The Penguin Dining Chair

The Penguin Dining Chair from Audo Copenhagen (formerly Menu) revives one of Danish design's most underappreciated masterpieces. Created by architect Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1953, this mid-century icon sold more units in America than many of its more celebrated Danish contemporaries, establishing its place in design history through quiet excellence rather than bold proclamation. Now faithfully reissued, the chair's distinctive silhouette—with its curved wooden back reminiscent of a penguin's outstretched flippers—offers the same visual lightness and extraordinary comfort that made the original a bestseller.

Crafted with Kofod-Larsen's characteristic attention to detail, the chair features a curved wooden back and framework available in either rich walnut or natural oak veneer. The pure, sculptural form exemplifies the designer's talent for creating pieces that seem simple at first glance but reveal thoughtful engineering and artistry upon closer inspection. Measuring 22.05" W × 18.5" D × 32.28" H with an 18.5" seat height, the chair offers ideal dining proportions while maintaining a graceful presence that enhances any table setting.

The Penguin Dining Chair demonstrates Kofod-Larsen's exceptional understanding of materials and ergonomics. The backrest's gentle curve provides proper support while creating a subtle embrace that invites extended sitting comfort. The precision-crafted steel framework creates a dynamic visual counterpoint to the wooden elements while ensuring structural integrity and stability. This harmonious marriage of form and function exemplifies the designer's belief that furniture should "feel good"—both aesthetically and physically.

Perfect for contemporary dining rooms, restaurant settings, or anywhere requiring sophisticated seating that combines historical significance with timeless appeal, the Penguin Dining Chair remains as relevant today as when it first captured American hearts in the 1950s. This Audo Copenhagen reissue honors Kofod-Larsen's legacy while introducing his "most underrated but most exciting" Danish design sensibility to a new generation of design enthusiasts who appreciate both visual elegance and practical comfort.