The story behind
The armchair holds a special place in Danish furniture design, and at Fritz Hansen, it became an area where architect-designed ideas could be translated into industrial production with high precision. Through collaborations with Arne Jacobsen and Poul Kjærholm, models have emerged over time that have found a place in private homes, hotels, and public spaces. What binds them together is a consistent understanding of materials, proportions, and industrial execution.
Fritz Hansen armchairs span a wide range, from upholstered shell forms on swivel bases to tightly constructed lounge chairs in spring steel and leather. Arne Jacobsen's armchairs work with the form and upholstery of the shell, while Poul Kjærholm's chairs more openly display their construction, often with spring steel as the supporting element and leather, canvas, or wicker as the seat surface. At KLASSIK, you will find original Fritz Hansen armchairs from different periods of the manufacturer's collaboration with Danish designers.
Design and materials
Fritz Hansen armchairs are made from materials such as satin-brushed spring steel, cast aluminum, leather, wool, and textile. For Arne Jacobsen, the upholstered shell is the main element, often on a swivel aluminum base. For Poul Kjærholm, the spring steel construction is more openly displayed, and the upholstered seat and back rest within a precise frame.
The constructions are meticulously crafted and industrially produced, with clear attention to both seating comfort and visual balance. Proportions are carefully balanced in each model, and materials are chosen with an eye for both durability and expression.
Well-known models within Fritz Hansen armchairs
PK 22: Pure construction in steel and leather
The PK 22 was designed by Poul Kjærholm in 1956 and is a low armchair on a frame of satin-brushed spring steel. The seat and back are available in leather, canvas, or rattan, and the clean lines give the chair a precise, almost graphic character. The model received the Grand Prix at the Triennale in Milan in 1957, and Fritz Hansen took over production of the Kjærholm collection in 1982 after E. Kold Christensen.
AJ 3316 The Egg: embracing shell and private space
The Egg (model AJ 3316) was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the then SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The shell envelops the sitter, creating a secluded feeling, even in an open space. The base is made of cast aluminum and provides the chair with a swivel function. The model is available in several versions with leather or textile.
PK 31/1 Armchair: Upholstered weight and precise lines
The PK 31/1 Armchair is the single-seater version of Poul Kjærholm's PK 31 series from 1958. The construction consists of an open frame in satin-brushed spring steel, where taut leather cushions rest as the seat and back. The lines are clean and architectural, and the wide seat cushion provides a high degree of comfort. The PK 31 series was also originally produced by E. Kold Christensen, and Fritz Hansen took over production in 1982.
PK 25: Woven flag halyard and bent steel
The PK 25 is Poul Kjærholm's graduation project from 1952. The chair is made from a single bent sheet of satin-brushed spring steel, with the seat and back woven in flag halyard. The construction is minimal and early on showed his work with steel as a load-bearing design element. The model is part of the Kjærholm collection, the production of which Fritz Hansen took over in 1982.
AJ 3320 The Swan: Curved shell and open expression
The Swan was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 as part of the furniture program for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The curved shell lifts the armrests from the seat without visible transitions, and the chair rests on a swivel base of cast aluminum. Compared to The Egg, The Swan has a more open and outgoing expression. The model is available with leather or textile.
AJ 3318 The Pot: Low shell shape and calm expression
The Pot was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1959 and is also part of the furniture program for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The shell is round and armless, and the height is lower than The Egg and The Swan. The chair rests on a swivel base and appears calm and introverted in its expression.
AJ 3301 The Airport Chair: Low comfort and architectural precision
The AJ 3301 Airport Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1956 for the SAS hotel and the SAS terminal at Copenhagen Airport. This is where the model's name comes from. The chair has a low, upholstered seating surface and a slender steel frame. The expression is precise and architectural, and its height makes the model suitable as a low lounge chair.
Restoration at KLASSIK
At KLASSIK, each Fritz Hansen armchair is individually assessed with respect for the original design and craftsmanship. The restoration is carried out with a focus on preserving the chair's materials, proportions, and character, so that the whole appears authentic.
Since 1991, our workshop has worked with original Danish furniture classics and has extensive experience with Fritz Hansen armchairs in various models and finishes. For reupholstery and repair, we use high-quality materials, including leather from Sørensen Leather and textiles from Kvadrat, selected with an eye for the furniture's original expression.
Sell your Fritz Hansen armchair to KLASSIK
We purchase original Fritz Hansen armchairs, including PK 22, AJ 3316 The Egg, PK 31/1 Armchair, PK 25, AJ 3320 The Swan, AJ 3318 The Pot, and AJ 3301 The Airport Chair. Send us pictures and relevant information via our contact form, and receive a professional valuation based on condition, originality, and demand.
At KLASSIK, we buy original Danish furniture from the 1920s to the 1980s. We emphasize a serious and professional sales process with a focus on correct valuation and dialogue.
Originality, sustainability, and guarantee of authenticity
An original Fritz Hansen armchair carries its history in the patina of its materials and the traces that come with use over time. At KLASSIK, we consider these signs to be part of the furniture's quality and lifespan. With more than 30 years of experience and thousands of pieces of furniture passing through our hands, we guarantee the authenticity of all furniture in our assortment.
Therefore, we offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity on all furniture purchased from us. At KLASSIK, you invest in original Danish design – with confidence.
Contact us
Since 1991, we have specialized in the purchase, sale, and restoration of original Danish furniture classics. You are always welcome to contact us or visit us at our store at Bredgade 3, 1260 Copenhagen K.
Phone: +45 33 33 90 60
Email: support@klassik.dk
Instagram: @klassikcopenhagen
