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.

Chaise Gavina Cesca originale de Marcel Breuer, Bologne, Italie années 1960
Gaetano Sciolari Grand lustre en laiton doré et cristal, Italie, années 70
Grande lampe de table en verre opalin par Goffredo Reggiani pour Reggiani, ensemble de 2, Italie, années 1960
Canapé italien retapé dans le style de Gio Ponti, années 1950
Vintage Lounge Chair with Stool by André Vandenbrouck for Strassle model " King ", Switzerland, 1960s
Paire de chaises longues néoclassiques italiennes du milieu du siècle dans le style de Paolo Buffa, années 1950
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, canapé trois places Fritz Hansen en peau de mouton longue
Canapé Camaleonda de Mario Bellini en cuir aniline naturel pleine fleur, Italie, années 1970
Kai Kristiansen, meuble mural à quatre travées en teck avec une commode, FM Mobler, Danemark, années 1960
Canapé Camaleonda de Mario Bellini rénové en lin par Franco Fabri, modernité italienne du milieu du siècle dernier, années 1970
Tables gigognes en bois de rose de Kai Kristiansen pour Vildbjerg Möbelfabrik, Danemark années 1960 

























