Fritz Hansen, founded in 1872 in Copenhagen by carpenter Fritz Hansen, is an icon of Danish design, renowned for its furniture and lighting that combine exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and timeless aesthetics.
Embodying Scandinavian minimalism, the brand has stood the test of time thanks to collaborations with visionary designers, strategic acquisitions and an ongoing commitment to sustainability and quality. [READ MORE]
Fritz Hansen decoration
The origins (1872-1920): Fritz Hansen began as a wooden furniture workshop in Copenhagen, under the direction of its eponymous founder. By 1885, the company had gained prestige by supplying furniture to the Danish Parliament, demonstrating impeccable craftsmanship. With his son Christian, Fritz Hansen perfected techniques such as wood bending, laying the foundations for innovative production.
The modernist era (1920-1950): In the 1920s, Fritz Hansen embraced modernism and functionalism, collaborating with designers influenced by these movements. In 1934, the acquisition of the production rights for Søren Hansen's laminated wood furniture made it possible to create organic and ergonomic shapes. Hans J. Wegner's China Chair (1944), although less well known, illustrates this transition to sculptural designs.
The Golden Age (1950-1980): The 1950s marked the heyday of Fritz Hansen thanks to its collaborations with renowned designers. This period saw the emergence of iconic pieces, notably thanks to Arne Jacobsen, whose designs for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen (1960) redefined modern design. At the same time, Poul Kjærholm introduced a minimalist, industrial aesthetic, enriching the brand's palette. Despite economic challenges in the 1970s, Fritz Hansen remained true to its vision.
Renewal and expansion (1980-2000): In the 1980s, driven by new investors, Fritz Hansen relaunched its classics and diversified its offering. In 1982, the acquisition of the Kaiser Idell lighting collection, designed by Christian Dell in the 1930s, marked its entry into lighting design. The 1990s, buoyed by a renewed interest in Scandinavian design, enabled the brand to go international, with exports to more than 85 countries.
The contemporary era (2000-present): In the 21st century, Fritz Hansen combines heritage and modernity. Collaborations with contemporary designers such as Jaime Hayon and Cecilie Manz have rejuvenated its catalogue, while the Objects line, launched in 2016, offers decorative accessories. In 2015, the acquisition of Lightyears strengthened its lighting offering, and in 2016, the acquisition of Skagerak expanded its expertise to outdoor furniture. In 2022, for its 150th anniversary, Fritz Hansen is celebrating its heritage with limited editions, consolidating its status as a global benchmark. Today, with showrooms in Copenhagen, Tokyo, New York and Milan, the brand continues to shape global design, while emphasising sustainability with FSC-certified materials and eco-responsible processes.
Arne Jacobsen (1902–1971), architect and designer, was Fritz Hansen's most iconic collaborator, marking the brand's golden age in the 1950s. His holistic vision, integrating architecture and interior design, was realised in projects such as the SAS Royal Hotel, for which he designed furniture, lighting and details. Using advanced techniques such as moulded laminated wood, Jacobsen created functional, ergonomic and elegant pieces.
Key works:
• Ant Chair (1952): Designed for the Novo Nordisk canteen, this lightweight three-legged (later four-legged) chair is a technical and aesthetic feat.
• Series 7 chair (1955): An evolution of the Ant, it became one of the world's best-selling pieces of furniture thanks to its laminated wood shell, stackable design and versatility. It gained worldwide fame with Christine Keeler's 1963 photograph.
• Egg Chair (1958): A sculptural armchair with organic curves, designed for the SAS Royal lobby. Jacobsen modelled his prototype in clay to achieve the perfect shape. Accompanied by its footrest, it embodies comfort and elegance.
• Swan Chair (1958): More compact, this armchair with flowing lines evokes a swan, ideal for lounge areas.
• Grand Prix Chair (1957): With its wooden legs, it won the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale.
Impact: Jacobsen's designs, exhibited in museums such as the MoMA, are icons of global design. They propelled Fritz Hansen to the forefront of Scandinavian modernism, pushing the boundaries of manufacturing and defining a timeless aesthetic.
Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980), influenced by the Bauhaus, brought a rigorous industrial aesthetic to Fritz Hansen in the 1950s.
Unlike Jacobsen, who favoured wood, Kjærholm used steel, leather and glass to create pieces of austere elegance.
Context: Kjærholm collaborated with Fritz Hansen from 1955, but his collection grew in scope after his rights were acquired in 1982, two years after his death, relaunching his designs with worldwide success.
Key works:
• PK22 (1956): Minimalist lounge chair with a flat steel frame and leather or fabric seat, combining simplicity and refinement.
• PK25 (1951): Armchair with clean lines, offering luxurious comfort in a compact form.
• PK61 Coffee Table (1956): A coffee table with a glass or stone top and a steel base, embodying industrial precision.
Impact: Kjærholm expanded Fritz Hansen's range with a minimalist, industrial approach, attracting an audience in search of understated luxury. His designs, described as ‘poetic’, reinforced the brand's position at the high end of the market.
Jaime Hayon (born in 1974), a Spanish designer, has been injecting new energy into Fritz Hansen since 2011. His eclectic style, combining humour, craftsmanship and modernity, contrasts with Scandinavian minimalism, while respecting the brand's high standards of quality.
Key works:
• Fri Armchair (2015): A cosy armchair with soft curves, designed for comfort and intimacy, available in a range of fabrics and colours.
• Lune Sofa (2017): A modular sofa with organic lines, ideal for socialising and customisable.
• Ro Armchair (2013): A compact, sculptural armchair designed as a cocoon for relaxation (‘Ro’ means ‘rest’ in Danish).
