While most of his contemporary designers preferred wood as their primary material, Kjærholm chose steel, which he combined with wood, leather, cane or marble. “Steel’s constructive potential is not the only thing that interests me; the refraction of light on its surface is an important part of my artistic work. I consider steel a material with the same artistic merit as wood and leather”.

Kjaerholm studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen where he would later teach, from 1952-56. He went on to become a lecturer and professor in the furniture and interior design department at the Academy of Art from 1957-76.

Kjærholm’s work is represented in numerous museums including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and at the V&A Museum in London. He has won several awards including two Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957 and 1960, the Lunning Award in 1958 and the ID Award in 1973.

The PK 0 lounge chair was designed in 1952, but only manufactured in 1997 in a series of 600 by Fritz Hansen.