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A charming and highly sculptural “Penguin” rocking chair by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, combining a dramatically molded wood backrest, slender black metal frame, upholstered seat, and beautifully curved wooden rocking runners. With its expressive silhouette and wonderfully light construction, the Penguin remains one of the most recognizable and playful seating designs associated with mid-century Danish modernism.
The defining feature is the chair’s sculpted molded-wood back. Rather than functioning as a simple backrest, the shell curves dramatically around the sitter, extending outward at either side like a pair of wings. Viewed from the front, the form has an almost organic quality; from the side, its thin profile reveals how elegantly the molded shell appears to float against the minimal metal structure.
This contrast between materials is particularly successful. The warm, honey-toned wood gives the chair richness and warmth, while the thin black iron frame creates a graphic, architectural framework beneath it. Long wooden runners extend beyond the frame at both the front and rear, emphasizing the chair’s low, elongated profile and giving the design a wonderful sense of movement even when standing still.
The upholstered seat provides a comfortable counterpoint to the harder materials while remaining visually restrained so that the sculptural backrest remains the focus. The result is a chair that feels remarkably open and lightweight despite its generous, embracing shape.
The Penguin is a wonderful example of Ib Kofod-Larsen’s approach to Danish modern furniture, balancing ergonomics, craftsmanship, organic forms, and an economy of materials. It is playful without becoming whimsical and sculptural without sacrificing its function as an inviting lounge chair.
This vintage example is currently undergoing restoration in the Hobbs Modern workshop. The wood, metal frame, and upholstery will be carefully addressed while preserving the character and integrity of the original chair. The upholstery can be customized in the client’s choice of fabric or leather, making this an opportunity to tailor the finished chair to a specific interior.
Compact yet visually distinctive, the Penguin works beautifully as a mid-century modern rocking chair, reading chair, nursery chair, bedroom accent chair, or sculptural lounge chair. It is the type of design that can stand alone in a room and still feel complete.
Details
Designer: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Model: “Penguin” Rocking Chair
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Origin: Denmark
Materials: Molded wood, black metal, upholstery, wooden rocking runners
Condition: Currently undergoing restoration by Hobbs Modern
Customization: Upholstery can be customized
Dimensions: 29 in. L × 20.5 in. W × 33 in. HWhy We Love It
The Penguin has an unusual amount of personality for such a visually economical design. The sweeping molded back seems to embrace the sitter, while the delicate black frame almost disappears beneath it. Most striking are the long wooden rockers, which visually stretch the chair horizontally and create a beautiful counterpoint to the upright shell.
It is distinctly Danish modern, but also feels surprisingly contemporary—a sculptural, functional design that is just as compelling viewed from the back or side as it is from the front.
A charming and highly sculptural “Penguin” rocking chair by Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, combining a dramatically molded wood backrest, slender black metal frame, upholstered seat, and beautifully curved wooden rocking runners. With its expressive silhouette and wonderfully light construction, the Penguin remains one of the most recognizable and playful seating designs associated with mid-century Danish modernism.
The defining feature is the chair’s sculpted molded-wood back. Rather than functioning as a simple backrest, the shell curves dramatically around the sitter, extending outward at either side like a pair of wings. Viewed from the front, the form has an almost organic quality; from the side, its thin profile reveals how elegantly the molded shell appears to float against the minimal metal structure.
This contrast between materials is particularly successful. The warm, honey-toned wood gives the chair richness and warmth, while the thin black iron frame creates a graphic, architectural framework beneath it. Long wooden runners extend beyond the frame at both the front and rear, emphasizing the chair’s low, elongated profile and giving the design a wonderful sense of movement even when standing still.
The upholstered seat provides a comfortable counterpoint to the harder materials while remaining visually restrained so that the sculptural backrest remains the focus. The result is a chair that feels remarkably open and lightweight despite its generous, embracing shape.
The Penguin is a wonderful example of Ib Kofod-Larsen’s approach to Danish modern furniture, balancing ergonomics, craftsmanship, organic forms, and an economy of materials. It is playful without becoming whimsical and sculptural without sacrificing its function as an inviting lounge chair.
This vintage example is currently undergoing restoration in the Hobbs Modern workshop. The wood, metal frame, and upholstery will be carefully addressed while preserving the character and integrity of the original chair. The upholstery can be customized in the client’s choice of fabric or leather, making this an opportunity to tailor the finished chair to a specific interior.
Compact yet visually distinctive, the Penguin works beautifully as a mid-century modern rocking chair, reading chair, nursery chair, bedroom accent chair, or sculptural lounge chair. It is the type of design that can stand alone in a room and still feel complete.
Details
Designer: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Model: “Penguin” Rocking Chair
Period: Mid-Century Modern
Origin: Denmark
Materials: Molded wood, black metal, upholstery, wooden rocking runners
Condition: Currently undergoing restoration by Hobbs Modern
Customization: Upholstery can be customized
Dimensions: 29 in. L × 20.5 in. W × 33 in. H
Why We Love It
The Penguin has an unusual amount of personality for such a visually economical design. The sweeping molded back seems to embrace the sitter, while the delicate black frame almost disappears beneath it. Most striking are the long wooden rockers, which visually stretch the chair horizontally and create a beautiful counterpoint to the upright shell.
It is distinctly Danish modern, but also feels surprisingly contemporary—a sculptural, functional design that is just as compelling viewed from the back or side as it is from the front.
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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