Finnish Mid-Century Lounge Chair with Tapered Legs, Finland ca 1950s (sold)






























Finnish Mid-Century Lounge Chair with Tapered Legs, Finland ca 1950s (sold)
Finnish design is appreciated around the world for its minimalistic appearance and strict functionalism. This elegant lounge chair is the visual definition of these characteristics with lines’ architectural precision and unmistakeable stylishness.
The design has crisp lines that are ever so softly rounded on the edges adhering to the modernist design idioms. The main visual element on the fully upholstered body is the arms’ characteristic design that is separated from the seat and the back as well. This individuality makes the arms stand out, bringing attention to the angle of the raised armrests and tilted back as well. This position and the thick upholstered seat and back ensure the highest level of comfort. The chair rests on four tapered, conical wooden legs. The strong lines and proportions of this chair are perfectly balanced with the short-sized legs. The armrests point slightly upwards, creating a modern and welcoming look. The high back and tilted position of the backrests make the chairs not only very comfortable but also aesthetically distinctive.
From the early 20th century, a dialogue with nature became the prime force in the still ongoing evolution of Finnish design. This relationship with nature was much in evidence in early and mid 20th century Finnish design, which actively expanded on the metaphors and motifs therein. This lounge chair brings together the best aspects of design, materials, and craftsmanship, elevated by its visible personality.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Rare “Pele” lounge chair by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies, manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepokalusto Oy in the 1970s.
This “Pele” lounge chair is made from solid oak. The wooden frame has a beautiful matte finish, while the cushions are upholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.
The wooden frame provides a firm base with rounded edges. The elongated seat and the back legs of the armchair form one elongated piece of wood, which is the Pele’s most unique element. The ergonomic design with the bent backrest and wide armrests makes this chair an exceptionally comfortable piece. Therefore, it is no surprise that this line of recliners first gained popularity as a TV chair for homes. Later it became a popular choice for fireplace rooms as well as public spaces, like several of Pajamies’s designs.
Condition:
In very good vintage condition. The wood only has minor wear, some discolouration and small stains. Recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
35.24 in W x 37 in D x 34.65 in H
89,5 cm W x 94 cm D x 88 cm H
About the designer:
Esko Lauri Alvari Pajamies (1931-1990) was a Finnish designer, primarily known for his upholstered furniture designs for both private and public spaces.
Pajamies graduated as an interior architect in 1954 and established his own design studio in 1961. Pajamies designed his first series of furniture for Lepokalusto in 1965, and their fruitful collaboration lasted well into the 1970s. Pajamies designed for a handful of other manufacturers and his designs proved to be lucrative throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Interestingly, Esko Pajamies was the first to design a sofa (Bonanza for Asko 1965) that had an exposed wooden frame. The sofa was named after the 1960s television series and had extra wide armrests to accommodate glasses and plates.
His “Polar 1001” and “1003” chairs could be found on luxury liners sailing the Black Sea, while some of his other designs furnished the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport's passenger terminal in 1975. The versatile designer also played trumpet in the jazz band Jaakko Salo Modern Band. He played with many famous singers in the 1960s.
Pajamies was awarded the State Art Prize in 1979 and is still known as one of the leading interior architects of Finland. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Finnish master cabinetmakers, like Olof Ottelin, have been creating products that last for a lifetime and become heirlooms naturally. Crafted with precision from solid wood, finished with attention to detail and care, this lounge chair stands the test of time thanks to both its aesthetic quality and build.
This chair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. It has an unmistakable shape, with a backrest that flows down to form the armrests that sit low, therefore opening the seat to create an airy, inviting look. Finnish design is a remarkable combination of concern for comfort and materiality melded with a desire for sleekness, that is evidently present in the lines of this lounge chair.
The decorative cross stitches on the backrest serve as the only form of ornamentation, therefore they stand out even more. The unique upholstery of the body and seat cushion is complemented by the tapered stained wood legs. Tilted in the back, the slim legs have a classically modern look. This armchair expresses a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with its friendly and rounded form, with an impression of simplicity also apparent in this piece. Standing at the intersection of form and function, this is a timeless piece that will never go out of style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Small marks on the wood. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
32.28 in W x 36.22 in D x 41.14 in H; Seat height 16.93 in; Seat depth 19.29 in; Arm height 20.67 in
82 cm W x 92 cm D x 104.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 49 cm; Arm height 52.5 cm
About the designer:
Karl Olof Ottelin (Helsinki, 3 May 1917 - Helsinki, 9 February 1971) was a Finnish interior designer and furniture designer who, in the 1950s, was the director and chief designer of Stockmann's furniture department.
Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in 1939, but had to suspend his studies for 1941–1944 due to conscription. He graduated as an interior designer in 1946 and started at Stockmann's drawing office in 1948. He served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971.
Ottelin's best-known products are modern wooden chairs, but he also designed cabinet and shelving systems and extensive interior design for a variety of properties. In 1952, Olof Ottelin designed the furniture for the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki together with Lisa Johansson-Pape (lamps), Yki Nummi (coloring) and Dora Jung (textiles). Ottelin also did design work for the wallpaper factory Pihlgren & Ritola and the television manufacturer Helvar.
The versatile designer was also known as a cartoonist, whose drawings were published in the interior magazine Kaunis Koti, in live TV programs on YLE, and in the Swedish-language publications' Nya Pressen, Lucifer, Astra and Nordisk Medicin. He also wrote articles for the journal Architect, among others. In January-February 1989, the Amos Anderson Art Museum organized an exhibition of Olof Ottel's furniture and drawings.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen’s design language operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” The design duo’s company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design thanks to this sentiment.
While the duo solidified their careers with industrial production, more specifically the “AX chair” in the 1950s, this earlier model is perhaps even more stunning in many aspects. “Model 1748” is their most well-known fully upholstered chair, with a design that builds on the traditions of Danish cabinetmaking. The subtle decorative qualities and the simple lines deriving from the early 20th century design movements give this chair its elegance. This armchair shows the homely curviness that defined the design of the mid-century throughout Scandinavia. The back is lightly bent for ergonomic comfort, and have stylish button tufting. The tapered, stained beech legs complement both the shape of the armchair, and the bouclé upholstery.
Quality craftsmanship was of optimum importance for Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen, therefore they collaborated with the best cabinetmakers of the era. This chair was manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark’s most famous company of the time. Founded in Denmark in 1872, and proceeded to manufacture many of the classic icons of Danish Design in the following decades. With a classic look, storied design and solid quality, these chairs are truly soulful and timeless.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 31.88 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
70 cm W x 81 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
About the designer:
Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.
Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum (graduating in 1928). From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Danish master Kaare Klint (1888-1954). Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942.
In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs. Hvidt, whose design aesthetic was characterized as traditional throughout the 1940s, exhibited frequently at the Cabinetmaker's Guild exhibitions, as both a designer and architect.
In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, the pair designed the AX Chair, which solidified both of their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. It was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood.
From the 1970s, Hvidt & Mølgaard focused on architectural projects, which spanned office buildings and factories, as well as collective housing projects. They were known for their light, simple, and clear designs, which were carried out with precision. Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers. Their work can be found at New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery in Melbourne, and the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This spectacular “Pallas” chair by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh dates to 1954 and is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure, this lounge chair praises both Skogh and Asko.
The design combines function and aesthetic masterfully, keeping the form in service of the user while maintaining an elegant and modern look. The union of the shell-shaped, upholstered body and the sculpted wooden structure define this chair. The body “sits” on the black painted frame, as if the wood was constructed over the shell. This shows the Swedish design’s and the Finnish manufacturing’s quality. The chair is slightly raised towards the front, which is further accentuated by the armrests. Together with the seat cushion, this angle assures great sitting comfort, a feature that Scandinavian designers were particularly concerned with. The legs not only support the body, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clean lines of the black painted birchwood contrast beautifully with the body that is upholstered in a grey wool blend fabric. The pairing of colours and materials creates an open and very photographic appearance. Due to the well-chosen proportions, colour scheme and angled profiles, this lounge chair is uniquely elegant.
Asko - Finland’s market leading furniture manufactory from the 1930s - worked with many renowned Scandinavian designers during the mid-century era, among them Swedish master, Svante Skogh. This “Pallas” lounge chair was manufactured together with a sofa during the 1950s, and remain quite rare.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium wool blend fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.55 in W x 29.92 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 23.22 in
70 cm W x 76 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
Swedish furniture designer Svante Skogh is best known for his mid-century designs produced by many of the most renowned Scandinavian manufacturers, among them Asko Finland, Seffle (sometimes written as Säffle) Möbelfabrik, and Klings Alingsås. Throughout his career in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked with a number of furniture producers.
