Piet Hein

Piet Hein (1905–1996) was a poet, mathematician and designer – known for his legendary grouches and for creating the geometric shape the superellipse. Together with Fritz Hansen, he launched the iconic Superellipse table, which still stands as a masterpiece in Danish design history. With works such as the Sinus lamp, candlesticks and barstools, Hein managed to unite poetry, science and functional design into timeless classics.

Piet Hein (1905–1996)

Poet, mathematician and designer – the man behind the Superellipse

“Remember to love while you dare. Remember to live while you do.” – Piet Hein

Piet Hein was one of Denmark's most versatile cultural figures – known as a poet, mathematician, inventor and designer. With his grouches, he put into words the great and small truths of life, while his Superellipse forever changed architecture, furniture design and urban planning. In collaboration with Fritz Hansen, the Superellipse table became one of the most widely used Danish design icons in the world. Hein's works unite poetry, science and functional beauty – and still stand as classics today.

Background and work

Born in Copenhagen in 1905, Hein grew up in an environment marked by art and science, with close connections to both Niels Bohr and Karen Blixen. He studied art and theoretical physics, but found his own path at the intersection of mathematics, philosophy and design. During the occupation, he wrote the famous gruk , which became part of the spiritual resistance of the Danes. Later, his greatest design contribution was the introduction of the superellipse in Stockholm in 1959 – a geometric shape that united the harmony of the circle and the rectangle.

Design features

Piet Hein worked with simple but mathematical forms, where function and aesthetics were united in timeless design. The superellipse became his signature and was used in everything from urban planning to furniture. His designs are characterized by harmonious proportions, mathematical precision and a poetic simplicity that made his furniture and lamps both functional and iconic. He also created objects for everyday life – from candlesticks to games – always with a playful and philosophical approach. His work stands as one of the most accomplished examples of how Piet Hein design manages to unite mathematics, function and aesthetics in a timeless expression.

Famous designs

Based on simple geometric principles, Piet Hein combined design poetry and precision in objects ranging from furniture to everyday objects. His design language stems from a mathematical logic, but at the same time contains a humanistic warmth that has made his designs timeless classics.

The Superellipse Table (1960s, Fritz Hansen) – produced in many variants with white laminate, teak, rosewood, gray laminate, etc. The table is available in several sizes and shapes, from dining tables to coffee tables, and is still among the most popular Danish design classics.
Bar stool (1961) – simple, elegant chairs in the design language of the time.
The Sinus lamp – sculptural lamp with undulating shapes inspired by mathematical curves.
Candlesticks – minimalist design objects with geometric balance.
The game Hex (1942) – strategy game, originally called Polygon.

Producers and collaboration

Fritz Hansen – manufacturer of the Superellipse tables (in collaboration with Bruno Mathsson).
Skjøde Knudsen – production of super eggs, sold to over 30 countries.
Louis Poulsen – lighting, including the Sinus lamp.

Legacy and legacy

Piet Hein died in 1996, but his influence lives on. The Super Ellipse Table is still in production and can be found in countless homes around the world, while the Sinus lamp and his candlesticks are sought-after collectors' items. His grok is still quoted, and his ability to unite mathematics, poetry and design makes him one of the most original and versatile figures in Danish cultural and design history.

Experience Piet Hein's design at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK you will find original Piet Hein designs – from the iconic Superellipse tables to candlesticks and lighting. Each work is a testament to Hein's unique ability to create harmony between science, art and functional design.