Viggo Boesen stools & benches

Viggo Boesen 1907–1985

Viggo Boesen was a Danish architect and furniture designer active during the 1930s. His designs are characterized by organic shapes, natural materials, and a consistent focus on comfort. Boesen represents an important part of Scandinavian design history and has had a significant influence on how we understand design today—as both functional and visually refined.

Armchairs by Viggo Boesen

Boesen’s most famous work is the Little Petra armchair, introduced in 1938. Today, it is produced by &Tradition and has become a well-established reference point within Nordic furniture design. Little Petra is characterized by a low seat height, rounded forms, and a compact silhouette that works well in different types of spaces. The armchair was created with a clear purpose: to combine an inviting appearance with an ergonomic seating experience.

Its form deviates from the strict design language that dominated Boesen’s era. Instead, he embraced flowing lines, rounded backrests, and generously upholstered surfaces. The result is an armchair that is functional without appearing technical, and that naturally fits into both classical and modern interiors.

The armchairs are available in several material combinations, often in sheepskin or textile with a solid wood frame. They are developed with thoughtful proportions, artisanal production, and long-term use in mind.

Little Petra in sheepskin

Sheepskin is a recurring material in Boesen’s designs. In Little Petra, it enhances the piece’s visual qualities. The surface gains a natural texture, while the material also contributes to comfort. It is a choice that is as practical as it is aesthetic, particularly in settings where the piece plays a central role in the room.

Little Petra in sheepskin works both as a standalone piece or in pairs, in reading corners, living rooms, or hotel settings. The combination of craftsmanship, form, and material creates a distinct presence without overpowering a space.

Scandinavian design history

Boesen belongs to a generation of designers who brought a more humanistic expression into Scandinavian design. His work is not documentation of a style movement but rather examples of an individual approach to function, material, and form.

Several of his models have been reintroduced by &Tradition, with respect for the originals. They are produced in carefully selected materials with high production standards. Today, the furniture is part of a curated collection of designers who have helped shape what we call Scandinavian design.