Danish Modern designed lounge chairs by Kofod-Larsen

Ib Kofod-Larsen (1921—2003) was a Danish architect-designer. Educated at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, his designs in the 1950s were well received in Denmark.

In 1955, Kofod-Larsen was invited to show his works at the Good Design exhibit at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. His modernist organic style was prized for the quality woods and clean lines. Everything was planed, rubbed, and polished by hand.

Kofod-Larsen’s designs began making an impact in England in the 1960s. Thanks to manufacturer E. Gomme Limited’s G-Plan line of furniture, Kofod-Larsen became the most sought after designer at G-Plan.[1]

His lounge chairs were advertised as “the answer to the open [floor] plan—chairs that stand away from the wall” and look “beautiful from any angle” (see ad). As modern architect Isay Weinfeld states, “If you have wonderful chairs, the sofa shouldn’t fight with them. Let the chairs be the stars.”[2]

Sloane ad in the New York Times, 15 June 1958, pg. 69

I think the folks in Sloane’s ad department were confused on his first name. This is only place I’ve ever seen it listed as “I. B.” rather than “Ib” which is the Danish diminutive of Jakob.[3]

Kofod-Larsen also had a great deal of success with his minimalist designs for Faarup Mobelfabrik, his sideboards being among the most popular.

Kofod-Larsen pieces are somewhat rare since they were hi-end and rather expensive in their day ($150.00 in 1958 had the same buying power as $1,212.68 in 2013), and identifying a Kofod-Larsen can be tricky. There are several Danish and American designers with similarly styled lounge chairs.

Kofod-Larsen is among other influential Danish designers like Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Grete Jalk, Milo Baughman, and Arne Vodder who have made their mark on Mid-Century Modern design.

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[1] http://amsterdammodernblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/g-plan-kofod-larsen.html

[2] Isay Weinfeld, quoted in Michael Cannell, “Lush Life,” Architectural Digest, Vol. 68, No. 11, Nov. 2011.

[3] http://www.behindthename.com/names/usage/danish