The story behind

Throughout his career, Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) worked with a consistent and analytical approach to furniture design. Where many of his contemporaries started with wood as the primary material, Kjærholm often chose steel as the primary element in his furniture. For Kjærholm, steel was not just a technical solution, but a material with the same aesthetic potential as wood had for the classic cabinetmakers.

Poul Kjærholm tables range from dining tables and desks to more experimental and rare models. Common to all of them is a precise balance between materials such as steel, marble, glass, and wood, where each part forms a well-thought-out whole. Several of the tables were originally produced by E. Kold Christensen (EKC) and later by Fritz Hansen (FH), which today is an important part of their design historical context.

The design and materials

Kjærholm's tables are characterized by constructive clarity, where the frame is often made of matte chrome-plated or brushed steel. The tabletops vary from model to model and can be made of materials such as marble, wood, leather, or cork. The interaction between the cool metal frames and the more organic materials is central to Kjærholm's work.

The tables are designed with the same precision as his chairs. Proportions, joints, and material changes are carefully balanced, so the construction appears both light and stable. The result is furniture that functions as architectural elements in the room, while maintaining a calm and timeless character.

Well-known models within Poul Kjærholm tables

PK 54 – Dining table

The PK 54 is a round dining table designed in 1963 and is considered one of Kjærholm's most iconic tables. The table consists of a round marble tabletop on a matte chrome-plated steel frame. The model is available with various types of marble, including Porsgrunn marble, Carrara marble, and Cippolini marble, which gives the table different visual expressions. The combination of the heavy stone slab and the precise steel frame creates a characteristic balance between weight and lightness.

PK 54A – Extension ring

The PK 54A is an extension ring developed for the PK 54 dining table. The ring is made of solid maple and is placed around the table's existing tabletop, extending the table's diameter and allowing more people to sit around the table. The extension ring follows the table's circular shape and is designed so it can be mounted without tools.

PK 40 – Desk / dining table

The PK 40 is a square table that can be used both as a desk and a dining table. The model is characterized by its steel frame and a tabletop, which is seen made of leather, among other materials. The table appears simple and constructively clear, with a focus on the quality of the materials and the precision of the proportions.

PK 55 – Desk

The PK 55 was designed in 1957 and is a desk with a steel frame and a wooden tabletop, seen in ash or Oregon pine, among other materials. The table can feature an integrated drawer module and was developed with a focus on function and simplicity. The construction is typical for Kjærholm, where the steel frame creates a clear boundary around the table's functional elements.

PK 51 – Desk

The PK 51 is a larger writing or desk designed in 1957 with a matte chrome-plated steel frame and a wooden tabletop, typically made of ash veneer. The table is characterized by its clear structure and the well-balanced proportions between the frame and the tabletop. As a desk, the PK 51 appears both robust and visually light.

PK 70 – Table

The PK 70 is a rarer table in Kjærholm's production and was designed for Restaurant Kanalen in 1978. The model is known, among other things, with a cork tabletop combined with wood and represents a more experimental side of Kjærholm's work. The table was developed for the restaurant environment and demonstrates his interest in materials and constructions in larger spatial contexts.

Restoration at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK, each Poul Kjærholm table is assessed individually with respect for the original design and construction. The restoration is carried out with a focus on preserving materials, proportions, and technical details, so the whole appears authentic.

Our workshop has been working with original Danish furniture classics since 1991 and has extensive experience with Poul Kjærholm's furniture in various models and finishes.

Sell your Poul Kjærholm table to KLASSIK

We buy original Poul Kjærholm tables – including PK 54, PK 40, PK 55, PK 51, and PK 70. Send us pictures and relevant information via our contact form, and get a professional valuation based on condition, originality, and demand.

At KLASSIK, you get a serious and professional sales process with a focus on correct valuation and dialogue.

Originality, sustainability, and authenticity guarantee

An original Poul Kjærholm table 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 range.

Therefore, we offer a lifetime authenticity guarantee on all furniture purchased from us. At KLASSIK, you invest in original Danish design – with certainty.

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