Why the Ib Kofod-Larsen "Elizabeth" Chair Is So Iconic

Why the Ib Kofod-Larsen "Elizabeth" Chair Is Iconic

In the pantheon of Mid-Century Modern seating, few chairs combine sculptural grace, luxurious comfort, and royal provenance quite like the Ib Kofod-Larsen “Elizabeth” Chair. Designed in 1956 and originally known as the Model U-56, this lounge chair has become one of the Danish designer’s most sought-after works—beloved by collectors, designers, and design historians alike.

So, what makes the Elizabeth Chair so iconic? The answer lies in a perfect intersection of form, history, and craft.

1. A Royal Backstory

The chair earned its regal nickname after Queen Elizabeth II purchased a pair during a state visit to Copenhagen in the late 1950s. Though the chair was not initially named in her honor, the story of the queen acquiring the piece gave it a sense of elevated status and international allure. From then on, the “Elizabeth Chair” became its widely recognized name—an elegant nod to its royal admirer.

CLICK Here to See our Vintage Original Elizabeth Chair

2. Elegant Danish Form Meets Sculptural Precision

Ib Kofod-Larsen was a master of proportion and curve, and the Elizabeth Chair is perhaps his most refined example. The chair is both visually light and structurally substantial, featuring:

• A boldly sculpted armrest that curves outward like a wave

• A reclined, wide seat with a low profile that invites relaxation

• A gently tapered backrest that cradles the body without bulk

It’s a design that feels effortless—almost like it was drawn in a single, confident stroke—yet it's constructed with meticulous attention to joinery and comfort.

3. Craftsmanship That Speaks for Itself

Originally manufactured by Christiansen & Larsen in Denmark, the Elizabeth Chair showcases the high standards of postwar Danish furniture making. The frame, typically crafted in rich teak or rosewood, has a silky matte finish that highlights the grain. The angled legs and joinery are seamless and precise—hallmarks of hand-finishing and a deep respect for materials.

Kofod-Larsen’s work also reflects a unique Scandinavian softness—less austere than his contemporaries, more organic in spirit. He prioritized the relationship between body and object, and the Elizabeth Chair delivers on that promise with an almost tailored ergonomic fit.

4. A Global Icon with Lasting Influence

Though Danish in origin, the Elizabeth Chair reflects a global modernist sensibility. Kofod-Larsen was one of the rare Scandinavian designers who achieved significant success outside of Denmark, working with manufacturers in Sweden, Germany, the U.S., and the U.K. His furniture was often produced for high-end export markets, and the Elizabeth Chair in particular became a symbol of refined European modernism in the homes of tastemakers around the world.

Today, original examples are highly collectible. Whether in an art-filled home or a minimalist interior, the Elizabeth Chair anchors a space with quiet authority.

5. Timelessness Reborn

The enduring popularity of the Elizabeth Chair has led to contemporary reissues, but collectors continue to chase the original mid-century productions, not just for their authenticity but for their subtle nuances—hand-selected wood grain, age-softened leather, and the patina of a chair that has lived a life.

These pieces carry a soul that new reproductions rarely match. They remind us that modernism wasn’t just about innovation—it was about lasting beauty.

Looking for an Elizabeth Chair?

At Hobbs Modern, we specialize in sourcing and restoring authentic, vintage Ib Kofod-Larsen pieces, including the Elizabeth Chair. Each chair is hand-restored with reverence for the original materials and proportions—preserving the integrity that made it iconic in the first place.

CLICK Here to See our Vintage Original Elizabeth Chair

👉 Inquire now to find out about current availability, or stop by our San Diego showroom to experience its elegance in person.