For 150 years, Fritz Hansen has been writing furniture history – and with great success. Founded in Denmark in 1872, the company can look back on a long history of collaborations with leading international designers. Classic chairs such as the Egg and Swan chairs or the Ant chair have become fixtures in the world of interior design. Reason enough for us to take a closer look at the Scandinavian manufacturer. We look back at its most important designs, explore its contemporary pieces and take a peek at Fritz Hansen's exciting anniversary collection.
- Arne Jacobsen and his part in the brand's breakthrough
- A Sense of Colour – new colours for classic chairs
- Republic of Fritz Hansen – a contemporary perspective
- Complete your life – with the Objects collection
- Lighting from Fritz Hansen
- 150 years of Fritz Hansen – the anniversary collection
1. Arne Jacobsen and his part in the brand's breakthrough
When design fans and connoisseurs think of Fritz Hansen, the famous Egg chair, the Swan chair or the Ant chair probably come to mind straight away. All of these designs are by the legendary designer Arne Jacobsen, who worked for Fritz Hansen from the 1930s onwards. His breakthrough – and with it the manufacturer's – came in 1952 with the Ant, a chair made of plywood.
The chair later paved the way for the enduring success story of the Series 7 chair – and other chairs made of moulded plywood. The introduction of moulded plywood technology is still a milestone in Fritz Hansen's history.
The design of the Series 7 chair is based on the minimalist Ant chair and its organic shape. The materials and production method are similar, as both chairs are made of plywood mounted on a metal frame.
That's where the similarities end, however: the Series 7 chair was originally designed with four legs and two armrests, unlike the three-legged Ant chair without armrests.
Although Arne Jacobsen himself preferred the version with armrests, the version without armrests is now the most popular and best-selling chair in Fritz Hansen's history. Today, the Ant chair is also available with a four-legged base. Further variants, such as the Series 7 office chair, are recent additions to the popular series.
2. A Sense of Colour – new colours for classic chairs
Given their huge worldwide success, it's only logical that Fritz Hansen still produces its timeless classic chairs today. At the same time, the brand keeps trying something new – as with the "A Sense of Colour" series, which surprised us last year.
The Italian gallerist, editor and businesswoman Carla Sozzani gave the Ant, the Series 7 and the Grand Prix chair a fresh, modern look in 16 new colours and with 7 new bases.
Carla Sozzani has an impressive track record as editor-in-chief of famous magazines such as Vogue Italia, Elle and the Italian edition of American Vogue. As the founder of the contemporary concept store "10 Corso Como", her entrepreneurial spirit and uniquely artistic philosophy inspire design enthusiasts from Milan in Italy to Seoul in South Korea.
3. Republic of Fritz Hansen – a contemporary perspective
Fritz Hansen keeps reinventing itself, moving with the times and creating modern new pieces alongside its great classics. One example is the "Republic of Fritz Hansen" concept, which marked a change of strategy in 2000.
The aim of the strategy: Fritz Hansen furniture should give businesses and homes an individual touch and express personality. To achieve this, the brand invited a large number of young designers to interpret Fritz Hansen's design philosophy from a contemporary perspective.
One of them is Sebastian Herkner. His Let lounge chair for Fritz Hansen combines the German designer's outstanding skills and characteristic aesthetic with Fritz Hansen's craftsmanship and quality – a prime example of the "Republic of Fritz Hansen".
The N01 armchair was designed by the Japanese design studio Nendo, which is known for timeless designs with that certain something – making it a perfect match for the design language of the Danish furniture company Fritz Hansen.
A third example of Fritz Hansen's contemporary designs is the Stub side table by Danish architect Mette Schelde, which effortlessly combines robust, traditional wood with delicate, modern glass.
4. Complete your life – with the Objects collection
In 2016, Fritz Hansen launched its "Objects" accessories collection. Under the motto "Complete your life!", it extends the brand and, with new, affordable items, introduces new customers to Fritz Hansen.
First and foremost is the Ikebana vase, which has arguably already become a classic. It was designed by Jaime Hayon, an artist-designer with Spanish roots who is known for his bold, graphic creations.
Ikebana is a Japanese term for the art of flower arranging. And this attractive vase made of glass and brass makes it particularly easy: its perforated plate lets you display individual stems beautifully.
The Objects collection also includes the stylish Vertigo AJ cushions designed by Arne Jacobsen. They come in various colours and sizes, so they suit any interior.
5. Lighting from Fritz Hansen
In 2015, Fritz Hansen acquired the Danish lighting company Lightyears, whose design philosophy reflects its own, adding a range of decorative lights to its portfolio. Traditionally Scandinavian yet modern, these pendant lights and table lamps brighten up any room.
Nicholai Wiig Hansen, for example, designed the Night Owl table lamp to create a pleasant, typically Nordic light that brings a cosy atmosphere to any interior. The result is an informal table lamp that plays with shapes and proportions, with colour variants inspired by the night sky and the glowing full moon.
6. 150 years of Fritz Hansen – the anniversary collection
Despite its extensive range of timeless classics and modern designs, Fritz Hansen isn't standing still. The 150th anniversary collection presents old classics in a look never seen before – a careful selection of the most legendary designs from 150 years of company history.
The highlight: every Egg and Swan chair in the anniversary collection comes with its own anniversary plaque. They also feature a PVD-coated black frame, used for the first time in the furniture industry.
Look forward to exciting materials and distinctive colours. Grace – Chestnut: a brand-new colour with a chestnut-brown sheen, designed exclusively for Fritz Hansen by Sørensen Leather. Vanir – Granite Brown: a new upholstery fabric designed by fashion designer Raf Simons for Kvadrat, available in this colour exclusively from Fritz Hansen in 2022.
Enjoy discovering the collection!
