Carl Hansen & Søn: Danish Furniture Craftsmanship Since 1908
Carl Hansen & Søn is a Danish furniture manufacturer founded in 1908 in Odense, Denmark. The company is renowned for producing iconic Danish modern furniture, particularly designs by Hans J. Wegner, and is recognised as one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality wooden furniture. Carl Hansen & Søn specialises in handcrafted furniture using traditional cabinetmaking techniques combined with modern production methods.
" Timeless beauty, comfort, craftsmanship, and sustainability are so deeply ingrained in all our furniture works that only sight and touch are required to understand and fall in love with them. "
Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and owner
crafting modern design for over a century
Carl Hansen & Søn History and Heritage
Founded in Denmark in 1908, for over 100 years, Carl Hansen have specialised in providing outstanding furniture craftsmanship that brings visionary design concepts to life. And, although much has changed at Carl Hansen over the years, the fundamentals are the same. Their long-standing goal remains to gather the best modern furniture designs under one roof and to share these icons with the world.
The pivotal moment came in 1949 when Carl Hansen & Søn began collaborating with designer Hans J. Wegner, one of the pioneers of Danish modern design. This partnership produced some of the most iconic chairs in furniture history, including the Wishbone Chair (CH24) in 1950 and The Chair (CH36) in 1949.
The company employs over 400 craftspeople and produces furniture in its Aarup, Denmark facility, where many processes remain hand-finished.
Like Innes, Carl Hansen are a third generation, family owned business and we have enjoyed our very close working relationship over the years. Our founder Donald Innes was creating some of his stunning imagery at the same time Carl Hansen & their team of designers were creating classics such as the Wishbone chair. We often display them together in the gallery as a nod to their creative work back in the 1950s.
Carl Hansen believe that iconic design is a combination of simplicity, aesthetics and functionality brought to life through skilful work with the highest quality materials.
For over 100 years, they have specialised in providing the outstanding furniture craftsmanship that brings visionary design concepts to life.
Their story began in 1908 when Danish cabinetmaker Carl Hansen opened a small furniture workshop on the Danish island of Funen. Since then, the company’s success has depended on two core ideas: an uncompromising commitment to the finest craftsmanship, and alliances with exceptional designers who continually reinvent and refine the concept of modern design.
Carl Hansen’s evolution has been deeply influenced by their long-term relationship with one of the greatest designers of all time: Hans J. Wegner.
The creative partnership began in 1949, when Carl Hansen’s son Holger Hansen took a chance on the then-unknown designer, and Wegner developed a successful furniture series that included the now-iconic Wishbone Chair.
This collaboration and the many that followed demonstrated what can be achieved when unprecedented design and uncompromising production come together.
In the 1950s, Wegner emerged as a driving force in the international success of the Danish Modern design movement. He has since become Carl Hansen’s best-known and bestselling designer, his works becoming widely recognised as modern classics and treasured collector’s items around the world – and his legacy remaining an essential part of the company’s DNA.
Today, Carl Hansen continues to work closely with the Hans J. Wegner Studio and is the world’s largest producer of Wegner’s furniture, manufactured in Denmark.
When you choose a product from Carl Hansen, you get more than just a piece of furniture, you will become part of a long and proud tradition of beautiful and distinctive craftsmanship, where nothing is left to chance. They are the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture designed by Hans J. Wegner, and also manufacture furniture created by renowned furniture designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Borge Mogensen, Ole Wanscher, Kaare Klint, Poul Kjaerholm, Bodil Kjaer, and Tadao Ando. Carl Hansen represents more than 100 years of Danish design history.
Dining Chairs: Carl Hansen's Dining chair collection is extensive and includes the CH24, CH33, CH36, CH46, CH47, and others. Standard seat heights range from 44-46cm, suitable for dining tables of 74-76cm height. Chairs are available with or without armrests, with various seat options (paper cord, cane, upholstered).
Lounge Chairs and Sofas: Lounge seating includes the CH07, CH25, CH28, CH71, CH468, and others. Seat heights range from 37-42cm with deeper seats (50-70cm) for relaxed posture. Many designs feature angled backrests (100-110 degrees) for optimal lounging comfort.
Tables: Table collection includes dining tables, coffee tables, side tables, and desks. The CH327 dining table, designed by Hans J. Wegner, features a solid wood top with visible finger joints and angled legs. Standard dining table height is 72cm. Coffee tables range from 35-45cm height.
Storage and Shelving: Storage solutions include cabinets, sideboards, and shelving units. The CH825 Credenza, designed by Hans J. Wegner, features sliding doors, solid wood construction, and adjustable interior shelving. Dimensions are 200cm width × 48cm depth × 80cm height.
