Børge Mogensen
Børge Mogensen (1914–1972) was one of the most influential designers in shaping Danish Modern design and Fredericia’s founding designer from 1955 until his untimely death in 1972. As a pioneer with a strong belief in democratic design, he played a key role in establishing Denmark as a culture of furniture design. He found inspiration worldwide to create everyday objects that would endure for generations. Mogensen’s most recognized pieces were developed through his collaboration and friendship with Andreas Graversen, Fredericia’s CEO, from 1955 to 1995. Together, they believed in honest design, natural materials, and enduring quality.
What set Mogensen apart was his contribution to a visionary design movement grounded in a humanist approach that shaped every aspect of his work. He believed furniture should be honest, functional, and free from unnecessary ornamentation. For Mogensen, design was never about the object but the people who used it. By designing furniture that demands less attention, Mogensen believed he created more space for life itself—for presence, reflection, and the small rituals of everyday living.
“ My goal is to create items that serve people and give them the leading role, instead of forcing them to adapt to the items. ”
Børge Mogensen
Taught by Kaare Klint
In 1948, Mogensen participated in MoMA’s “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design”. Back home in Denmark, inspired by the exhibition, he experimented with plywood shells and merged aspects of the global modernist movement with his own design identity. He also found inspiration in ethnic arts & crafts, lithography and Japanese wooden carvings.
Shortly after opening his own design firm in 1950, Mogensen began collaborating with young interior architect and entrepreneur, Andreas Graversen, who would later become the owner of Fredericia Furniture.
One of the most influential figures in Danish design history
Simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship were the driving forces behind Børge Mogensen’s design. With an unwavering dedication to quality, he crafted wooden furniture designed to enrich everyday life while lasting for generations. His vision seamlessly merged honesty and aesthetics, where timeless forms and thoughtful details established him as one of the most influential figures in Danish design history.
To honor Fredericia’s founding designer, we have gathered a series of stories that explore his iconic design legacy and highlight the enduring impact of his work on today’s design world.
1 of 5
Dining Chairs
1 of 13
Lounge Chairs
1 of 6
Sofas
1 of 10
Dining Tables
1 of 7
Meet our designers
Since our foundation in 1911, we have built up a strong tradition of beautiful craftsmanship and innovative design, developed in close collaboration with a circle of internationally recognised designers.
