Nanna Ditzel

Nanna Ditzel (1923–2005) was a pioneering Danish designer known for organic shapes and innovative materials. She is behind classics such as the Hanging Egg Chair, the Trinidad Chair and the Ring Chair, which are now among the most iconic works of Danish Modern.

Nanna Ditzel (1923–2005)

Danish furniture and industrial designer – pioneer in experimental design language

“Three steps forward and two back still means I've taken a step in the right direction!” – Nanna Ditzel

Nanna Ditzel was an innovative and courageous designer who worked across furniture, textiles, jewelry and industrial design. With her organic design language, experimental use of materials and an eye for comfort and human scale, she is today considered one of Denmark's most important designers.


Background and education

Nanna Ditzel was born in Copenhagen in 1923. She first trained as a cabinetmaker, which gave her a solid foundation in the precision of craftsmanship and understanding of materials. She then continued at the School of Arts and Crafts and the School of Architecture of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where she studied under Kaare Klint and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. It was here that she developed her keen eye for proportion, functionality and aesthetic balance.

In 1946, she and her husband, Jørgen Ditzel, founded their own design studio. Together they created a range of furniture that was characterised by functionality for the small homes of the time and a freer interpretation of the Scandinavian design language. The couple received international recognition early on, for example, their innovative furniture in foam and laminated wood.


Career and work

After Jørgen Ditzel's untimely death in 1961, Nanna Ditzel continued her career alone. She moved to London for a period, where she worked with both interiors, furniture and textiles, and became part of the international design scene. She explored materials such as fiberglass, foam and new upholstery methods, creating furniture with both a sculptural and functional expression.

She worked her entire life to expand the concept of design: from jewelry for Georg Jensen to textiles for Kvadrat and large furniture series for Danish and international manufacturers. Ditzel was one of the first female designers to receive wide international recognition, and her works have been exhibited in museums worldwide.

Her design language was characterized by playful lightness and a humanistic approach, where furniture should not only be functional, but also create space for life, presence and aesthetic experience. She was often referred to as “Danish design's grand old lady”, and her legacy reaches far beyond individual pieces of furniture – to an entire way of thinking about design.


Iconic furniture by Nanna Ditzel

  • Hanging Egg Chair (1959) – iconic rattan hanging chair, known for its sculptural expression and enveloping comfort.
  • ND 83 Ring Chair (1958) – sculptural lounge chair with semi-circular armrests and organic design.
  • The Trinidad Chair (1993) – with its characteristic carved back, it is a masterpiece of light, lightness and transparency.
  • ND93 Desk (1955) – elegant work desk that combines functionality and refined detail.
  • Caster tables and stools (1962) – multifunctional tables/stools that can be stacked and used flexibly.
  • Cane – minimalist and functional wooden cane.
  • Vita Sofa (1952) – soft and generous sofa with a focus on comfort and modern form.
  • Bench for Two (1989) – poetic bench that invites conversation and closeness.
  • Madame wicker chair (1951) – classic rattan lounge chair with curved shapes.
  • Children's chair (1954) – playful children's furniture with a focus on function and ergonomics.
  • Silent servant (1963) – practical and sculptural solution for modern homes.


Producers and collaboration

  • Fredericia Furniture - i.a. Trinidad Chair.
  • Getama – relaunch/production of Ring Chair and upholstered furniture.
  • Sika-Design – Hanging Egg Chair and other rattan furniture.
  • Georg Jensen – jewelry and silver design in modernist forms.
  • Kvadrat / Unika Vev - textiles such as Hallingdal fabric (1965).
  • Kolds Sawmill – great collaboration, many different furniture.
  • Odense Maskinsnedkeri – experimental fiberglass furniture.
  • Søren Willadsen – sofas, chairs and more.
  • Scandus – modern 1970s furniture.
  • Poul Christiansen – laminated chairs.
  • Louis G. Thiersen – armchair and unique production.
  • Fritz Hansen – i.a. Model 3400 Highback Chair (1956).
  • AP Chair – over-upholstered furniture.
  • PP Furniture – experimental projects.


Legacy and legacy

Nanna Ditzel is considered one of the most groundbreaking female designers in Danish furniture history. Her work with materials, forms and function created furniture that is both poetic and practical. Original versions of her designs such as the Hanging Egg Chair, Trinidad and Ring Chair are today sought-after collectors' items and among the most iconic works of Danish Modern.


Discover Nanna Ditzel's original furniture at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK you will find original furniture by Nanna Ditzel – carefully selected for authenticity and quality.

If you can't find the exact design 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.