Outdoor Furniture: Outdoor collection features teak furniture designed for exterior use. Teak is chosen for its natural weather resistance and durability. Designs include the CH53 outdoor chair and various outdoor tables. Teak furniture develops a silver-grey patina when left untreated outdoors, or can be maintained with teak oil to preserve golden color.
CH24 Wishbone Chair: Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1950, the CH24 Wishbone Chair (also called the Y-Chair) is Carl Hansen & Søn's most produced design, with over 1.5 million chairs manufactured since 1950. The chair features a steam-bent top rail, Y-shaped backrest, and hand-woven paper cord seat requiring approximately 120 meters of cord and 1 hour of hand-weaving per chair. Construction uses solid wood (beech, oak, ash, walnut, or cherry) with mortise-and-tenon joinery throughout. Dimensions are 55cm width × 51cm depth × 76cm height, with seat height of 45cm and seat depth of 41cm. The chair weighs approximately 5kg and supports up to 110kg. Available in over 20 wood finishes including soap-treated, oil-treated, and lacquered options.
CH07 Shell Chair: The CH07 Shell Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1963, features a distinctive three-legged base and sculptural shell seat. The seat shell is formed from laminated veneer (9 layers of beech or oak) steam-pressed into its organic shape. The three-legged base uses solid wood with angled legs for stability. Dimensions are 72cm width × 68cm depth × 82cm height, with seat height of 42cm. The shell can be upholstered in leather or fabric, or left as natural wood. The design showcases Wegner's exploration of sculptural forms and innovative manufacturing techniques.
CH25 Lounge Chair: Designed in 1950, the CH25 combines a wide, comfortable seat with a distinctive angled backrest. The frame uses solid wood with visible finger joints at the armrests—a signature Wegner detail that celebrates joinery as decoration. The seat can be upholstered or finished with hand-woven paper cord. Dimensions are 75cm width × 69cm depth × 73cm height, with seat height of 37cm. The low seat height and reclined backrest angle (105 degrees) provide relaxed lounging comfort. Weight capacity is 110kg.
CH36 (The Chair): Designed in 1949, The Chair gained international recognition when used in the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon presidential debates. The design features a curved top rail that wraps around to form armrests, a caned seat, and sculpted solid wood frame. Construction requires extensive hand-shaping and finishing. Dimensions are 63cm width × 52cm depth × 76cm height, with seat height of 44cm. The chair weighs 8.5kg and exemplifies Wegner's philosophy that a chair should be beautiful from all angles. Available in oak, walnut, ash, or cherry with natural cane or upholstered seat options.
OW149 Colonial Chair: Designed by Ole Wanscher in 1949, the Colonial Chair draws inspiration from 18th-century English colonial furniture reinterpreted through Danish modernist principles. The chair features a folding mechanism, curved armrests, and caned seat and back. Construction uses solid wood with brass hardware. Dimensions when open: 62cm width × 83cm depth × 86cm height, with seat height of 38cm. The chair folds to 62cm width × 20cm depth for storage. The design balances historical reference with modern functionality and craftsmanship.
CH468 Oculus Chair: Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960, the Oculus Chair features a distinctive circular backrest opening (the "oculus") and sculptural solid wood frame. The design showcases advanced woodworking techniques including steam-bending and hand-shaping. The seat is upholstered in leather or fabric. Dimensions are 76cm width × 73cm depth × 79cm height, with seat height of 40cm. The chair weighs approximately 12kg due to substantial solid wood construction. Production requires significant hand-finishing, making it one of Carl Hansen & Søn's most labor-intensive pieces.
Carl Hansen & Søn Materials and Craftsmanship
Through the years, Carl Hansen has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand our collection to represent influential new designers. Their goal is to gather the best, most iconic modern furniture designs under one roof.
They produce important works by the renowned mid-century Danish masters Hans J. Wegner, Ole Wanscher, Frits Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint and Poul Kjærholm, working closely with their families and studios to ensure absolute adherence to their visions.
They also partner with contemporary designers who uphold the core Danish Modern principles of simplicity, functionality and craftsmanship while breathing new life into modern spaces. These collaborations are rooted in a shared respect for thoughtful design and production, and in perspectives that bring new dimensions to their portfolio. Partnerships with the design duo Strand + Hvass, the designer Thomas Bo Kastholm, multidisciplinary artist Naja Utzon Popov and designer Anker Bak – modern Danish visionaries who have embraced the legacy of the great designers before them to create tomorrow’s classics – embody these values.
Carl Hansen's recent international partnerships with Japanese architect Tadao Ando and the Austrian design trio EOOS have expanded their collection with works that reshape their categories and highlight their designers’ creative edge, ability to push the latest technologies to new limits and focus on marrying innovation with sustainability.
