The work of furniture designer Illum Wikkelsø wholly embodies the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. With their organic forms and wealth of angles inspired by the Danish countryside, his vintage lounge chairs, sofas and other seating pieces offer ergonomic comfort and lasting visual appeal.
Born Kristian Illum Wikkelsø and raised in a town near Faaborg, Denmark, the designer grew up around carpentry and cabinetmaking. He apprenticed with a cabinetmaker in his teens and enrolled in classes at the Technical Society School in Copenhagen as well as the Danish School of Arts & Crafts. At the latter, Wikkelsø studied under Kaare Klint, an architect and designer widely recognized as the father of modern Danish furniture.
After completing his studies, Wikkelsø went on to work with famed Danish architect and furniture maker Jacob Kjær. After a time with Kjær, he moved on. He went to work for designer and architect Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen at Hvidt & Mølgaard, a firm established by Mølgaard-Nielsen — Wikkelsø’s former instructor at the Technical Society School — and Peter Hvidt that yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years.
In 1954, Wikkelsø opened his own design studio in Aarhus, Denmark. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, he made quite a name for himself, with designs that were new and innovative to the industry at the time. He created furniture for Holger Christiansen and secured commissions from the Danish government. While he’s likely best known today for his inviting teak and leather lounge chairs or slender rosewood dining chairs, some of Wikkelsø’s 1960s-era lounge chairs merged Danish craftsmanship and Pop art with their unconventionally shaped chrome frames and vibrantly colored upholstery.
Wikkelsø passed away in 1999, but collectors around the world continue to prize his outstanding designs.
Find vintage Illum Wikkelsø tables, seating and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Living Room Set Model Plexus by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg, 1960
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful living room set designed by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, Silkeborg, in Denmark, 1960, consisting of two armchairs, a three-seater sofa (with additional possible con...
Upholstery, Wicker, Oak
Set of Danish Teak Lounge Chairs and Tray Table by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With gorgeous striped fabric upholstery and teak frames, this pair of Danish lounge chairs is completed by a tray-topped square coffee table. Please confirm item location with seller...
Upholstery, Plastic, Teak
$3,300
H 27 in W 31.5 in D 29 in
Classic pair Illum Wikkelsø Ringstol Lounge Chairs Scandinavian Modern Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning matched pair Ringstol Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, woven wicker seats and backs ..All original and untouched.wonderful original pat...
Wicker, Wood
Living room set by Mobilgirgi, 1970s
By Mobil Girgi
Located in Buzzò, Emilia-Romagna
Experience the fusion of wood and velvet from the 1970s, with this exclusive living room set by Mobilgirgi. The set is composed of 1 sofa (depth: 80cm x width: 152cm x height: 83cm) ...
Fabric, Velvet, Wood
1960s Rare Living Room Oak Set, Finland
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered In quality 100% recycled KIRGBY fabric. - Wooden parts have been carefully refurbished. - The dimesnions of the chairs : height 75cm, seat height 44cm, width: ...
Fabric, Wood
$8,701 / set
H 31.5 in W 37.8 in D 31.11 in
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for C F Christensen Silkeborg, 1972
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Pair of Lounge Chairs, designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Silkeborg, 1972. Solid teak wood with a curved frame. Danish design from the 1970s with high-quality craftsmanship. We can orga...
Fabric, Teak
$1,110
H 29.14 in W 26.78 in D 29.14 in
Danish Rosewood Capella Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This lounge chair No. 4 or the Capella chair was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in 1959 and manufactured by Niels Erik Eilersen in the early 1960s. It featur...
Leather, Rosewood
$2,312Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.01 in W 29.14 in D 31.5 in
1960's ILLUM WIKKELSO Teak & Leather Lounge Chair - Niels Eilersen, Denmark
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Bern, CH
1960's ILLUM WIKKELSO Teak & Leather Lounge Chair. Beautifully constructed solid teak lounge chair with original black leather upholstery. Designed by Illum Wikkelso and produce...
Leather, Teak
$5,347 / set
H 32 in W 29 in D 29 in
Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg MCM Danish Rosewood Genius Lounge Chairs - Pair
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg Mid Century Danish Rosewood Genius Lounge Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 29 wide x 29 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm he...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$7,541 / set
H 24.81 in W 25.6 in D 24.41 in
Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, 1962
By Holger Christiansen, Finn Juhl, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Berlin, DE
A beautiful rare pair of lounge chairs, designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Holger Christiansen in the 1960ies. Both chairs are in very good original condition with just ...
