Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Office Chair Model 31 By Kai Kristiansen For Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, 1957
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Easy returns (14 days)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Teak, Vinyl
Style
Mid Century Modern, Modernist, Vintage, Scandinavian Modern, Upcycled
Product Details
Description
The icon of Danish Mid-Century Modern design: the original Model 31 executive chair. It was designed by Kai Kristiansen for the Danish manufacturer Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik in 1957, is one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture from the Scandinavian modernism of the 1950s. This chair is a perfect example of the harmony between form, function, and craftsmanship – an object that not only impresses aesthetically but also tells the story of Danish design. This extraordinary, visually light, yet strong chair with a timeless character is one of the most important designs of the golden age of design. Crafted from teak, it features a beautifully contoured structure with a distinctive, sloped backrest and dynamically curved armrests that seamlessly connect to the rear legs. This elegant design not only makes the chair exceptionally comfortable but also lends it a lightness and architectural refinement. The seat and backrest are upholstered in high-quality black vinyl. The black contrasts with the warm, natural grain of the wood, emphasizing its modernist character. The slender, tapering legs are finished with subtle curves. The entire structure is ergonomic, refined, and extremely comfortable. The chair perfectly combines aesthetics with functionality, a hallmark of Kristiansen's designs. From every perspective, this piece of furniture maintains a balance between sculptural form and utilitarian function.
Kai Kristiansen is a Danish designer who is still considered one of the most talented Scandinavian designers of the 20th century. He graduated from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen under the direction of designer Kaare Klint. At the age of 26, Kristiansen opened his own studio, which he shared with his peer Illum Wikkelsø in the 1970s. His designs were produced by well-known Danish producers such as Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Fornem Møbelkunst, Fritz Hansen and Magnus Olesen. Kristiansen was keen on combining teak and rosewood in his chairs, desks, sideboards and wall units. In 1956, he designed his most famous work, Chair No. 42 for Schou Andersen. It was well received by critics and has enjoyed continued success as one of the most enduring Danish designs of the 20th century. In the 1950s and 1960s he created for FM and his most successful project was the FM Reolsystem modular bookcase from 1957. Available in various additional shapes and sizes, it has been a great success not only in Scandinavia but throughout Europe and the United States. While it is assumed that Kristiansen was not the only designer working for Feldballe, he was the most famous.
Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik is a renowned Danish furniture manufacturer known for its high-quality craftsmanship and collaborations with leading mid-century modern designers. Founded in 1919, the company continues the tradition of Danish design, combining classic values with a modern approach to form and function. Schou Andersen is an example of a brand that, instead of mass production, prioritized quality, durability, and timeless design. Kai Kristiansen created the iconic Model 31 and Model 42 chairs for them. Today, their furniture is sought after on the collector's market and considered icons of Danish modernism.
The chair is in good vintage condition. It has minor signs of age, scrapes on the wood. The upholstery has been restored. The seat height is 43 cm.
The colors of the products shown in the photos may differ slightly from the actual ones. This is due to individual monitor settings and lighting conditions – the photos were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of colors. However, we strive to ensure that the photos reflect the actual appearance of the product as faithfully as possible. The offer may include photos of item in the living space, but these are for illustrative purposes only.
Condition report:
The chair is in good vintage condition. It has minor signs of age, scrapes on the wood. The upholstery has been restored.
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
I use one-man delivery service, where the standard transport will take between 7-14 days. All deliveries are made to the front door, and the courier may need assistance with larger pieces. He will contact you before delivery with an estimated time frame. Please make sure you disclose any parking or access restrictions at you property.
Estimated delivery time
One to two weeks
Free collection available
Yes
Made to Last
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 3 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
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Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
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You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
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B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
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We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
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The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
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You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
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We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
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- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.