With a passion for math and engineering, Kai Kristiansen has created high-quality wood furniture for decades. Beginning in the 1950s, his coffee tables, chairs, modular shelving and other furnishings were made in the style that would become internationally renowned as Danish modern and boasted clean lines, perfected functionality and exacting craftsmanship.
Born in Denmark, Kristiansen trained in cabinetmaking before studying with Kaare Klint, often cited as the “father of modern Danish design,” at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At just 26 years old, Kristiansen opened his own studio.
Kristiansen had his mid-century breakthrough in 1956 with the Chair #42, which he made with Schou Andersen. Unlike most other chairs at the time, Chair #42’s armrests, with their wealth of radical angles, were connected to the back rather than the front legs. This unconventional flourish makes the backrest appear as though it is floating in midair above the seat.
Kristiansen’s next innovation was a modular wall system in 1957 — three years ahead of Dieter Rams’s more famous 606 Universal Shelving System. Called the Reolsystem Wall Unit, produced by SB Feldballes Møbelfabrik, it’s also known as the FM Wall Unit as FM/Fornem Møbelkunst began producing it in the 1960s.
Kristiansen would go on to work with other leading Danish furniture manufacturers such as Magnus Olesen, Fritz Hansen and Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik, designing everything from chairs and desks to sideboards and cabinets, frequently in rosewood and teak. (The latter was a sought-after wood by Scandinavian modern designers.)
While many of Kristiansen’s timeless designs remain in production, such as his Paper Knife sofa, which was reintroduced by Miyazaki Chair Factory in 2008, and his 1950s Entré collection, which was relaunched with Great Dane Furniture in 2016, others are prized as vintage mid-century pieces.
Today, Kristiansen is still at work on new furniture with an expert eye to thoughtfully functional designs that are made to last.
Find a collection of vintage Kai Kristiansen furniture on 1stDibs.
Kai Kristiansen, Set of Six Teak, Model 31 Dining Chairs & Matching Dining Table
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen. A set of six teak framed, Model 31 dining chairs with curved upholstered backs and a matching rectangular teak dining table, very sleek and compact but spacious wh...
Teak
$3,497Sale Price / set|29% Off
Danish Dinner set Kai Kristansen chairs and a table from Korup, 1960 Denmark.
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Oirlo, LI
Vintage Danish rectangular extendable dining table from the 1960s with 1 extendable leaf from the Danish brand Korup. Subtle wood drawing and design. The table has a large size. The extension system allows you to turn the table into a large rectangular table of 175 cm. You can also choose not to use an intermediate sheet if you wish. The pull-out system is user-friendly. Set of four (4) Danish modern dining...
Fabric, Teak
Extendable Round Dining Table by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Göteborg, SE
This elegant dining table is a timeless creation by Danish furniture designer Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by the renowned Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. Ka...
Rosewood
$4,896 / set
H 29.93 in W 21.26 in D 21.26 in
1960s Kai Kristiansen Set of 6 Model 32 Teak Dining Chairs in Sheepskin Fabric
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Praha, CZ
Carefully refurbished newly upholstered in fabric imitating sheepskin height of seat 46 cm.
Faux Leather, Teak
$5,400 / set
H 17.25 in W 33.375 in D 17 in
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Camden, ME
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
$7,985
H 30.71 in W 21.26 in D 20.48 in
Iconic Scandinavian Set of Six Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, V. Schou Andersen
Located in Antwerp, BE
An absolutely stunning set of six Danish vintage Teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. Handcrafted by cabinetmaker Villy Schou Andersen in Denmark, original edition of 6 dining cha...
Wool, Teak
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29 in W 33.75 in D 12.5 in
Mid Century Danish Dropleaf Storage Table and Chairs
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid Century Modern Space Saver Minimalist Hide Away Dropleaf Table and Chairs Functional Danish design set. Ideal for those...
Teak
$3,100Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 16.93 in
Set Of 6 Dining Chairs Model 31 Made In Dark Wood By Kai Kristiansen From 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of six dining room chairs, model 31, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured by Schou Andersen in the 1960s, is an excellent example of mid-20th century Danish furnitur...
Wood
1960s iron Salterini outdoor bistro dining set, table and two chairs
By Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Wrought iron patio Salterini “Radar” Collection bistro set with two hoop dining height chairs and a table. Designed by Maurizio Tempestini...
Wrought Iron
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood 1960s Danish Dressing Table
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark in the 1...
Rosewood
$6,495
H 29.5 in W 21.25 in D 20 in
Set of 4 Model 42 Dining Chairs in Teak by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, c. 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Deland, FL
This elegant set of four Model 42 dining chairs, designed by Kai Kristiansen, showcases the timeless sophistication of Mid-Century Danish design. Crafted from solid teak with a warm,...
