Furniture maker and architect Ib Kofod-Larsen was one of the greatest design minds to emerge from mid-century Denmark, and his impact was felt across the world, especially in the United States. Kofod-Larsen, who is known for his exemplary seating, tables and storage solutions, understood that the attention to detail, quality materials and functional design ethos of the Scandinavian modernism style he followed would become part of a major international movement.
Due to his foresight and innovation, Kofod-Larsen was one of the best-selling Danish designers in the U.S. in the 1950s, when mid-century modernism was at its most popular.
Originally trained as a cabinetmaker, Kofod-Larsen later studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and was most interested in designing practical yet graceful furniture, although he also dabbled in things like wallpaper and textiles. He favored natural grains and woods like teak and rosewood combined with leather, steel and fabric upholsteries to create inviting pieces. Working with manufacturers such as Faarup Møbelfabrik, Christensen & Larsen and Bovenkamp, he brought his sculptural aesthetic to the world.
Some of his seating designs have earned legendary status: The U-56 chair (1956) was renamed the Elizabeth because England’s Queen Elizabeth II is said to have picked up a pair during a 1958 trip to Denmark. With OPE Möbler, he created the Seal chair (1956) with a wooden frame shaped around leather upholstery. The sculptural Penguin chair (1953), produced by Selig and named for its curved back, became Denmark’s most frequently exported piece of furniture to the U.S. at the time. Its bentwood shell echoes the work of Kofod-Larsen’s modernist contemporaries Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, while its options as a dining, lounging and rocking chair offer versatility for the home.
As mid-century modern furniture experiences a fresh wave of popularity in the U.S. — although, one could argue that it never really went away — Kofod-Larsen’s timeless pieces are among the most coveted vintage finds. Several of his designs continue to be produced, such as the Penguin chair, which has been manufactured by Brdr. Petersen since 2012.
Find vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen furniture today on 1stDibs.
Mid Century Danish Modern Dokka Mobler Side Chair
By Dokka Mobler
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Dokka Mobler Side Chair Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some expected slight finish wear and scratching on frame. Upholstery an...
Teak, Upholstery
Mid Century Danish Modern Ingmar Relling Rocker
By Ingmar Relling
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Danish Modern Ingmar Relling Rocker Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some very slight wear to wood frame....
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Rocker for France and Sons
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Danish Modern Ole Wanscher Rocker...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Side Chair
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating to condition. Please read all the way down through this entire description box to view the entire description of the item. Please keep in mind that these are 40-75 year old items and will have some expected normal wear. We strive to represent our items well, and most of these items are in above average vintage condition. Noticeable flaws will be represented in the listing pictures and the text but we cannot describe or picture every small scratch, ding, or area of slight wear. Once delivered, furniture CANNOT be refused, returned, or refunded unless damage has occurred in the shipping process. Our shipper takes care to wrap each item and pack it safely therefore we have rarely had any issues with damage in transit. All items must be picked up within 3 weeks of order if buyer secures his own shipper. Shipping usually requires 3-6 weeks delivery through our shipping contacts and is only available in the continental US for large furniture items. Some smaller items are available to be shipped internationally through USPS/UPS. * * * Mid Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Scoop Chair...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Plycraft Mulhauser Mr Chair and Ottoman
By George Mulhauser
Located in Tulsa, OK
Iconic Plycraft George Mulhauser Mr chair and ottoman. Above average condition and structurally sound. Walnut veneer has some small chips and sligh...
Faux Leather, Walnut
Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Vodder Chaise
By Arne Vodder
Located in Tulsa, OK
**Please Read Entire Description** Please view all listing pictures on a laptop if possible. Some cell phones don’t display all listing pictures and some could be pictures relating...
Aluminum, Chrome
Danish Modern Z Chair in the Manner of Poul Jensen
By Poul Jensen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern walnut "Z" lounge chair, in the manner of Poul Jensen, Denmark, circa 1960s. This chair has been completely restored. The wood has been refinished and the cushions have...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
Kofod Larsen High Back Lounge Chair Danish, 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully crafted 1960s Danish chair in bent teal with a sled base and reupholstered cushions in a luxurious cut Donghia velvet.
Velvet, Teak
Ib Kofod Larsen Model 70-15 Occasional Chair for Selig, c. 1960s
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Denver, CO
A hard-to-find, rare Model 70-15 Occasional Chair Designed by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig. This single chair is in fabulous condition. It features a Teak frame with no scratching, fadi...
Silk, Upholstery, Foam, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Lounge Chair
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen c.1950s, Denmark. The chair features a stained beech frame with sculpted arms and a curved upholstered backrest. The chair has new cushions and has be...
Mohair, Upholstery, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design Armchair Fauteuil, Denmark, 1960's
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian design armchair Fauteuil, made in Denmark 1960's. Teak and metal frame with boucle reupholstered original cushions. Teak floating armrests on ...
Metal
Rare IB Kofod Larsen Danish Lounge Chair for Selig Denmark (A)
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A lounge chair with sculptural winged arms and very well crafted frame , finished in a dark walnut with brass hardware and upholstered in a oatmeal toned fabric with a bit of lighter...
Upholstery, Wood
