Carl Hansen & Son

Find out more about Carl Hansen & Son

In 1908, Danish cabinetmaker Carl Hansen opened a small furniture workshop on the Danish island of Fyn. Since then, the company’s success has relied on two things: an uncompromising commitment to making the finest Danish furniture, and collaborations with the very best designers who continue to reinvent and refine the concept of modern design.

Carl Hansen & Søn’s evolution has also been deeply influenced by their long-term relationship with one of the greatest designers of all time: Hans J. Wegner. Today, Carl Hansen & Søn offer classic furniture designs that are produced to the finest standards of Danish craftmanship with the ever-evolving concepts of Danish furniture design at the fore.

At Holloways of Ludlow we love Carl Hansen. It speaks to our enduring appreciation of design, quality materials and tradiontal manufacturing skills. One of the most iconic chairs in the world, the CH24 Wishbone chair is one of our very best selling products and is perhaps Hans Wegner's most famous designs. Carl Hansen dining chairs are known for their simple lines and enduring quality.

Danish design is famous the world over and Carl Hansen furniture eptomises the very best of Scandinavian living. Many Carl Hansen pieces are design classics and define what is known as mid-century design. 

Learn more about Hans Wegner and Carl Hansen

Five interesting facts about Carl Hansen & Søn, one of Denmark’s most iconic furniture manufacturers:

1. Founded in 1908 with a focus on craftsmanship

Carl Hansen & Søn was founded by cabinetmaker Carl Hansen in Odense, Denmark, in 1908. What began as a small workshop making bespoke furniture soon became known for exceptional craftsmanship and quality materials — values that still define the company today.

2. Famous collaboration with Hans J. Wegner

The company’s long partnership with designer Hans J. Wegner began in 1949 and became a cornerstone of its success. Wegner designed some of the world’s most famous chairs for Carl Hansen & Søn, including the iconic CH24 “Wishbone Chair”, which has been in continuous production since 1950.

3. Every Wishbone Chair requires over 100 steps to make

Each CH24 Wishbone Chair takes skilled craftspeople over 100 individual steps to produce — including hand-weaving the paper cord seat, which alone takes about an hour. This attention to detail highlights the company’s dedication to traditional woodworking techniques.

4. A family-owned company for more than a century

Carl Hansen & Søn has remained a family business for over 115 years. It is now led by Knud Erik Hansen, the founder’s grandson, who has expanded the brand internationally while preserving its heritage of Danish craftsmanship.

5. Strong commitment to sustainability

Sustainability is central to Carl Hansen & Søn’s philosophy. The company uses responsibly sourced wood — primarily from FSC-certified Danish and European forests — and ensures that every leftover wood chip and sawdust particle is repurposed for heating its production facilities.

For more history and stories about Carl Hansen & Son click here.