Ib Kofod-Larsen

Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921–2003) was a Danish furniture designer known for the Penguin Chair, the Seal Chair and, not least, the Elizabeth Chair. Timeless classics in Danish Modern.

Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921–2003)

Danish furniture architect – the understated master of Danish modernism

Ib Kofod-Larsen was a prolific and technically skilled designer who often worked in the shadow of his famous contemporaries. With innovative constructions, elegant lines and a keen sense for the natural beauty of materials, he created furniture that today enjoys increasing international recognition among collectors and design connoisseurs.


Background and education

Ib Kofod-Larsen was born in 1921 in Denmark. He trained as a cabinetmaker and furthered his education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, where he gained a fundamental understanding of design, materials and proportions. Early in his career, he won competitions and received recognition, paving the way for collaborations with Danish furniture manufacturers.


Career and work

Ib Kofod-Larsen had his breakthrough in the late 1940s and quickly developed into one of Denmark's most productive furniture designers. He worked at a time when Danish design was gaining international recognition, and his role was to combine a strong artistic sense with a practical approach to furniture production.

He was known for his ability to balance Scandinavian craft tradition with a modern and international orientation. Already in the 1950s he began to work closely with both Danish and foreign manufacturers, making him one of the most exported Danish designers of his generation.

Kofod-Larsen actively participated in the entire development process – from sketches to prototypes – and his designs quickly became popular, especially in the British and American markets. He was one of the few Danish designers who managed to make a significant impact outside his home country in his own time.

Although his name was long overshadowed by contemporaries such as Jacobsen , Mogensen and Wegner , he is today considered a significant figure in Danish Modern and a central representative of the more understated, but technically refined branch of Danish furniture design.



Iconic furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen

Most of Ib Kofod-Larsen's furniture combines calm Scandinavian simplicity with complete comfort. With precise proportions and care in materials and workmanship, his designs appear timeless and useful - with a refined expression that still holds up.

  • Penguin Chair (1953) – sculptural chair with elegant wooden construction and light expression.
  • Seal Chair (Sälen) – lounge chair with generous shapes and great comfort, produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden.
  • Elizabeth Chair (U-56) (1956) – luxurious armchair in leather and teak/rosewood, one of his most famous designs.
  • Model 66 Sideboard – exclusive sideboard in rosewood/teak/oak from Faarup Møbelfabrik.
  • Lounge Chairs and sofas – a wide range of upholstered designs, often in teak and leather, with a focus on comfort and simple elegance.


Producers and collaboration

  • Faarup Furniture Factory – exclusive sideboards and sideboards, including Model FA66.
  • OPE Möbler (Sweden) – manufacturer of e.g. "Sälen" and other upholstered furniture.
  • G-Plan (Great Britain) – collaboration in the 1960s, where Kofod-Larsen's designs became part of their range.
  • Christiansen & Larsen – production of several lounge chairs, such as the 'Elizabeth' chair (model U56)
  • High Wycombe Furniture (UK) – exported designs to the British market.
  • Brande Furniture Factory - Storage furniture and desks in teak and rosewood.
  • Carlo Gahrn - Over-upholstered armchairs and sofas with wooden frames.
  • PA Pedersen - Classic sofa and side tables etc.
  • Fritz Hansen - Various over-upholstered furniture.
  • Olaf Persson Möbler - Wooden armchairs, such as the "Samsø" model.
  • Chr. Linnebergs Møbelfabrik - Beautiful chairs with wicker.
  • Dux Möbel GmbH - Simple export furniture that could be disassembled.
  • ICA Jensen - Office chairs, desks and more.
  • Harald Gjernøe - Comfortable armchairs and other types of furniture.
  • Magnus Olesen - Classic sofas with loose cushions.
  • Søren Horn - Small production of, among other things, tables.
  • Fredericia Furniture Factory - Elegant desks, bars and chests of drawers.
  • Slagelse Furniture Factory - Especially known for his simple dining chairs.
  • Swedecraft - Organic sofas and armchairs with tapered legs.
  • Brørup Furniture Factory - Known for its desks and office furniture.
  • Vermund Larsen - Less production of fiberglass chairs and more.
  • Ludvig Pontoppidan - Exclusive selection of cabinetmaker furniture.
  • etc.


Legacy and legacy

Ib Kofod-Larsen died in 2003. Although he did not achieve the same fame in Denmark as many of his contemporaries, his furniture is today in great demand on the international market. His designs express a refined and understated modernism that places him among the most important names in Danish furniture design.


Experience Ib Kofod-Larsen's original furniture at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK you will find original furniture by Ib Kofod-Larsen – such as the Elizabeth chair, the FA66 sideboard and other beautiful designs – all carefully selected for their authenticity and quality.

If you can't find the exact piece of furniture you're looking for, we're happy to help. Contact us at support@klassik.dk or call 33 33 90 60 – or visit us at Bredgade 3, Copenhagen.