Kai Kristiansen
Kai Kristiansen (born 1929) is a renowned Danish furniture designer celebrated for his contributions to the mid-century modern movement. Trained as a cabinetmaker, he studied under the influential Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. In 1955, Kristiansen established his own design studio, where he developed a range of furniture characterized by clean lines, functionalism, and innovative craftsmanship.
Among his most iconic creations are the Model 42 chair—often referred to as the “Z-chair” due to its distinctive angular frame—and the modular Reolsystem wall unit. Kristiansen’s designs often feature high-quality materials such as teak, rosewood, and oak, and are noted for their ergonomic comfort and timeless aesthetic. His work has been produced by esteemed manufacturers including Schou Andersen, Magnus Olesen, and Feldballes Møbelfabrik.
Throughout his career, Kristiansen has remained committed to making well-designed furniture accessible, collaborating with manufacturers to balance quality and affordability. His enduring influence is evident in the continued popularity and collectibility of his designs, which remain sought after by enthusiasts of Scandinavian modernism worldwide.
Kai Kristiansen Furniture
Born in 1929, Kai Kristiansen trained as a cabinetmaker before refining his craft under the legendary Kaare Klint at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. At only 26, he opened his own studio, quickly becoming one of the key figures of Scandinavian modern design.
His creations embody simplicity, functionality, and timeless elegance. Kristiansen prioritized user comfort, designing furniture that fits the human body with precision. Characterized by clean lines, innovative craftsmanship, and ergonomic design, his works often feature teak and rosewood, highlighting durability and the natural beauty of wood grain. Solid, understated, and meticulously finished, Kai Kristiansen furniture is considered true functional art.
Iconic Kai Kristiansen Chairs – A Synonym of Comfort & Form
Looking for chairs that combine unique design and ergonomics? Kristiansen achieved worldwide fame with thze legendary Model 42 chair, often called the Z-chair. Its angular frame and innovative, adjustable backrest that conforms to the spine make it an icon of Danish modernism.
At Futureantiques, you will find authentic and carefully restored Kai Kristiansen chairs, including:
- A set of 8 elegant vintage rosewood chairs, Model 42.
- A pair of vintage teak Model 42 chairs with newly upholstered natural wool seats.
- A set of four teak Model 31 chairs, designed for Schou Andersen.
- Single rare pieces, such as a rosewood Model 42 chair available with black aniline leather.
Another standout design is the sculptural Model 121 lounge chair, known as the Paper Knife Chair for its distinctive armrests. In our vintage store you will find a pair of teak Kristiansen Paper Knife chairs by Magnus Olesen with natural wool fabric.
Kai Kristiansen Wall Units & Shelving Systems – Modular Elegance & Space-Saving Design
Need flexible storage solutions that double as a design statement? Kristiansen also created revolutionary modular shelving systems, most notably the FM Reolsystem (1957). With endless configuration possibilities, these wall units adapt perfectly to any space. Their popularity spread beyond Scandinavia, gaining acclaim across Europe and the United States.
At Futureantiques, our collection includes:
- A Danish teak wall unit by Kai Kristiansen | FM Møbler, 1960s – a classic example of functional design.
- A large vintage teak wall unit by Kristiansen, FM Møbler, 1960s – a four-bay system with integrated chest of drawers.
- A versatile teak wall unit with multiple storage solutions.
- A vintage wall unit with a deep shelf by Kristiansen for FM Møbler – ideal as a discreet desk.
- A Scandinavian teak wall system by Kai Kristiansen, FM Møbler – perfect for books and decor.
- Single vintage teak wall shelves by Kristiansen for FM Møbler – allowing you to create your own unique composition.
Desks, Sideboards & Tables – Mastery in Detail
Beyond chairs and shelving, Kai Kristiansen designed desks, sideboards, and tables that merge beauty with functionality.
One example is the Model 59 rosewood desk for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, featuring drawers and integrated shelves – ideal for both offices and home studies.
We also offer a teak sideboard by Kai Kristiansen for Feldballes Møbelfabrik, perfect as a compact TV cabinet.
His tables stand out for innovative solutions – such as the teak “Elevator” table, with adjustable height, functioning both as a coffee table and a compact dining table. We also feature rosewood nesting bedside tables with carved legs, which can be neatly stacked together.
Why Choose Kai Kristiansen Furniture from Futureantiques?
