A trained carpenter who became a world-renowned furniture designer, Poul Kjaerholm boasts a proven reputation among furniture connoisseurs far and wide. Kjaerholm was born in 1929 and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts. During his studies, he focused on using steel and other construction materials in conjunction with natural materials to create one-of-a-kind works. He later earned a position at Fritz Hansen where he designed numerous chair prototypes. However, Kjaerholm held the position at Fritz Hansen for only about a year.

In the 1950s, Kjaerholm began working with Ejvind Kold Christensen, who ultimately produced most of Kjaerholm's furniture. Kjaerholm created a PKO minimalist plywood series in 1952, along with the distinct PK61 coffee table in 1955 that included a unique supporting frame that could be seen through a glass top. By 1958, Kjaerholm garnered international attention for his contribution to the "Formes Scandinaves" exhibition in Paris. He also won the "Lunning Award" for his PK22 chair, as well as the Grand Prize at the Milan Trennali in both 1957 and 1960. In 1965, Kjaerholm designed the PK24 Chaise Lounge, which boasted a mature design like none before it. The chaise lounge included simple flowing lines across steel and woven cane, offering an ideal blend of comfort and style that made it a popular choice instantly. Two years later, Kjaerholm was awarded the Danish ID Prize for product design. He eventually became head of the Institut for Design in 1973. He became a professor at the institution in 1976, a role he held until his death in 1980.

Today, Kjaerholm is globally recognized for his sculptures and designs, all of which featured exceptional attention to detail. Kjaerholm created Scandinavian furniture that highlighted a great blend of form and function, and his works continue to inspire other furniture architects and designers as well.