The Story Behind
Kaare Klint (1888–1954) is regarded as the founder of the modern Danish furniture tradition. With his analytical and functional approach, he laid the foundation for a method of furniture design where proportions, materials, and use were systematically examined. His work often drew inspiration from historical furniture types, which he further developed and adapted to contemporary needs.
Kaare Klint chairs are characterized by a quiet authority and structural clarity. They are not designed to visually stand out, but to function optimally in a space and in use. Models such as the Faaborg Chair, the Church Chair, and the Red Chair stand today as central works in Danish design history and have had a decisive impact on generations of furniture designers after him.
Design and Materials
Kaare Klint's chairs are marked by a clear respect for the properties of the material and the precision of the cabinetmaking craft. The constructions are meticulously executed, and joints and proportions appear balanced and well-conceived.
Woods such as mahogany, oak, elm, and rosewood are seen in various productions, just as seats can be made of leather, Niger leather, vegetable-tanned leather, or wickerwork. The materials are chosen for durability and aesthetic calm, and the patina of the surfaces plays a significant role in the chair's overall expression. Common to Kaare Klint chairs is a constructive stringency and a formal discipline that makes them timeless.
Selected Models of Kaare Klint Chairs
9662 – The Faaborg Chair
Model 9662, known as the Faaborg Chair, was originally designed for the Faaborg Museum in 1914. The chair is characterized by its open back construction and precise proportions, which give it a light, yet authoritative expression. It is often seen executed in mahogany with a seat in natural leather or natural hide, but is also available in other wood types and variations. The Faaborg Chair is an early and significant example of Klint's methodical approach to design, where function, space, and architecture are conceived together.
The Church Chair
The Church Chair was designed in 1936 for Grundtvig's Church and Bethlehemskirken in Copenhagen. The model is characterized by its simple construction in solid wood with a seat of woven paper cord. The chair's design language is sober and functional and developed with regard to both durability and comfort in the church space. The Church Chair has since had a significant influence on later Danish chair types and stands as a clear expression of Klint's analytical approach to furniture design.
The Red Chair
The Red Chair, also known as the "Barcelona" chair, is one of Kaare Klint's most prominent models. The chair is available in several sizes – small, medium, and large – and both with and without armrests. It is often seen executed in mahogany with a seat and back in leather or Niger leather, and details such as brass studs are included in several versions. The Red Chair is inspired by English and Spanish predecessors but interpreted with Klint's characteristic precision and proportioning. The model appears both representative and functional and is today a central work in Danish furniture history.
Restoration at KLASSIK
At KLASSIK, each Kaare Klint chair is individually assessed with respect for the original design and craftsmanship. Restoration is carried out with a focus on preserving the chair's construction, materials, and proportions, so that the whole appears authentic and true to Klint's intention.
Our workshop has been working with original Danish furniture classics since 1991 and has extensive experience with Kaare Klint's models in particular.
Sell Your Kaare Klint Chair to KLASSIK
We purchase original Kaare Klint chairs – including Faaborg Chairs, Church Chairs, and the Red Chair in various executions. Send us pictures and relevant information via our contact form, and receive a professional assessment based on condition, originality, and demand.
At KLASSIK, you get a serious and professional sales process with a focus on correct assessment and dialogue.
Originality, Sustainability, and Guarantee of Authenticity
An original Kaare Klint chair carries its history in the surface of the materials and in the traces that come with use over time. At KLASSIK, we consider these signs as part of the furniture's quality and longevity. 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 lifelong 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