With a catalog like Carl Hansen & Søn’s it’s nearly impossible to select the pieces that shine brightest. The rich history and traditional roots make each piece an iconic design any enthusiast would be delighted to bring home. But we did the hard work and formulated a buying guide for iconic designer so you can select your very first Carl Hansen & Søn chair or complete your collection with a table or sofa.

What Makes Carl Hansen & Søn Furniture Distinctive?

The turn of the century and mid-century stand as some of the most memorable eras for design. As a part of that renaissance, Carl Hansen & Søn have come of the most memorable pieces in their collection. But what truly sets them apart from the designers and design houses of the day?

Above all, clarity. Paired with honesty and a true love of material, the Carl Hansen & Søn designs foster a calm presence while rewarding close inspection. Demonstrating the craftsmanship and traditional techniques of Danish design, each piece is a tactile, sculptural, adaptable, and highly functional exhibit of furniture-making exceptionalism. Carefully carved backrests, hand-woven seats, and meticulously formulated silhouettes are all foundational elements of classic Carl Hansen & Søn furniture.

A Buying Guide for Iconic Designs

If you’re not sure where to start with Carl Hansen & Søn furniture, we recommend these timeless and approachable designs that, through their modest silhouettes and unique details, suit any modern or Scandinavian home. This buying guide for iconic designs includes furniture you'll pass down for generations. 

Carl Hansen & Søn CH162 Sofa

In the seemingly geometrically rigid design of the CH162 Sofa, Hans J. Wegner demonstrates how a simple, subtle deviation in form can change the composition of an entire piece. The solidity and uniformity of the square cushions, square legs, and rectangle framework supports the delicately added element of the slightly flared, exposed wood and enlarged cover caps of the armrests. This understated change adds a softness to the overall look of the three-seater CH162 Sofa that is then echoed in the upholstered cushions.

CH339 Round Table

Harmonious and elegantly simple, the CH339 Round Table features a large, beautiful oval tabletop and graceful tapering legs. Horizontal rails on the underside of the tabletop offer extra support for when the CH339 caters to the needs of eight or more guests, while the all oak materials offer an inviting warmth. Pair the CH339 Round Table’s natural woodgrain and timeless aesthetics with the CH23 Dining Chair.

KK47000 Safari Chair

Influential Danish designer, Kaare Klint, believed in clean lines, logical design, and exquisite craftsmanship. Inspired by African safari chairs and the Indian Roorkhee Chairs, Klint designed the intuitive KK47000 Safari Chair with a lightweight look and construction that allows the chair to easily fold. With glueless joints, saddle leather armrests, and leather upholstered cushions, the KK47000 Safari Chair is a refined composition of balance and modern sophistication.

OW150 Daybed

Solid oak is turned and formed in the smooth, simple lines of the OW150 Daybed frame that supports a long, deep cushion. Hand-sewn buttons accent the cushion to add dynamics to the otherwise geometric silhouette. Use the OW150 Daybed in the hall as a bench, in the living room for extra seating, or in the sunroom as a place to lay down for a moment of relaxation.

ML10097 Egyptian Table

Inspired by folding stands found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, designer Mogens Lassen created the ML10097 Egyptian Table for the 1940 Copenhagen Cabinetmaker’s Guild Exhibition. This collapsible table is an exemplar of functionality and flexible, timeless design. Available in oak and walnut, the Egyptian Table’s wide, round tabletop, and sturdy round legs make it the perfect side, patio, or entryway table.

FH429 Signature Chair

The FH429 Signature Chair was designer Frits Henningsen’s final project. After only twenty were produced in 1954, Carl Hansen and Søn resurrected the design which captures the purity of a pared-down, yet captivating, silhouette. The curvature of the combined seat and backrest is an expression of flawless movement that is echoed in the walnut frame that seamlessly combines with rounded armrests. Organic form and soft, inviting grace mark the silhouette of the distinguished FH429 Signature Chair.

Hans J. Wegner Wishbone Chair

For Hans J. Wegner, the heart of Danish design was always the continual practice of simplification and purification. Wegner’s famous Wishbone Chair features a deeply curved, steam-bent combined back and armrest, and a hand-woven paper cord seat. The chair’s arching figure and Y-shaped backrest support embrace the user, while the luxurious expression of the naturally finished oak, ash, beech, or walnut wood speak to Wegner’s legacy as Master of the Chair.

How to Buy Authentic Carl Hansen & Søn Furniture

Once you’ve seen a Carl Hansen & Søn piece you desire, it’s important to ensure its authenticity. Because of the desirability of these pieces there are, naturally, some copycat items on the market. However, you’ll want to be sure you purchase through an authorized retailer like HORNE and review the exact model number. Furthermore, consider the materials and verify the wood, finish, cord, and textiles. Additionally, authentic pieces should include the manufacturer's identification and any documentation appropriate to the product.

Building a Room Without Creating a Showroom

There is, surely, space for every Carl Hansen & Søn piece in your home. However, curating your environment means carefully selecting the Carl Hansen & Søn items that enhance your space and allowing them, individually, to make their statement. Start with a lounge chair and pair it with contemporary lighting. Then in another room, use a table matched with the perfect area rug. In the bedroom, use a bench and mix it with pieces from another design era.

However you incorporate and love Carl Hansen & Søn, we know you’ll love the clarity, form, and function each piece brings to modern homes. Explore the Carl Hansen & Søn collection at HORNE for Danish furniture designed for generations to come.

Explore related collections, including Sofas + Couches + Loveseats, Lounge Chairs, and Coffee Tables, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.