Kai Kristiansen furniture is highly sought-after by collectors and mid-century modern design enthusiasts worldwide. At Futureantiques, every piece in our collection is not only an authentic example of Danish craftsmanship from the 1960s, but also carefully restored with respect for its originality.
Investing in Kai Kristiansen designs means owning furniture that is beautiful, functional, and historic – pieces that will easily integrate into the most elegant interiors. Explore our full collection, and feel free to contact our team for additional details on available items.

Poul Cadovius teak wall unit with expository shelf for Cado, Denmark 1960s
Kurt Ostervig coffee table, attr to, Denmark, 1960s
Ox Art extra large coffee table in teak an ceramic tiles, Denmark 1970s
Kai Kristiansen rosewood nesting tables for Vildbjerg Möbelfabrik, Denmark 1960s
Italian mid century corner wall unit, 1970s
Topo desk lamp by Joe Colombo for Stilnovo, Italy 1970s
Poul Cadovius shelving unit in walnut, set of 2 shelves, 1960s
Panthella acrylic table lamp by Verner Panton for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1970s
Italian mid century dining table in teak, 1960s
Ico Parisi Rosewood sideboard for MIM, Rome, Italy 1960s
Danish mid century 2 bay teak wall unit, 1960s
Poul Cadovius home office rosewood wall unit for Cado, 1960s
Hansen&Guldborg 3 bay teak wall unit with a bar cabinet for HG Furniture, Denmark 1960s
Poul Cadovius rosewood wall unit for Cado, Denmark 1960s.
Scandinavian wall unit in teak, model Ergo, Norway 1960s
Scandinavian mid-century lounge chairs in teak and wool, set of 2, 1960s
Mid-Century Danish Teak Desk Model 75 by Omann Jun 1950s
Italian mid-century chandelier in Stilnovo style, 1960s
Danish mid century teak chest of drawers, 1960s
Danish teak mid century sideboard with bar cabinet, 1950s
Poul Cadovius home offcie wall unit with hidden desk for Cado, 1960s.
Danish mid century mirror with ceramic tiles by T.W. Spejlet, 1970s
Italian chandelier atrr. to Angelo Brotto for Esperia, Italy 1960s.
Venini extra large chadeliers attr. to Toni Zuccheri, Italy, 1970s. Set of 2.
Italian Murano glass sphere pendant lamp in the style of Venini, 1970s
Set of 3 teak shelves, Kai Kristiansen for FM Mobler, Denmark, 1960s
Franco Albini wall lamps for Sirrah, Italy 1970s
Pair Italian Space Age Mazzega Murano glass table lamps attr. to Carlo Nason, Italy, 1970s
Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs Eva by Niels Koefoed for Koefoeds Hornslet, 1960s
Danish mid century teak shelving unit with a desk, 1970s
Italian mid-century Murano glass pendant lamp 1970s
Italian Space Age Brass ‘Quebec’ Sconces by Gilla Giani for Tronconi, Set of 2, 1980s.
Italian pendant lamp with “lattimo” Murano glass shades, mid century modern, 1970s
Mid century teak table with hidden extensions, Denmark 1960s
High back vintage lounge chair in the style of Flemming Lassen, Denmark 1960s
Kai Kristiansen four bay teak wall unit with a dresser, FM Mobler, Denmark 1960s
Danish mid century teak wall unit with a desk shelf, 1960s
Danish mid century teak wall unit in the style of Poul Cadovius, 1960s
Teak coffee table by Illum WIkkelsø for CF Christensen, Denmark 1960s
Venini Italian brass floor lamp with Murano swirl globe, Italy 1970s
Ico Parisi and Louisa Parisi set of 6+1 rosewood chairs for MIM, 1950s
Johannes Sorth teak bookcase with sliding doors compartment for Nexo, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960s
Italian Space Age table lamp with Murano glass shade, 1970s
Gigi Radice mid century lounge chair for Minotti, Italy 1950s
Large Opaline Glass Table Lamp by Goffredo Reggiani for Reggiani, set of 2, Italy 1960s
Danish teak executive desk attr. to Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
Danish mid century round rosewood extension table by Feldballes Møbelfabrik, 1960s
Johannes Sorth for Nexo, bookcase with secretaire, Denmark, 1957
Kai Kristiansen one bay teak Wall unit
Italian vintage credenza in the style of Vittorio Dassi, 1950s
Kai Kristiansen chairs in roswood model 42, set of 8,Denmark 1960s 






