Wood Selection : Carl Hansen & Søn uses FSC-certified hardwoods including oak, beech, ash, walnut, cherry, and teak. Wood is kiln-dried to 8-10% moisture content to ensure dimensional stability. The company maintains strict wood selection standards, using only heartwood (no sapwood) for visible components to ensure consistent color and grain.
Wood Treatment: Surface treatments include soap treatment (traditional Nordic finish that penetrates wood fibers), oil treatment (natural oil that enhances grain), and lacquer (protective coating available in matte or gloss). Each treatment is applied by hand and requires multiple coats with sanding between applications.
Joinery Techniques: Traditional joinery methods include mortise-and-tenon joints, finger joints, dowel joints, and dovetail joints. Joints are glued using PVA adhesives and often reinforced with wooden dowels or wedges. Visible joinery is considered a design feature rather than hidden, celebrating the craft of furniture making.
Paper Cord Weaving: Paper cord seats are hand-woven using three-ply twisted paper cord. A single Wishbone Chair seat requires approximately 120 meters of cord and 45-60 minutes of weaving time. Weavers follow traditional patterns that provide both aesthetic appeal and structural support. Paper cord is durable (lasting 20-30 years with normal use), comfortable, and allows air circulation.
Upholstery: Upholstered pieces use high-quality leather or fabric over foam cushioning. Leather options include aniline, semi-aniline, and full-grain leather in various colors. Fabric options include wool, linen, and performance textiles from suppliers like Kvadrat and Maharam. Cushion cores use high-resilience foam with optional down wrapping for premium comfort.
Steam Bending: Many Carl Hansen & Søn designs incorporate steam-bent components, particularly backrest rails and armrests. Wood is steamed at 100°C for 1-2 hours to make it pliable, then bent around forms and clamped until dry. This process allows creation of organic curves impossible with solid wood cutting alone, while maintaining wood grain continuity and strength.
Carl Hansen & Søn Sustainability
Carl Hansen & Søn holds FSC certification (FSC-C135991), ensuring all wood comes from responsibly managed forests. The company prioritizes local sourcing when possible, with European hardwoods sourced primarily from Denmark, Germany, and Poland. Production waste is minimized through efficient cutting patterns, with wood scraps used for heating the factory.
Carl Hansen work continuously to ensure healthy & safe work conditions for their dedicated craftspeople In their manufacturing facilities. When it comes to production, they use responsibly-sourced materials and processes that protect their customers, team and the environment.
In fact, nearly every bit of wood that they source is used, repurposing the little scraps that remain as fuel in a district heating plant that provides warmth to more than 400 local homes in Gelsted, Denmark.
They believe that one of the best strategies for sustainable living is to make and buy things that last, which is why they use the best materials and craftsmanship in everything they produce. Their products are crafted to last a lifetime, with many pieces remaining in use for 50+ years and the aim is that they will be passed down and enjoyed for generations. To encourage this, they provide highly-skilled, in-house repair and refurbishment services. This way, after decades of daily use, even the most well-worn, well-loved piece of furniture can be restored and made ready for many more years of practical enjoyment and so minimising replacement cycles.
Surface treatments use water-based finishes with low VOC emissions. Packaging uses recycled cardboard and minimises plastic use.
Traditional Values in Today's Context
In an ever changing world, their century-long commitment to producing world-class design has remained constant. They manufacture at their modern production facilities in Denmark to ensure the highest quality standards, using a combination of traditional techniques and new technologies to create timeless, modern design that endures for generations. From the start of production to the moment their furniture takes pride of place in a new interior, they are guided by dedication to honest, sustainable practices that uphold the legacies of their founder and designers.
Today, Carl Hansen chairs, tables and sofas complete many of the most exciting, beautiful and innovative modern spaces. They also set the tone at some of the world’s best restaurants. They serve in meeting spaces where world leaders make history. They enhance millions of people’s travel experiences in hotels and airports. They bring a new dimension to healthcare and wellbeing facilities, elevating the human experience. They regularly appear on the pages of top architecture and design publications showcasing the work of the best architects and interior designers working today.
And they tell the story of Danish Modern in the permanent collections of such seminal museums as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
extraordinary design
Carl Hansen Designers
Design is core element of Carl Hansen's culture and have always invested deeply in their relationship with their designers.
Where is Carl Hansen & Søn furniture made? Carl Hansen & Søn indoor furniture is manufactured in Denmark at the company's facility in Aarup, approximately 30km from the original Odense location. Production remains in Denmark to maintain quality control and preserve traditional craftsmanship techniques. The company employs over 400 people in Denmark, many trained in traditional cabinetmaking. Carl Hansen's teak outdoor furniture is made is their own factory in Vietnam, where there is specialist skill in this material.
