Carl Hansen & Søn

About Carl Hansen & Søn

Founded in 1908 by Carl Hansen in Odense, Denmark, Carl Hansen & Søn is an iconic Scandinavian design brand celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship, commitment to quality and historic collaborations with legendary designers, including Hans J. Wegner. Specialising in solid wood furniture, the brand combines tradition, innovation and sustainability to create timeless pieces that transcend the ages. From its iconic chairs to its tables and sofas, Carl Hansen & Søn embodies the essence of Danish design: functionality, simplicity and elegance. Here is a comprehensive exploration of the brand's universe, from its history to its flagship creations.

The history of Carl Hansen & Søn: a century of excellence

The beginnings: a passion for craftsmanship

Carl Hansen, a trained cabinetmaker, founded his workshop in 1908 with a clear vision: to produce high-quality furniture using traditional craftsmanship techniques. From the outset, the company stood out for its attention to detail and use of solid wood, particularly oak and walnut. In the 1930s, under the leadership of Carl's son Holger Hansen, the brand began collaborating with architects and designers, laying the foundations for its modernist heritage. This period marked the beginning of a decisive collaboration with Hans J. Wegner, who would become the brand's iconic designer.

A legendary collaboration with Hans J. Wegner

In 1949, Carl Hansen & Søn began a partnership with Hans J. Wegner, considered one of the fathers of Danish organic modernism. This collaboration gave rise to pieces that have become design icons, such as the CH24 Wishbone chair (1949) and the CH07 Shell chair (1963). Wegner, with his focus on simplicity, comfort and the natural beauty of wood, shaped the brand's identity. Today, his designs account for around 80% of Carl Hansen & Søn's production, and his influence lives on through faithful reproductions and new designs discovered in his archives.

A global brand rooted in tradition

Under the leadership of the third generation, with Knud Erik Hansen at the helm since 2002, Carl Hansen & Søn has expanded its reach while remaining true to its artisanal roots. The brand is now present in more than 40 countries, with showrooms in Copenhagen, New York, Tokyo and London. Its furniture can be found in private residences, prestigious hotels such as the Nobis Hotel in Stockholm, and public spaces such as the United Nations headquarters. Despite this expansion, production remains based in Aarup, Denmark, where each piece is handmade with unrivalled precision.

A design philosophy: craftsmanship, simplicity and sustainability

Carl Hansen & Søn is based on a philosophy that celebrates craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of design. Each piece of furniture is designed to last for generations, respecting three fundamental principles:

• Exceptional craftsmanship: Each piece is handmade by skilled cabinetmakers using traditional techniques such as hand weaving and dovetail joints, combined with modern technologies for optimal precision.

• Functional simplicity: Inspired by Danish modernism, the designs favour clean lines, organic shapes and ergonomic comfort, making each piece of furniture both practical and beautiful.

• Sustainability: The brand uses sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood, and adopts eco-friendly practices, such as using natural finishes and reducing waste. Each product is designed to be repairable and recyclable, ensuring exceptional longevity.

This philosophy guides production, from collaborations with designers to the selection of materials and a commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

A rich and diverse collection

The Carl Hansen & Søn collection is a tribute to Danish design, focusing on solid wood furniture, lighting and accessories that embody functional elegance. Although Hans J. Wegner dominates the catalogue, the brand also collaborates with other designers, such as Kaare Klint, Poul Kjærholm and Bodil Kjær, to offer a varied range. 

Materials and sustainable commitment

Carl Hansen & Søn favours materials of the highest quality, including oak, walnut, ash and teak, all sourced from FSC-certified forests. The paper cord seats, a signature material, are hand-woven in the Aarup workshop, a process that can take up to two hours per chair. The brand also uses sustainable leathers and fabrics, often sourced from European suppliers such as Kvadrat. Each piece of furniture is finished with natural oils or eco-friendly lacquers, minimising environmental impact. Carl Hansen & Søn is committed to reducing waste by optimising the use of wood and recycling offcuts. The pieces are designed to be repairable, with replaceable components, ensuring exceptional durability. The brand also conducts regular audits of its suppliers to ensure ethical working conditions.

A timeless style for all interiors

Carl Hansen & Søn's designs stand out for their versatility, adapting to a multitude of décors, from Nordic minimalism to classic or contemporary spaces. The CH24 Wishbone Chair and CH88 Chair bring timeless elegance to a dining room, while the CH445 Wing Chair and CH71 Sofa create sophisticated relaxation areas. Tables such as the CH327 or CH338 structure a space with their organic silhouette, and pieces such as the Cuba Chair offer flexibility for smaller spaces. With a range of natural finishes (oiled oak, lacquered walnut) and customisation options (leather, fabric, rope colours), Carl Hansen & Søn furniture allows for personalisation while maintaining visual harmony. Their design, rooted in Danish modernism, transcends trends, offering elegance that ages gracefully.

Carl Hansen & Søn around the world: a global influence

Carl Hansen & Søn has conquered the international market thanks to the unrivalled quality of its furniture and the universal appeal of its design. Its pieces can be found in prestigious locations such as the Nobis Hotel in Stockholm, the United Nations headquarters in New York and private residences around the world. The brand is present at international trade fairs such as the Salone del Mobile in Milan, and its collaborations with cultural institutions such as the Copenhagen Design Museum reinforce its influence. Hans J. Wegner's designs in particular are exhibited in museums such as the MoMA in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, testifying to their cultural significance. With production still based in Denmark, Carl Hansen & Søn maintains strict quality control while exporting its expertise to more than 40 countries.

Why choose Carl Hansen & Søn?

Choosing Carl Hansen & Søn means investing in furniture that embodies craftsmanship and timeless design. Their exceptional quality, durability and versatility make them pieces that are destined to last for generations. Whether you are looking for an iconic chair like the Wishbone, an elegant sofa like the CH71, a sculptural table or a refined accessory, Carl Hansen & Søn offers a solution that combines aesthetics and functionality. The brand appeals to design enthusiasts with its respect for tradition, commitment to sustainability and ability to create furniture that tells a story. Each piece, carefully crafted in Aarup, is a tribute to Danish modernism and the legacy of designers such as Wegner.

Carl Hansen & Søn at Scandinavia Design

The entire Carl Hansen & Søn collection is available at Scandinavia Design, a French-Swedish company founded in 2007 and a must-visit destination for lovers of Scandinavian design. With a high-quality selection, personalised advice and attentive customer service, it's the perfect place to find Danish elegance for your home.