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Danish Mid-Century Lounge Chair with Oak Frame
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century lounge chair with shaped oak frame and caramel leather sling seat and back. (ILLUM WIKKELSØ) Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chair, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1950s Comfortable lounge chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair is characterized by the high backrest t...
Fabric, Teak
$2,800 / set
H 28.5 in W 29 in D 26 in
Illum Wikkelso Danish Pair of Plexus Chairs & Ottoman Teak & Original Upholstery
By Illum Wikkelsø, CFC Silkeborg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This vintage Danish set is constructed of teak and retains the original striped wool upholstery. The visual lightness of this Nordic styling is complemented by an unparalleled comfor...
Upholstery, Teak
Ringstol Lounge by Illum Wikkelso
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Minneapolis, MN
a vintage original lounge chair crafted from tinted beechwood and woven papercord. signature hoop or ring shaped lounge frame with a woven cord seat and back that come together at a...
Papercord, Beech
Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen, Capella Bench and table 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Oirlo, LI
Step back into the golden age of Danish design with this classic rectangular coffee table from the Capella series, crafted by renowned designer Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s for Niels ...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 27.56 in W 76 in D 27.56 in
Living Room Set Model Plexus by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg, 1960
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful living room set designed by Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christensen, Silkeborg, in Denmark, 1960, consisting of two armchairs, a three-seater sofa (with additional possible configurations) and a coffee table with oak frames, and back and sides pieces in French wicker. The loose cushions are upholstered in light striped wool fabric...
Upholstery, Wicker, Oak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 39.38 in D 43.31 in
Illum Wikkelsø Apollo seating group in cognac leather for Ryesberg Møbler, 1970s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Ryesberg Møbler
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
The Apollo set by renowned designer Illum Wikkelsø in an extraordinary large set. The set consist of four seats, two ottomans with two pillows, two middle pieces and a corner piece. ...
Leather, Wood
Sold
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
1970s Vintage Modular Seating Group by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare modular seating group from the 1970s. Design by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg. The seating group can be designed individually. Table with acyrlic top, inside with light. Fram...
Fabric, Acrylic, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø - Plexus living room set
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Design - in excelent condotion “Plexus” Living room set designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s. Manufactured by CFC Silkeborg Furniture, Denmark. The woven cane is in perf...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
1970s Modular Seating Group by Illum Wikkelso for CFC Silkeborg
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
1970's Modular seating group by Illum Wikkelso for CFC Silkeborg Extremely rare Modular seating group designed by Illum Wikkelso, ...
Wood, Ash
Pair of Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Copenhagen, DK
V11, 2 easy chairs with stools in patinated brown leather on legs of Brazilian rosewood. Maker Holger Christiansen.
Leather
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Gloucester, GB
Lounge chair and ottoman by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1960s - Price is for the set - Teak frames with slanted design - Original black leather - Designed by Illum Wikkelsø - Produ...
Teak
Danish Modern Three-Piece Sofa and Pair of Armchairs by Illum Wikkelso
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Fabulous quality 1958 Danish solid exotic hardwood three-seat sofa and matching armchairs 'Capella series' by Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilersen. Sturdy and in wonderful original cond...
Leather
Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Gloucester, GB
Lounge chair and ottoman by Illum Wikkelsø, circa 1960s - Price is for the set - Teak frames with slanted design - Original black leather - Designed by Illum Wikkelsø - Produ...
Teak
Sold
H 27.96 in W 82.29 in D 32.29 in
Reupholstered Green/Blue Sofa ML-90 by Illum Wikkelsø for Michael Laursen, 1960s
By Michael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Clearly recognizable as an Illum Wikkelsø design is this comfortable ML-90 sofa. This sofa was made mid-1960s by the Michael Laursen factory. A fairly unconventional design with quad...
Wool, Teak
Plywood Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Illum Wikkelso
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Dronten, NL
Unusual pair of lounge chairs with matching ottoman in black dyed plywood designed by Illum Wikkelso for CFC Silkeborg. Striking combo with white fabric in very nice vintage conditio...
Fabric, Plywood