The PK20 Cantilever Lounger was originally released in the late 1960’s. The Cantilever design had been attempted before with Mies Van Der Rohe’s Cantilever chair. Poul was determined to surpass the Mies design. It is completely up to interpretation but he may very well have succeeded with the introduction of the PK20.
The design of the PK20 consists of several elements. A soft to the touch 2MM thick Genuine Top Grain Aniline Leather “slipcover” envelopes the low profile high-density foam and Dacron cushion. The slipcover is sewn in tubes providing incredible strength and the desired “ribbed” appearance. This suspends between two brushed satin (#304) Stainless Steel side frames to form the seat and back of the PK20 lounger. Poul designed the frame so the splayed side rails keep the leather slipcover under continual pressure. At the point on the sides where the crossbar meets the legs, the ends curve upwards. This replicates the round shape of the cantilevered legs.
The PK20 has been dubbed one of the most comfortable mid-century chairs created. Its seating comfort is derived from the angle of tilt, the suspended leather surface and the spring cantilever design of the legs. The Kardiel reproduction of this chair is authentic in all details. A reproduction that upholds the original intent, from the dimensions to the type and use of materials involved in it’s crafting.
A small percent of the world’s leather supply is of high enough quality for 100% Top Grain Aniline upholstered furniture. Aniline Dyeing is the process of soaking the hides in transparent aniline dyes which allows color to absorb into the natural hide. Top Grain Aniline leather is then topical stain protected to minimize liquid absorption during every day use but does not require imitation grain stamping methods which imprint a Faux grain over the majority of the leather surface. Without all the synthetic topical coatings, it breathes naturally making it comfortable for seating. It is soft, supple, durable and pliable, maintaining the characteristics of pure leather.
Poul Kjærholm was born in Denmark in 1929. His career in furniture design began with cabinet making in 1948. In 1952 he enrolled in the Danish School of Arts and Crafts. His skills as a designer outweighed his skills as a craftsman. He made an arrangement with a good friend, Ejvind Kold Christiansen, to produce the furniture designs that he created. His line became extensive and Ejvind produced all of the initial mid century designs. Each furniture series he developed uses the naming convention inspired by his initials “PK” followed by the number which represents the chronological order in which the design was introduced. (example pk20….pk22)
Typical Scandinavian Designers employ extensive use of wood as a material to build their furniture. Poul veered from this tradition and chose extensive use of stainless steel and leather, while still combing wood when it was aesthetically appropriate to his designs. Ejvind Kold became adept at working with steel and leather from the sheer volume of practice in creating the working prototypes of Poul’s designs. He and his mid century modernism designs received many accolades throughout his career. In 1958 he was recognized for his contributions to the ‘Formes Scandinaves’ exhibition in Paris. In the same year for the PK22 design he was awarded the legendary ‘Lunning Award’. In both 1957 and 1960 his designs won the Grand Prize at the Milan Trennali. His furniture is on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London among others.
Kardiel respectfully adheres to responsible standards when reproducing the original design. Details such as frame construction, original dimensions overall and within the design, angles, seam finishing, pleats, tufting, leather and fabric selections. Making substantial designs like the Josef Hoffman Kubus Series into affordable heirlooms without compromising the integrity of the original.
Making up only 5% of the worlds leather supply Top Grain Aniline is the best quality, softest leather we offer. This premium leather is Aniline vat dyed with the color penetrating through to the back of the hide. Top Grain refers to the actual surface of the hide presents a natural leather appearance and touch you would expect.
Black
Canyon
Coco Brown
Arctic White
Chestnut
Bordeaux
This series is upholstered in premium Top Grain Aniline European leather. This is a significant upgrade in leather options. Top Grain is the actual surface of the cowhide. While no one knows the actual number, a small percentage of furniture sold today is upholstered in Premium Top Grain Aniline leather. Some claim as low as 5%. Aniline dying describes one of the two processes in which color is applied to the leather with the dye penetrating the leather and extending beyond the surface, into the leather itself. For modern furniture requiring a clean aesthetic, Top Grain Aniline Leather is both “liquid vat” (deep penetrating) and surface dyed to achieve the main color selection and to conceal uneven tones and blemishes in the hide. Top grain aniline is the softest leather and naturally breaths well. Because Top Grain refers to the actual surface of the animal hide it presents a natural leather appearance you would expect. While it is true that raw Top Grain Aniline absorbs spills easier, Furniture grade Top Grain leather features a stain resistant treatment making it exceptional for everyday lower maintenance use. Although rare, nothing wears, looks or feels better than premium Aniline Top Grain leather. Over time it patinas and becomes more comfortable versus wearing out.
“Split Grain” is the most common leather used on furniture. This reproduction has been upgraded to Top Aniline leather and does not use Split Grain leather. Nonetheless, this paragraph will help explain the difference in quality and price between the leather types. Split Grain is the underside of the hide that has been separated from the surface or “top” of the hide. While defined as actual leather, Split Grain leather does not have the natural surface grain of the top of the cowhide. A topical layer of insoluble pigment is applied to the surface of split grain leather, which is then stamped or “grain embossed” to imitate the surface appearance of actual leather. This topical layer contains the color that the leather will be.
Kardiel specializes in fast home and business delivery of modern classic furniture and bath products across the U.S including Hawaii and Alaska. We dispatch shipments to homes all over Canada daily. Using proven, reliable nationwide delivery methods we insure and guarantee safe delivery of all shipments. We provide standard curbside residential delivery as well as inside White Glove full service delivery as options for many of the regions we ship to.
The best value for those looking for a full service delivery experience with no lifting or physical effort involved. A team of 2 rigorously screened home delivery professionals arrive on a day and time prescheduled with you. Your furnishings are brought into your home and placed in the desired location in the room(s) of your choice. The furniture is removed from the packaging/boxes. The old packaging material is then placed in a designated location.
Perhaps you need door(s) removed and replaced? Maybe you live in a condo or high rise building? Maybe there are flight(s) of stairs to climb? The safe arrival of your items is guaranteed and no obstacle is too large. We will do anything necessary to complete your delivery with quality, care and a smile. Average delivery times are 9-12 business days from the day your order leaves the Kardiel warehouse.
This economical delivery option brings your new furnishings direct to your home or business. The term curbside indicates that the items are brought to the "curb" but not inside the home.
This is a signed delivery option which means you will need to be present to accept the delivery. You will need to be prepared to carry the items into your home or office as this service does not include inside delivery. Tracking numbers are provided within 24 hours of your order leaving the Kardiel warehouse. Average delivery times nationwide for this service are 7-10 business days from the day the shipment leaves the Kardiel warehouse. The delivery is guaranteed safe when you inspect and sign with the driver for any potential shipping damage. The delivery company calls to schedule the delivery date and window of time as the arrival date of your items draws closer.
Hawaii & Alaska orders allow average 12-18 business days for arrival. Tracking numbers will be provided. Alaska and Hawaii orders are not eligible for advertised "continental U.S" shipping promotions. As over water transport is involved, the shopping cart will not calculate
Alaska and Hawaii customers please contact us by phone to receive a custom discounted delivery quote for your shipment prior to purchasing.
Please contact us by phone at 877-844-4988
We take the risk and make it easy in the unlikely event of freight damage. Simply inspect and sign for any damage or suspected damage on delivery day and prior to the driver leaving. In the event of damage, we will issue you a return ticket if needed and refund or replace the damaged item
%%Panel.HomeChairsProducts%%