Meet the Knitting Chair

In 1951, Danish architect and designer Ib Kofod-Larsen presented a remarkable new chair design at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Furniture Exhibition – the annual event at the heart of the international success of Danish Modernism.

Shown alongside works by Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, Nanna Ditzel and other Danish masters, the Knitting Chair drew critical acclaim – and is poised to do so again as it joins MENU’s collection of inspired modern design. Defined by an exposed, triangular construction, a gently curved seat and back ideally pitched for relaxation, and distinctive cut-outs for resting the elbows when reading (or, of course, knitting), the Knitting Chair affirmed Kofod-Larsen’s reputation as a master of portion and unexpected, sculptural form.

It was put into production – but only as a limited edition. Since then, the elegant, inventive design has become an increasingly valuable and sought-after collector’s item.

“At MENU, we love minimalist design that takes an imaginative approach to Scandinavian values, and brings new, clever and functional solutions to everyday living,” says Joachim Kornbek Engell-Hansen, MENU’s Design & Brand Director. “Our place as a leader and innovator in contemporary design is in fact rooted in tradition: our designers are masters of interpreting mid-century, modernist values and creating objects with unique personality. We call it Modernism Reimagined, and I can think of no better classic than Ib Kofod-Larsen’s Knitting Chair to showcase the roots of this MENU concept. The chair demonstrates the universal a peal of clean, human design created with a playful, thoughtful outlook. We think our customers will be as excited as we are to watch the Knitting Chair blossom in modern spaces.”

The Knitting Chair is beautiful from every angle, making it easy to place anywhere in a room. Given the chair’s enveloping comfort, it has a relatively small footprint, which makes it an easy fit in compact interiors as well as in more spacious ones. The design also stands out on comfort – the result of Kofod-Larsen’s constant care to ensure ideal angles and lumbar support. The clean, sculptural lines – achieved through the designer’s close work with joiners – and the high-end, natural materials make for an unforgettable, conversation-sparking silhouette.

“Ib’s furniture was rooted in reality,” says the designer’s son, Jan Kofod-Larsen. “He took a lot of pride in his work, and was iterative in the design process, working closely with his manufacturers to get every detail just right. His hope was to create design that would endure, both functionally and aesthetically. So there is a clear parallel with MENU’s design philosophy: the ideal of keeping the best, and leaving the rest. Ib would have been very happy to see that people continue to appreciate his furniture today. And I think he would have enjoyed MENU’s approach and focus on creating for the future while respecting the past.”