Carl Hansen & Son

Carl Hansen & Søn: A Legacy of Timeless Danish Craftsmanship

Founded in 1908 by Danish cabinetmaker Carl Hansen on the island of Funen, Carl Hansen & Søn began as a small workshop producing Victorian-style furniture for affluent clients. However, as times changed, Carl saw an opportunity to design simpler, more modern pieces for the working class—creating furniture that was both functional and stylish, with a lighter aesthetic perfect for small living spaces.

Over a century later, Carl Hansen & Søn has become one of Denmark's most revered furniture makers, known for crafting iconic Danish design classics that blend timeless beauty, comfort, and exceptional craftsmanship. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn’s commitment to preserving traditional Scandinavian design principles continues through partnerships with world-renowned designers and a focus on producing heirloom-quality pieces built to last for generations.

A Family Legacy of Danish Design

After Carl Hansen’s untimely death in 1962, his wife, Ella Hansen, took over the business during a time when it was highly unusual for women to run companies. With her innate sense of what would sell, Ella navigated difficult challenges and ensured the company’s success for the next two decades.

In 2002, Knud Erik Hansen, Carl's son, took the helm as CEO and owner, reaffirming the company’s deep dedication to Danish design heritage. Under his leadership, Carl Hansen & Søn focused on revitalizing pieces from the "golden era" of Danish design, particularly through its legendary collaboration with Hans J. Wegner.

The Timeless Collaboration with Hans J. Wegner

One of Carl Hansen & Søn's most significant partnerships was with Hans J. Wegner, one of the most influential designers in modern furniture history. In 1949, Holger Hansen (Knud Erik’s father) decided to collaborate with Wegner, a young, emerging designer at the time. This partnership proved incredibly successful, with Wegner designing a series of now-iconic chairs, including the Wishbone Chair, which remains one of the brand’s best-sellers to this day.

The Wishbone Chair, also known as the CH24, is celebrated for its sculptural elegance, ergonomic comfort, and expert craftsmanship. Designed with a hand-woven paper cord seat and a distinctive Y-shaped backrest, it embodies Wegner’s philosophy of creating functional, organic furniture that enhances everyday life. Today, the Wishbone Chair continues to be a staple in modern homes and design-conscious spaces worldwide.

Wegner’s designs, known for their organic modernism, focused on creating pieces that were not only beautiful to look at but comfortable to use, emphasizing a strong connection between furniture and the user. His legacy of functional, minimalist design and deep respect for craftsmanship lives on in Carl Hansen & Søn’s collection.

Preserving the Legacy of Danish Modernism

When Hans J. Wegner passed away, he left behind unfinished designs, some of which Carl Hansen & Søn was permitted to bring to life. This move further solidified Carl Hansen & Søn as the world’s leading producer of Wegner’s furniture. Knud Erik Hansen reflects on Wegner’s work:

“His understanding of the possibilities inherent in shaping wood is unsurpassed. All the furniture he created emanates something solid, simple, and organic.”

Today, Carl Hansen & Søn is proud to produce not just Wegner’s timeless masterpieces but also to collaborate with other iconic and contemporary designers, ensuring that the tradition of Danish craftsmanship continues to evolve.

Iconic Designers and Collaborations

Carl Hansen & Søn’s remarkable success with Wegner paved the way for other collaborations with Danish design legends such as:

• Arne Jacobsen
• Børge Mogensen
• Ole Wanscher
• Kaare Klint
• Poul Kjærholm
• Frits Henningsen
• Mogens Koch
• Bodil Kjær

More recently, Carl Hansen & Søn has expanded its roster to include influential new designers like:

• Tadao Ando
• Thomas Bo Kastholm
• Brad Ascalon
• Anker Bak
• Naja Utzon Popov

These collaborations have cemented Carl Hansen & Søn’s reputation as a brand that blends modern aesthetics with craftsmanship, creating pieces that balance functionality, beauty, and enduring quality.

The Art of Crafting Heirloom-Quality Furniture

At Carl Hansen & Søn, every piece of furniture is made to last a lifetime. Their meticulous attention to detail and expert craftsmanship ensures that each design is not only beautiful but also durable. The company takes great pride in its commitment to sustainability, using responsibly sourced materials, including wood from sustainable forests and sawmills. Even scrap wood is repurposed, providing heating for over 400 homes in Gelsted, Denmark.

The production process remains deeply rooted in Danish craftsmanship traditions, with skilled artisans who use both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology. Carl Hansen & Søn’s craftsmanship is evident in every joint, every curve, and every finish, ensuring that their designs are both functional and timeless.

A Global Presence with Danish Heritage

Carl Hansen & Søn's furniture can be found around the world, from private residences to high-profile landmarks, including museums, restaurants, and even airports. Select pieces are housed in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

With showrooms in cities like New York, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, and Paris, Carl Hansen & Søn continues to make its mark on the global design scene. Despite its worldwide presence, the company remains deeply committed to producing all its furniture in Denmark, ensuring that every piece is crafted to the highest standards.

Carl Hansen & Søn's Commitment to the Future

As demand for their high-quality furniture grows, Carl Hansen & Søn has made it a priority to train the next generation of Danish craftsmen. Their apprenticeship program in Gelsted ensures that young artisans can learn the intricate skills necessary to carry on the tradition of Danish design craftsmanship.

Their commitment to excellence means that each Carl Hansen & Søn piece is not only an investment in design but a piece that can be passed down through generations, continuing to inspire and enhance living spaces for years to come.

HORNE's Favorite Carl Hansen & Søn Pieces

At HORNE, we’re proud to offer a curated selection of Carl Hansen & Søn’s iconic furniture. Here are some of our top picks:

• MG501 Outdoor Cuba Chair – Designed by Morten Gøttler in 1997, this chair combines exceptional support with elegant craftsmanship, perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
• BK15 Outdoor/Indoor Dining Table – A masterpiece by Bodil Kjær, this table’s linear design is inspired by Cubism, creating a stunning and functional centerpiece.
• FK63 Cabinet Floor Standing – The FK63 Bookcase System, designed by Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm, embodies Carl Hansen & Søn’s commitment to craftsmanship excellence and timeless design.
• CH445 Wing Chair – Hans J. Wegner’s CH445 chair, also known as the Wing Chair, is a fully upholstered easy chair that rests on a stainless steel frame.
• CH78 Mama Bear Chair – The creative and innovative mind of the legendary furniture designer Hans J. Wegner conceived the CH78 Mama Bear Chair in 1954.

Why Choose Carl Hansen & Søn?

Carl Hansen & Søn furniture represents the pinnacle of Danish design and craftsmanship, combining timeless form with enduring functionality. Whether you’re looking for iconic chairs, functional outdoor furniture, or statement pieces that elevate your living space, Carl Hansen & Søn offers designs that stand the test of time. The Wishbone Chair, along with other iconic designs, remains a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to quality, sustainability, and the beauty of Danish craftsmanship.