Meet our Brands: Carl Hansen & Søn
It’s officially September and summer is coming to an end. We’d like to start out by thanking you for joining us on our virtual journey through Scandinavian design this summer. In our last installment of this blog series, we will explore the story of Carl Hansen & Søn.
Design company Carl Hansen & Søn is a third-generation family-run Danish business that has been family owned for over 110 years. The company was established in 1908 by Carl Hansen, taken over by his son Hoger Hansen in 1934, run by Holger’s wife, Ella, for 20 years and was then run by his two grandsons, first Jørgen Gerner and now Knud Erik Hansen.
Through the years, Carl Hansen & Søn has maintained a strong focus on preserving Danish design classics while continuing to expand its collection to represent influential new designers. The Danish design company produces important works by renowned mid-century Danish masters, such as Hans J. Wegner, working closely with each designer’s family and studio to ensure absolute adherence to their visions.
Hans J. Wegner, commonly known as “master of the chair,” designed many well-known chairs in Carl Hansen & Søn’s product catalog.
One of his most distinguished designs was (and is) the CH24 Wishbone Chair. With a form that is uniquely its own, the iconic CH24 holds a special place in the world of modern design. The Wishbone is named for its Y-shaped back and is available in many wood finishes with a natural paper cord seat and the option to add leather cushions. Over time, this chair has gained recognition as the ideal chair.
Visit our Vail Valley showroom to see the Wishbone Chair in person.
When designing the Wishbone Chair in 1949, Wegner chose to combine the back and armrest into a single piece in order to create stability and comfortable support of the lower back. More than 100 steps are required to manufacture each chair, most of which are carried out by skilled artisans by hand.
The Wishbone Chair is available in a wide range of classic colors or soft colors. Visit our Vail showroom to work with one of our interior stylists to select the perfect color for your hygge home.
The CH20 Elbow Chair is another classic Danish design from Hans J. Wegner. It features a steam-bent backrest carved from a single piece of solid wood. The chair provides arm and lower back support, enabling a variety of sitting positions. The natural leather will gain patina over time, making it even more of a beautiful heirloom piece.
Hans J. Wegner designed the stackable elbow chair in 1956 setting new standards for modern furniture design with his pieces artistic expression and ergonomic form. The Elbow Chair is available to order with a natural leather or black leather seat pad. Visit our Hygge Life Cafe to enjoy your favorite coffee in one of our Carl Hansen & Søn seating options: the Elbow Chair and the Wishbone Chair.
Enjoy the Elbow Chair seating located in the Hygge Life Cafe.
The inviting CH78 Mama Bear Lounge chair is another one of Hans J. Wegner's most visually instinctive designs. Defined by a series of inviting curves that offer up a warm embrace, this chair's special character comes from its balance of soft curves with dynamic geometries and fine details, such as the striking wooden armrests. Extremely lightweight, this timeless design is both comfy and supportive. Wegner affectionately named this lounge chair the Mama Bear for its inviting curves and soft embrace. The Mama Bear Lounge Chair brings the warm embrace of home and familiarity into any space.
The Cuba Chair has become a true classic after only a couple of decades. Designed in 1997 by Morten Gøttler, this lounge chair features low, open construction and encourages an informal sitting position. It displays stylish textures and natural materials with expert functionalism that makes folding it away an absolute pleasure. It is available in a paper cord or cotton webbing finish! The Cuba Chair also comes in an outdoor version. This allows you to bring the hygge lifestyle outdoors and enjoy peaceful moments within nature.
Morten Gøttler designed this chair as a highly upscale folding chair, clearly reflecting the democratic ideals of modernist design.
Our catalog of Carl Hansen & Søn products are all 15% off during our Fall Furniture & Lighting Sale! If you’ve been eyeing any pieces to add to your hygge home, we look forward to assisting you through the design process. If you aren’t able to shop in-store at our Vail showroom, the sale is accessible on our website and goes until September 19th.