Impact: Hayon brings a Mediterranean sensibility and a touch of whimsy, rejuvenating Fritz Hansen's image and appealing to a younger clientele. His pieces are warm and welcoming, blending seamlessly into contemporary interiors.
Paul McCobb (1917–1969), an American designer, was relaunched by Fritz Hansen in 2018 as part of the ‘Republic of Fritz Hansen’ collection, which aims to incorporate international influences.
Context: Known for his clean, democratic style, McCobb aligns with Fritz Hansen's functional aesthetic, offering a mid-century alternative to Danish modernism.
Key works:
• Planner Coffee Tables (relaunched in 2018): Round or square coffee tables with marble tops and steel or wooden bases, evoking the 1950s.
• Planner Shelving (relaunched in 2018): Modular steel and wood shelves, practical and elegant.
Impact: McCobb's designs, although less iconic, appeal to the American market and mid-century enthusiasts, enriching Fritz Hansen's versatility.
In 1982, Fritz Hansen diversified its offering by acquiring the rights to the Kaiser Idell collection, designed by Christian Dell in the 1930s. These lights, originally produced by Gebrüder Kaiser & Co., are Bauhaus classics, characterised by their geometric lines, robust materials (lacquered steel, brass) and functionality.
Features: The collection includes table lamps, pendant lamps and floor lamps, such as the Kaiser Idell 6631 Luxus (desk lamp) and the 6556-F (scissor lamp). Their industrial style harmonises with the aesthetics of Kjærholm and Jacobsen.
Impact: The acquisition positions Fritz Hansen as a player in lighting design, broadening its audience. Revived with modern techniques, these lights remain popular in contemporary interiors.
Following Kaiser Idell, Fritz Hansen is investing in lighting to meet growing demand for design solutions. This expansion is based on collaborations with contemporary designers and the strategic acquisition of Lightyears.
Key collaborations:
• Cecilie Manz (2008): Her Caravaggio series (pendants, table lamps and floor lamps) in lacquered or opal metal is a bestseller thanks to its sleek design.
• GamFratesi: His Suspense lamp (2010, via Lightyears) combines organic shapes and soft light.
• Jørn Utzon: The Concert pendant lamp, inspired by church organs, offers diffused, sculptural light.
• Lightyears (2015): The acquisition of Danish lighting brand Lightyears brings collections such as Caravaggio, Suspense and Orient (by Jo Hammerborg), consolidating Fritz Hansen's expertise.
Philosophy: Fritz Hansen lighting fixtures prioritise simplicity, high-quality materials and warm light, designed to complement its furniture. The integration of modern LEDs ensures contemporary relevance.
Impact: Lighting now accounts for a significant portion of sales, strengthening Fritz Hansen's position as a global brand.
In 2016, Fritz Hansen acquired Skagerak, a Danish brand founded in 1976, specialising in outdoor furniture and accessories made from wood, particularly teak. This acquisition expanded Fritz Hansen's offering to include outdoor spaces and strengthened its commitment to sustainability.
Context: Based in Aalborg, Skagerak is known for its functional and sustainable designs inspired by sailing and outdoor living. Its products, such as the Drachmann chairs, Georg tables and Cutter benches, use FSC-certified wood and high-quality craftsmanship. The acquisition is part of a synergy strategy, as Skagerak shares Fritz Hansen's values.
Integration: Fritz Hansen will retain Skagerak's identity while integrating its products into its showrooms and network. Designers such as Jaime Hayon work for both brands, strengthening the creative ties.
Flagship products:
• Skagen Collection: Teak garden furniture inspired by Danish cottages.
• Cutter Collection: Wooden benches, chairs and storage units for indoor and outdoor use.
Impact: Skagerak enables Fritz Hansen to conquer the growing outdoor furniture market while meeting expectations for harmonious living spaces. Skagerak benefits from Fritz Hansen's international visibility, enriching its catalogue with natural and robust pieces.
Scandinavia Design, a major distributor of Fritz Hansen, plays a key role in promoting its designs in France and internationally. Since its creation in 2007, Scandinavia Design has offered the entire Fritz Hansen catalogue, from Series 7 chairs to Caravaggio lighting fixtures, as well as Egg and Swan armchairs. With premium customer service, customisation options and careful delivery, Scandinavia Design highlights Fritz Hansen's history and values, while also distributing other Danish brands such as Carl Hansen & Søn and Muuto. It helps to make Scandinavian design accessible to a new generation, while respecting its artisanal heritage.
***
Fritz Hansen is much more than a design brand: it is an institution that has shaped Scandinavian and global aesthetics for over 150 years. Its collaborations with Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm, Jaime Hayon and Paul McCobb demonstrate its ability to combine tradition and modernity, from Danish modernism to American mid-century design, with a playful contemporary touch. The acquisition of Kaiser Idell and Lightyears established Fritz Hansen as a leader in lighting design, while the acquisition of Skagerak paved the way for outdoor furniture, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Distributed by partners such as Scandinavia Design, Fritz Hansen continues to inspire with timeless pieces that are exhibited in museums and prized in interiors around the world.
Scandinavia Design has successfully supplied a multitude of products for a large number of projects, both public and private. These include universities, shops, hotels, restaurants, offices, museums, flats, station waiting rooms,
cruise ships and much more.
We are able to deliver furniture, lighting, fabrics, carpets, decorative elements and other accessories to almost any part of the world.
You can contact our sales department, specifying the products concerned (finish and quantity) and your exact delivery address so that we can give you the best possible response.
