiece was created as a journeyman's piece at the Central Workshop School in Häggvik, ...
Brass
$1,102
H 59.85 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s.
By Bjerringbro Kontormøbler
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Filing Cabinet with Tambour Door by Bjerringbro, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern file cabinet with vertical sliding tambour front in teak made by Bjerring...
Teak
Art Nouveau Filing Cabinet with Tambour Shutter Door, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Art Nouveau filing cabinet. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original tambour shutter door. Original patinated brass handles and lock pl...
Oak
$7,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 60.5 in W 31.5 in D 17.25 in
Aldo Tura Lacquered Goatskin, Rosewood and Brass Italian Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Aldo Tura
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A freshly refinished Aldo Tura dry bar cabinet, crafted in Italy circa 1950s, showcasing Tura’s signature mix of luxury materials and sculptural mid-century form. The cabinet is fini...
Brass
Danish Teak Cabinet , 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Cabinet on tapered legs, front with two doors, behind which shelves and pull-out trays. Denmark, middle of the 20th century.
Teak
Rosewood Display Cabinet by Skovby
By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rich rosewood cabinet with glass doors and shelves by Skovby. Please confirm location.
Rosewood
Bodil Kjær 1950s Rosewood 2-Drawer Cabinet
By Bodil Kjaer
Located in San Francisco, CA
designed in 1959 by Bodil Kjær to accompany her iconic ‘James Bond’ desk in a well-figured and deeply patinated rosewood; manufacrtured by E. Pedersen & Søn for Jason Møbler; fitted ...
Rosewood
$3,471 / item
H 63 in W 25.6 in D 16.93 in
French Armoirette Cabinet with 1 folding Door in solid cherry wood
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This French armoire is part of the Mélanie collection, a modern interpretation of the French Directoire style of the late 18th century. The Directoire style is famous for its straigh...
Brass
Danish Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen Book Cabinets 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair book case cabinets by the danish cabinetmaker and designer Frits Henningsen 1940s. In front with doors and shelfes. Inside with drawers. Very good vinta...
Wood
Sideboard in Mahogany Designed by Frits Heningsen, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Sideboard in mahogany, designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Brass
Sold
H 38.19 in W 20.48 in D 12.6 in
Midcentury Cabinet in Rosewood by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, 1950s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Cabinet in rosewood designed and made by Frits Henningsen cabinetmakers Copenhagen in the 1950s. Made in Denmark, Great original condition.
Rosewood
Sold
H 30.32 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Danish Cabinet in Mahogany, Designed by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Cabinet in mahogany, designed and made by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Great original condition, circa 1940s.
Mahogany
Sold
H 45.5 in W 16.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Frits Henningsen Mahogany Freestanding Pedestal Cabinets, circa 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Danish mahogany freestanding pedestal cabinets by Frits Henningsen, circa 1940s, the square top above paneled sides all around and a single door, raised on a pedestal base....