Series 7 - Fritz Hansen

Series 7 – origin and background

The brand was founded in 1855 by master cabinetmaker Fritz Hansen in Denmark, and has established itself as a leading manufacturer of design furniture. The company is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and design, which through their collaboration with prominent architects has resulted in several significant works. The Series 7 was introduced in 1955 and is a further development of Jacobsen's the Ant.

Construction and variants

The seat and back are created in a continuous, pressure-moulded piece. The shell consists of nine layers of veneer layered with two layers of Indian cotton and pressed into shape over steam. This construction gives the chair its characteristic flexibility, contributing to comfort during prolonged sitting. The chair's construction allows for stacking, which facilitates storage and handling.

The Series 7 3107 functions as a dining chair or extra seating. The Series 7 3207 armchair serves the same purpose, but with armrests and possesses a more embracing expression. The series is also offered as office chairs in models Series 7 3117 and 3217, with a height-adjustable base on castors in a chrome-plated finish with a fully upholstered shell. The series also includes bar stools 3187 and 3197, with extra high legs and footrests.

Materials and finishes

Fritz Hansen manufactures the Series 7 in a range of different materials and surface treatments. The pressure-moulded veneer includes materials such as ash, walnut, and maple, which affects the chair's colour expression. Maple and ash are lighter in tone, while walnut has a darker brown colour. The surface is often lacquered or stained, where lacquer provides a more protective layer, while stain penetrates the wood and highlights its grain and natural structure. The seat is also available with front upholstery or fully upholstered in textile or leather, for a softer seating experience. The base is usually in chrome-plated steel, but is also available in a powder-coated version in various colours to adapt to different interiors.

Arne Jacobsen's design philosophy

Arne Jacobsen worked as an architect and designer, consistently focusing on function, construction, and precision in detail. He is characterized as a proponent of functionalism and is today one of Denmark's most influential designers. Arne Jacobsen is the creator of the Series 7, but in addition to it, he designed other significant furniture for Fritz Hansen, including the Ant from 1952 and the Egg from 1958. These chairs share a common thread of organic design and functional aesthetics. Jacobsen's contribution to the design world has shaped the perception of modern Scandinavian design, and his furniture is appreciated for its quality and craftsmanship.

Quality and sustainability at Fritz Hansen

The manufacturing of the Series 7 is based on controlled processes where pressure moulding, surface treatment, and assembly are central elements. Each chair undergoes quality controls that cover both construction and surface. Material choices affect aging and wear, especially in veneer and lacquered finishes, and contribute to the chair's long-term function. Fritz Hansen's production of the Series 7 has been continuous since its launch and is available in several variants, making it possible to choose a finish based on requirements for seat height, base, upholstery, and colour.