How long does a Carl Hansen & Søn chair last? With proper care, Carl Hansen & Søn chairs typically last 50+ years. Many original Wishbone Chairs from the 1950s remain in daily use. The solid wood construction, traditional joinery, and quality materials ensure exceptional longevity. Paper cord seats last 20-30 years before requiring re-weaving, which Carl Hansen & Søn offers as a service. Many years ago a client came to us who had inherited a number of Oak CH24 chairs from a elderly relative and they had the date of manufacture written in pencil on the base of the frame (1962). We sent them back to the factory to have the cord bases replaced and re-oiled and they came back like new.
What is the difference between Carl Hansen & Søn and other Danish furniture brands Carl Hansen & Søn specializes in classic Danish modern designs, particularly Hans J. Wegner's work, manufactured using traditional techniques. Compared to HAY (contemporary design, accessible pricing) or Fritz Hansen (modernist classics by Arne Jacobsen & Poul Kjaerlholm), Carl Hansen & Søn emphasizes visible craftsmanship, solid wood construction, and hand-finishing. Price points are premium, reflecting labour-intensive production methods and materials quality.
Are Carl Hansen & Søn chairs comfortable? Yes, comfort was central to Hans J. Wegner's design philosophy. Chairs feature ergonomically shaped backrests, carefully calculated seat angles, and appropriate seat depths. The Wishbone Chair's curved backrest supports the lumbar region while the Y-shaped splat provides mid-back support. Paper cord seats conform slightly to body shape, providing comfort without excessive softness. Lounge chairs feature lower seat heights (37-42cm) and reclined backrests (100-110 degrees) for relaxed sitting. The Colonial Chair is a lovely lounge chair that offers great comfort and its upright seating position makes it very easy to get in and out of, making it ideal for maturer clients.
Can I get replacement parts for Carl Hansen & Søn furniture? Yes, Carl Hansen & Søn offers replacement parts and repair services for their furniture. Common services include paper cord re-weaving, leather or fabric reupholstery, wood refinishing, and component replacement. Contact us for more information on their repair services. The company maintains production records and can service furniture decades old.
What wood finish should I choose? Soap treatment provides a natural, matte appearance that highlights wood grain and allows wood to develop patina over time. It requires regular maintenance (re-soaping every 3-6 months) but is easily refreshed and is the most environmentally friendly finish. Oil treatment offers a slightly richer colour with low-sheen finish, requiring annual re-oiling. White Pigmented Oil has chalk in it and so keeps the wood whiter and prevents that natural yellowing effect. Lacquer provides maximum protection with minimal maintenance but creates a surface coating rather than penetrating finish and so in our opinion does not feel as nice as the more natural finishes above. It is also more expensive to repair if it gets scratched as needs specialist repair, whereas Oiled and Soaped woods can easily be sanded and refinished yourself. Choice depends on desired appearance and maintenance commitment.
How do I choose between oak, walnut, and other woods? Oak offers light to medium brown colour with prominent grain, providing classic Scandinavian aesthetic. Walnut features rich dark brown color with varied grain patterns, offering more dramatic appearance. Ash is similar to oak but with lighter color and more subtle grain. Cherry develops warm reddish-brown patina over time. Beech provides uniform, fine grain in pale color. Consider existing furniture, room lighting, and personal preference. All woods offer equivalent durability and quality.
What is Carl Hansen & Søn's warranty? Carl Hansen & Søn provides a 5-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential use. The warranty does not cover normal wear, damage from misuse, or changes in wood appearance due to aging and patina development. Commercial use may have different warranty terms. Warranty claims require proof of purchase from authorised retailers.
Carl Hansen & Innes - a special relationship spanning many years
Carl Hansen at Innes
Innes is an authorized Carl Hansen & Søn retailer, offering a curated selection of iconic designs including the Wishbone Chair, Colonial Chair, Shell Chair, and other Hans J. Wegner classics. We provide expert guidance on wood selection, finish options, and upholstery choices to ensure you select the perfect pieces for your home or project.
We meet up in Copenhagen at least once a year and have been fortunate enough to visit the Carl Hansen factory to see the furniture being lovingly made and also Carl Hansen brand stores in London, Milan and Copenhagen.
Our team understands the craftsmanship and heritage behind each Carl Hansen & Søn design and can advise on care, maintenance, and longevity. Visit our showroom to experience the quality and comfort of Carl Hansen & Søn furniture in person, or contact us for personalized recommendations.
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Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone Dining Chair Natural Paper Cord
Carl Hansen CH337 Extendable Dining Table 140cm to 260cm
