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.
$1,325Sale Price|20% Off
H 35.83 in W 22.84 in D 28.75 in
Illum Wikkelsø IW3 Rocking Chair for Niels Eilersen
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
One of the most iconic rocking chairs produced during the Danish mid century furniture period, the IW3 is ergonomically designed and...
Beech
Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern rocking chair in ebonized wood model IW3 designed 1958 by Illum Wikkelsø.
Lacquer
$1,086
H 35.44 in W 22.45 in D 28.75 in
1960s Illum Wikkelso Gyngestol No. 3 Rocking Chair for Niels Eilersen, 2 items a
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use - high of seat 42 cm
Wood
Rocking Chair Rocker Design by Sven Erik Fryklund by Hagafors
By Hagafors Stolfabrik 1, Sven Erik Fryklund
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A scandinavian rocking chair by Sven Erik Fryklund produced by Hagafors in Sweden. Teak wood and black lacquered beechwood. The armrests are well made ...
Beech, Teak, Lacquer
$1,980
H 36.23 in W 24.02 in D 28.75 in
Danish Modern, Illum Wikkelsø Rocking Chair for N. Eilersen, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant rocking chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by N. Eilersen, Denmark, during the 1960s. The chair showcases Wikkelsø’s characteristic balance between organic form an...
Lambskin, Wool, Beech
Rare Mid Century Rocking Chair by Torsten Claeson
By Torsten Claeson
Located in Allerum, SE
Rare mid century Swedish Modern rocking chair, designed by Torsten Claeson and manufactured by Steneby Hemslöjd. 1940s, Sweden.
Pine
Rocking chair 'J16' by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Classic rocking chair model 'J19' designed by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, during the 1960s.
Seagrass, Beech
1960s Varjosen Puunjalostus Beech Rocking Chair, Finland
By Varjosen Puunjalostus
Located in Praha, CZ
- sturdy and stable - signs of use, patina,see the photos jr
Beech
The J 16 Shaker Rocking Chair by Hans J. Wegner for FDB
By FDB Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Shaker Style Scandinavian Modern rocking chair designed by Hans Wegner in beech wood with a woven paper cord seat. Made in Denmark by FDB, circa 1970s.
Papercord, Beech
$2,295
H 42 in W 25 in D 36 in
Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair Model J16 by Hans Wegner Beechwood & Cord Seat
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Scandinavian Modern rocking chair Model J16 by Hans Wegner composed of a beechwood frame, hand twisted natural cord seat, & a clear lacquered finish. This piece ...
Cord, Wood, Beech, Lacquer
Danish Mid-Century Teak High Back Lounge Chair by Gustav Thams.
By Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik, Gustav Thams
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Mid-Century Teak High Back Lounge Chair by Gustav Thams. The designer chair is designed as a high-backed chair and the model is called: Condor. The upholstery is from around t...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century Chair by Horst Romanus Wanke, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
This chair by Horst Romanus Wanke is a really special and rare piece. The high backrest makes the chair almost a throne. Horst Romanus Wanke not only use...
Wood
italian Vintage Craftsmanship: 1950s Rattan Chair – Boho Chic Elegance
Located in Hamburg, DE
Indulge in the allure of mid-century Italian design with our finely crafted Rattan Chair from the 1950s. This masterpiece boasts an organic form that catches the eye, highlighted by two graceful struts extending from the backrest to the front legs. Despite its age, this chair stands testament to durability, maintaining a stable and excellent condition. Perfectly suited for the Boho style enthusiast, this Rattan Chair is a single piece that effortlessly transforms any neglected corner into a focal point. Its timeless charm not only enhances your decor but also adds a touch of vintage sophistication to your living space. Embrace the unique character of this Italian gem, bringing not just a chair but a piece of history into your home. Seize the opportunity to infuse your space with the elegance of yesteryears through this well-preserved 1950s Rattan Chair
Rattan
Timeless Elegance: Gian Franco Legler's Boho Basket Chair in Rattan
By Gian Franco Legler
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing the Basket Chair by designer Gian Franco Legler – a masterpiece crafted from exquisite rattan. Gian Franco Legler, known for his innovative designs, seamlessly blends com...
Metal
Timeless Elegance: Gian Franco Legler's Boho Basket Chair in Rattan
By Gian Franco Legler
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing the Basket Chair by designer Gian Franco Legler – a masterpiece crafted from exquisite rattan. Gian Franco Legler, known for his innovative designs, seamlessly blends com...
Metal
Timeless Elegance: Gian Franco Legler's Boho Basket Chair in Rattan
By Gian Franco Legler
Located in Hamburg, DE
Introducing the Basket Chair by designer Gian Franco Legler – a masterpiece crafted from exquisite rattan. Gian Franco Legler, known for his innovative designs, seamlessly blends com...
Metal
