Danish mid-century modern mcm furniture incorporates minimalist design creating functional furniture with pure, clean lines. Chair frames are specifically designed to accept Danish cord material woven in a certain style.
Danish paper cord is a twisted paper cord which has been used to weave seats since the 1920s. Danish modern furniture gained popularity after World War II in Denmark and other European countries.
The cord is a robust 3-ply paper product estimated to last up to 60 years with regular use and proper care. The cord is slightly waxed to resist dirt and stains. Beige Danish cord is in its natural state, white Danish cord has been bleached, and black Danish cord has been died.
Mid-century and modern Danish cord chairs are woven with the standard basket weave pattern or the traditional rushing pattern. Chair frames are designed to accept a specific style of weaving and are therefore not interchangeable.
Some furniture designs weave the material through slots in the chair frame taking the material down in front of chair rails or the back slats.
Main Contributors
Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007)
Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993)
Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993) were pioneers of Danish mid-century design and the founders of Copenhagen-based firm Hvidt & Mølgaard.
Hans Olsen 1919–1992
Hans Olsen 1919–1992 - rocking chair designed by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen in Denmark, circa 1960s
Niels O. Møller 1920-1982
Niels O. Møller 1920-1982 -founded J.L.Mollers Mobelfabrik in Arhus, Denmark in 1944 and produced many iconic chairs woven in Danish paper cord.
1951 Chair Model Number 71 and armchair Model Number 55 are designed
1954 Chair Model Number 75 and armchair Model Number 56 are designed
1959 Chair Model Number 77 and armchair Model Number 57 are designed
1959 Stool Model Number 80A is designed
1962 Chair Model Number 78 and armchair Model Number 62 are designed
1963 Bench Model Number 63 and 63A are designed
1966 Chair Model Number 79 and armchair Model Number 64 are designed
1969 N.O. Moller's son Jorgen Henrik Moller completes his training
1970 Chair Model Number 82 is designed
1974 Chair Model Number 83 and armchair Model Number 66 are designed
1974 Jorgen Henrik Moller designs chair Model Number 401 and armchair Model Number 402
1976 Chair Model Number 84 and armchair Model Number 67 are designed
1981 Chair Model Number 85 and armchair Model Number 68 are designed