Furniture manufacturer Fritz Hansen

Written by Niklas Søgaard on

Fritz Hansen (Founded 1872)

Danish furniture manufacturer – pioneer in bent wood and Danish Modern

Fritz Hansen is one of the most important furniture manufacturers in Danish design history. The company, founded in 1872 by cabinetmaker Fritz Hansen, has created some of the most iconic furniture from the Danish Modern period for more than 100 years. In particular, collaborations with Arne Jacobsen , Poul Kjærholm, Piet Hein and Bruno Mathsson have made the historic production some of the most sought-after in Danish vintage design.


Founding and early years (1872–1915)

The company was established by master cabinetmaker Fritz Hansen in Copenhagen in 1872. Initially, the focus was on solid joinery and high-quality furniture, which quickly secured an exclusive clientele. Under his son Christian Hansen, the company grew further, and they supplied furniture to several prominent institutions, including Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen City Hall and the Supreme Court. Early production was characterized by classic, handmade furniture in exquisite materials.


Form-bent wood and technical innovation (1915–1950s)

In 1915, the company began experimenting with steam bending and molded wood – an area they pioneered in Denmark. This technical prowess made it possible to develop more organic and lightweight furniture, and the expertise in laminated veneer would later form the basis for some of Danish design’s most iconic shell chairs.


The Golden Age with Arne Jacobsen (1930s–1960s)

The collaboration between Fritz Hansen and architect Arne Jacobsen began in 1934 and developed into one of the most significant partnerships in Danish design. In the 1950s, the collaboration culminated in a series of groundbreaking furniture that came to define Danish Modern.

Among the most important models in Fritz Hansen's historical production are:

  • The Ant (1952) – Denmark's first molded veneer chair on an industrial scale.
  • Series 7 (1955) – the most famous of Jacobsen's shell chairs; light, stackable and elegant in shape.
  • The Egg (1958) – sculptural armchair with upholstered shell, designed for the SAS Royal Hotel.
  • The Swan (1958) – organically shaped lounge chair without a single straight line.
  • Series 3300 (1958) – sofa and lounge series with a slender steel frame and timeless proportions.

These models became symbols of Danish modernism and today constitute some of the most sought-after vintage furniture on the market.


Other collaborations and expansions (1960s–1980s)

In the 1960s and 70s, Fritz Hansen expanded its production with new numbers and collaboration partners:

  • Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson – known for the Superellipse table (1968), which became a design icon in Europe.
  • Poul Kjærholm – in 1982, Fritz Hansen took over the production of Kjærholm's collection from E. Kold Christensen.

Kjærholm's designs from the 1950s and 60s – tight steel structures combined with leather, marble or wicker – then became an integral part of the company's historical range.

 The China Chair (model FH 4283 from 1944) by architect Hans J. Wegner. Made by Fritz Hansen. This is a version in mahogany, but the old ones are also available in woods such as cherry and rosewood.


Selected iconic furniture produced by Fritz Hansen

  • The Ant (1952) – Arne Jacobsen
  • Series 7 (1955) – Arne Jacobsen
  • The Egg (1958) – Arne Jacobsen
  • The Swan (1958) – Arne Jacobsen
  • Series 3300 (1958) – Arne Jacobsen
  • Superellipse (1968) – Piet Hein & Bruno Mathsson
  • PK22 (1956*) – Poul Kjærholm
  • PK33 (1956*) – Poul Kjærholm
  • PK61 (1957*) – Poul Kjærholm
  • PK80 (1959*) – Poul Kjærholm
  • PK9 (1960*) – Poul Kjærholm
  • with more.

(*design year; production was taken over by Fritz Hansen in 1982 from E. Kold Christensen)


Legacy and significance

Fritz Hansen's historical production represents some of the most important and defining chapters in Danish design history. Their work with molded veneer, steel and experimental constructions has left a lasting mark on the global design tradition. Vintage furniture from this period is today sought-after collector's items and clear examples of Danish furniture art in the absolute top class.


Experience Fritz Hansen's historic furniture at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK you will find original vintage furniture produced by Fritz Hansen – including classic models by Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Piet Hein and Bruno Mathsson. All furniture is carefully selected for authenticity, quality and craftsmanship.

If you are looking for a specific Fritz Hansen piece of furniture, we are happy to help you. Contact us at support@klassik.dk or tel. +45 3333 9060 – or visit us at Bredgade 3, Copenhagen.