The story behind

Throughout his career, Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) approached furniture design with a precise and analytical method. Instead of using wood as the primary material, he often chose steel as the foundation of his constructions. For Kjærholm, steel was not merely a technical element but a material with the same aesthetic value as wood held for classical cabinetmakers.

Poul Kjærholm coffee tables exemplify this approach in a concentrated form. The tables are reduced to a few elements, where the frame and tabletop are in a clear architectural balance. Many of the models were originally produced by E. Kold Christensen (EKC) and later by Fritz Hansen (FH), and this production history plays a significant role in understanding the design history of the furniture.

Design and materials

Kjærholm's coffee tables are characterized by a clear construction, where the steel frame forms a precise structure around the tabletop. Tabletops vary from model to model and can be made from materials such as glass, marble, slate, granite, or wood. Materials are chosen for their inherent character, and surfaces are allowed to appear with minimal processing.

This combination of cool steel and more organic materials creates a calm and balanced expression. The tables appear light in the room, even when tabletops are made of heavy materials like stone or marble. This balance between weight and lightness is central to Kjærholm's work.

Well-known Poul Kjærholm coffee table models

PK 61 – Coffee table

Designed in 1956, the PK 61 is one of Kjærholm's most renowned coffee tables. The table consists of a simple steel frame with a square tabletop, which can be crafted from various materials. Among the most popular variants are tabletops made of glass, slate, and different types of marble such as Porsgrunn marble, Carrara marble, and Cippolini marble. The construction is reduced to its bare essentials, where the precise geometry of the frame lifts the tabletop, creating a calm and balanced expression.

PK 61A – Coffee table

The PK 61A is a larger version of the PK 61 and follows the same constructive principle. The table went into production in 2007 at Fritz Hansen and represents a further development of the original design with larger dimensions. This model is seen with a marble tabletop, among other materials. The larger size gives the table a more prominent presence in the room while maintaining the same clear construction and material balance as the smaller model.

PK 63A – Coffee table

The PK 63A is a rectangular coffee table designed in 1968. The table consists of a steel frame and a stone tabletop, including variants in tumbled marble. This model has more compact proportions than the PK63, making it suitable for smaller sofa arrangements or rooms where a more discreet coffee table is desired. The design retains Kjærholm's characteristic balance between precise construction and the inherent weight of the materials.

PK 65 – Coffee table

Designed in 1979, the PK 65 is considered among Kjærholm's last designs. It is a square coffee table with a steel frame and a tabletop made of materials such as glass, marble, slate, or granite. The combination of the simple steel frame and heavy natural materials gives the table a clear architectural expression, allowing the inherent character of the materials to shine through.

PK 70 – Coffee table

The PK 70 is a rarer table in Kjærholm's production and is seen, among other variants, as a square wooden coffee table. The model is also known in a variant developed for Restaurant Kanalen in 1978, incorporating tabletops made of materials like cork. The PK 70 showcases a more experimental side of Kjærholm's work with table design and testifies to his interest in materials within broader architectural contexts.

Restoration at KLASSIK

At KLASSIK, each Poul Kjærholm coffee table is assessed individually with respect for its original design and construction. Restoration is performed with a focus on preserving materials, proportions, and technical details, ensuring the table appears authentic and true to Kjærholm's intention.

Since 1991, our workshop has worked with original Danish furniture classics and has extensive experience with Poul Kjærholm's furniture in various models and finishes.

Sell your Poul Kjærholm coffee table to KLASSIK

We purchase original Poul Kjærholm coffee tables – including PK 61, PK 61A, PK 63A, PK 65, and PK 70. Send us pictures and relevant information via our contact form, and receive a professional valuation based on condition, originality, and demand.

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

Originality, sustainability, and authenticity guarantee

An original Poul Kjærholm coffee 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 as part of the furniture's quality and longevity. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of pieces of furniture passing through our hands, we guarantee the authenticity of all furniture in our selection.

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 at our store at Bredgade 3, 1260 Copenhagen K.

Phone: +45 33 33 90 60
Email: support@klassik.dk

Instagram: @klassikcopenhagen