The story behind

Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) holds a special position in Danish furniture design. While many of his contemporaries worked with wood as their primary material, Kjærholm chose steel as his constructive starting point. For him, steel was not merely a technical solution, but a material with the same aesthetic value as wood for the classic cabinetmakers. Poul Kjærholm's lounge chairs are characterized by precision, material consciousness, and a clear architectural discipline. His furniture is often reduced to a few, well-balanced elements, where the interplay between steel, leather, and other natural materials creates a calm and sculptural expression. Several of the models were originally produced by E. Kold Christensen (EKC) and later by Fritz Hansen (FH), and both manufacturers today play an important role in the history of Kjærholm's furniture.

Design and materials

Kjærholm's lounge chairs are built around a clear constructive idea, where the steel frame acts as the supporting structure, while the seat and back add comfort and material character. The steel frame is often made of matte chrome-plated or brushed steel and appears with a precision that emphasizes the design's industrial elegance. Seats and upholstery are available in various materials such as leather, flag line, canvas, or wicker, depending on the model and production. The combination of the taut steel frames and the softer natural materials creates a clear balance between construction and comfort. The result is lounge chairs that appear both technically precise and visually calm.

Well-known models within Poul Kjærholm lounge chairs

PK 22 – Lounge chair

The PK 22 is one of the most well-known Poul Kjærholm lounge chairs and was designed in 1956. The chair is characterized by its simple steel frame and the free-spanning seat and back. The model is available in several versions, including leather, wicker, or canvas, which provides different visual and tactile expressions. The PK 22 has its constructive starting point in the earlier PK 25 and clearly shows Kjærholm's ability to refine an idea into a more reduced and precise design language. The chair was originally produced by E. Kold Christensen and later by Fritz Hansen.

PK 25 – Element Chair

The PK 25, also known as the Element Chair, was developed in the early 1950s as Kjærholm's graduation project from the School of Arts and Crafts. The chair is built around a spring steel frame, where the seat and back are woven in one long length of flag line. The construction gives the chair a characteristic, floating expression and clearly demonstrates Kjærholm's interest in the material's strength and elasticity. The PK 25 is today considered one of the most significant early models in his production.

PK 31/1 – Lounge chair

The PK 31 series was designed in 1958 and includes both sofas and lounge chairs. The PK 31/1 model is the series' lounge chair and is characterized by a tight, cubic construction, where the upholstered elements appear clearly defined within a steel frame. The design highlights the materials' own qualities and emphasizes Kjærholm's desire to let the construction stand out clearly. The PK 31 series was originally produced by E. Kold Christensen and later by Fritz Hansen.

JH 106 – Lounge chair

The JH 106 was designed in 1952 and represents a lighter and more open construction in Kjærholm's work. The chair is typically made of ash with a seat and back in flag line. The combination of the wooden frame and the tightly woven flag line gives the chair a simple and functional expression. The JH 106 also shows Kjærholm's early interest in materials and constructions, which were later further developed in his more well-known steel furniture.

PK 20 – Lounge chair

The PK 20 was designed in 1968 and is one of Kjærholm's most characteristic cantilever chairs. The load-bearing spring steel construction gives the chair its floating shape, while the upholstered seat in leather or other materials supports comfort. The model is available in both a high-backed and a lower variant and stands as a clear example of Kjærholm's work with steel as the primary construction material.

PK 27 – Lounge chair

The PK 27 was designed in the early 1970s and differs from many of Kjærholm's other lounge chairs due to its organic wooden construction. The model is constructed with a curved, laminated shell with maple veneer, which is connected to the load-bearing wooden base via rubber shocks. The construction gives the chair a coherent and sculptural expression, where form and function merge closely. The PK 27 was originally produced by E. Kold Christensen and has later also been produced by PP Møbler.

Restoration at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK, each Poul Kjærholm lounge chair is assessed individually with respect for the original design and construction. The restoration is carried out with a focus on preserving the chair's materials, proportions, and technical solutions, so that 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 – both from E. Kold Christensen and Fritz Hansen.

Sell your Poul Kjærholm lounge chair to KLASSIK

We purchase original Poul Kjærholm lounge chairs – including PK 22, PK 25, PK 31/1, JH 106, PK 20, and PK 27. 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 authenticity guarantee

An original Poul Kjærholm lounge chair carries its history in the patina 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 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 authenticity guarantee 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 in our store at Bredgade 3, 1260 Copenhagen K. Telephone: +45 33 33 90 60 Mail: support@klassik.dk Instagram: @klassikcopenhagen