Teak
$2,630 / set
H 29.93 in W 19.69 in D 17.72 in
Set of 4 Model 31 Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen in Teak, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Rødding, DK
A classic and highly coveted set of four Model 31 dining chairs, designed by the Danish modernist master Kai Kristiansen circa 1960. This set is a definitive example of Danish Modern...
Fabric, Teak
$1,800 / set
H 16 in W 16 in D 16 in
Pair of Vintage Rosewood Side Tables by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elegant pair of Mid-Century Modern side tables designed by Kai Kristiansen, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s. Each table showcases beautiful natural rosewood grain with rich tonal...
Rosewood
$4,429 / set
H 30.71 in W 18.12 in D 19.3 in
Mid Century Modern Dining Set in Walnut, Round Table and 4 A. Šuman Chairs, 1960
By Antonín Šuman
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This unique dining set consists of an elegant, round, extendable table (made in Poland) and four original vintage chairs designed by Antonín Šuman (made in Czechoslovakia). It is a g...
Walnut
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Dining Set
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Beautiful Brazilian Rosewood dining chairs and dining table with leather top designed by Kai Kristiansen. Made in Denmark in the 1950s, t...
Leather, Rosewood
Dining Set, Designed by Kai Kristiansen, Danish Design, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dining set, designed by Kai Kristiansen, Danish design, 1960s Very good condition, after renovation. Rosewood set, table is extendable with 1 additional insert. Dimensions :...
Cotton, Rosewood
Danish Modern Rosewood Dining Room Set by Kai Kristiansen 1960s
By Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish modern rosewood dining room set by Kai Kristiansen for Schou Andersen Denmark 1960s Danish mid-century modern extendable dining table with six chairs. Chairs: Set of six Danish Mid-Century Modern dining room chairs in solid Rosewood. Upholstered with beautiful original green leather which is very rare to find. Wide curved backrest. Round tapered legs. Very comfortable with good back support. A well known Danish design classic. Very good condition. Gently restored with respect for the original patina. The original rubber girths has been replaced with new support material. Wood have been cleaned and polished. Fitted with new felt gliders. Expectable small scratches on leather and wood, beautiful patina and colors. Ready for use. Table: Vintage Danish round extendable rosewood dining...
Rosewood
Dining Set, Fire Model, Danish Design, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dining set, fire model, Danish design, 1960s Very good condition. A set from Denmark from the 1960s. It is in very good condition, after the wood renovation process. It has two...
Teak
Table and 6 Chairs, Design by Kai Kristiansen, Danish Design, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Table and 6 chairs, design by Kai Kristiansen, Danish design, 1960s Very good condition. Dimensions: table height 71 cm, diameter 115 cm long after unfolding 225 cm.
Teak
Sold
H 31.82 in W 18.31 in D 18.71 in
Danish Dining Room Set by Kai Kristiansen for Korup Stolefabrik Solid Teak, 1950
By Kai Kristiansen, Korup Stolefabrik
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous and fully original Danish design dining room set designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Korup Stolefabrik in the 1950s. The table and chairs are made out of solid Teak and loo...
Wool, Teak
Dining Room Table Set with Kai Kristiansen Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Table set, Danish design, 1960s. Very good condition. Table is made of rosewood and chairs from teak. The Kai Kristiansen, model 31, chairs have been replaced with a new upholstery. ...
Rosewood, Teak
Sold
H 28.75 in Dm 48.04 in
Danish Design Dining Set of Rosewood Table and Four Kai Kristiansen Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Table set of 4 chairs + table. Designer chairs by Kai Kristiansen, model 31. Very good condition. The table and chairs are after renovation and replacement of the upholstery wit...
Rosewood
Sold
H 29.14 in Dm 45.28 in
Scandinavian Modern Dining Set of Rosewood Folding Table & Kai Kristianen Chairs
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
243/5000 Table set, Denmark, 1960s The whole set is after renovation. The chairs are upholstered with new upholstery and are designed by Kai Kristiansen, model Compass. Dim...
Rosewood
Sold
H 27.96 in Dm 45.28 in
Set of Six Compass Chairs by Kai Kristiansen with Table, Danish Design, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Chorzów, PL
A set of six rosewood "Compass" chairs by Kai Kristiansen and table. Set manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. The chairs with the original upholstery. Table's width (unfolded) Mea...
Rosewood
Kai Krstiansen For SVA Mobler Danish Chairs And Table 1970s Teak
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic sculptural set by Kai Kristiansen for SVA Mobler. Chairs have a sculptural, almost American Craft feel. Table has a crusiform base, no leaves. Set consists of five pieces-t...
Sold
H 31.89 in W 20.87 in D 21.66 in
Space Saving Dining Set - Danish Midcentury by Kai Kristiansen & Nils Jonsson
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Highclere, Newbury
Danish Midcentury space saving dining set featuring a set of 6 Kai Kristiansen chairs matched to a Nils Jonsson extending table. This is a perfect choi...
Teak