Despite his famous designs, not a lot is known about the designer. His designs ranged from coffee tables to seating, such as his famous Bodö Series from 1957. Many of Skogh’s designs have survived and are highly sought after on the vintage market today. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming armchair is evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. A functional anchor piece is all that is needed to introduce mid-century modern furniture to any interior, and this chair is perfect to fill that role.
Swedish design is characterised by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. From the welcoming winged body and the solid wood frame to the upholstery, this chair expresses a quality of conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment. The distinctive shape is a result of the two “ears” or “wings” that encompass the sitter. Originally, the wingback style was created as a way to help shield a person from drafts of cold air and also to trap the heat from a fireplace. That is why wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, as it was a popular style of chair to have pulled up in front of or flanking a fireplace. This armchair additionally has the touches of mid-century modernism, with upholstery decorated with button tufting. The button tufting is arranged in a line that enhances the depth visually. Furthermore, the quality of the bouclé upholstery brings out the shape of this design, illustrating how the pairing of the work of a skilled cabinetmaker and luxurious materials create exceptional pieces. Made of solid wood, the front legs are spherical, and the back posts are more angular. It is this detail of the construction that gives the chair a more stylish and sturdy form.
The Swedish perspective on cabinetmaking is exceptional, which is why the country’s cabinetmakers’ craft remains world-famous. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century design, this armchair brings together the core characteristics of the style: gently rounded edges, solid wooden legs, and a generous fully upholstered body. The design also possesses the elegant homely curviness, an aesthetic balance that is only seemingly easy to achieve, but this piece exudes it.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
40.35 in W x 43.30 in D x 38.97 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 23.81 in; Arm height 23.62 in
102.5 cm W x 110 cm D x 99 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 60.5 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Throughout the Nordic countries, there's a long history of pride in the craftsmanship of using natural materials like wood. This beautiful armchair is a great representation of the quality and craftsmanship of the Nordic tradition, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions.
This armchair has a cosy and modern style, modelled on the Swedish and Danish furniture of the time, including the round edges and generous seat cushion. The body has the classic Nordic look, which is at the centre of contemporary popularity. The modern aesthetic is further elevated by the fully upholstered body that complements the shape of the arms and enveloping “ears” on the back, as well as the wooden tapered legs.
A dialogue with nature became the prime force in the ongoing evolution of Finnish design from the early 20th century. This relationship with nature was much in evidence in early and mid-20th century Finnish design, which actively expanded on the metaphors and motifs therein. This armchair brings together the best aspects of design, materials, and craftsmanship, elevated by its visible personality.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.7 in W x 35.43 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 13.77 in
78 cm W x 90 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 35 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Italian designer Giancarlo Piretti emerged as a leading figure in postwar furniture design, known for combining technical ingenuity with sculptural forms. A longtime collaborator with Anonima Castelli, Piretti developed several groundbreaking pieces in the 1960s and 70s, many of which explored modularity, and ergonomics. His works, such as the iconic Plia folding Chair and Plia Table won multiple international design awards, and still find their home in museums word-wide, from Austria to the Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States.
The “Alky” lounge chair, first released in the early 1970s, is among his most celebrated works and reflects the experimental spirit of the period while maintaining a strong sense of comfort and approachability. The chair showcases its signature curvilinear form, expertly upholstered in a soft off-white bouclé that enhances the chair’s inviting charm. The piece is organic, almost reminiscent of a cloud, both thanks to its plushy shape and soft fabric. The design features a continuous silhouette from backrest to seat to base, all supported by a lightweight aluminium structure. The sled frame rests on two aluminium feet, ensuring the stability of the chair. Its organic shape hugs the body and provides a comfortable sitting experience, highlighting Piretti’s attention to ergonomics. The design is balanced, as the textile surface adds warmth, contrasting the modernist structure with a sense of softness.
This “Alky” chair remains an example of 1970s Italian design and a perfect illustration of how form and function can harmonise effortlessly. Ideal as a statement piece in a living room, lounge, or studio, it offers timeless comfort and a sculptural presence that continues to resonate in contemporary interiors.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
26.38 in W x 32.28 in D x 27.56 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 22.05 in
67 cm W x 82 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 56 cm
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Bridge Chairs - Fauteuil Bridge - from France are generally lightweight, often part of a set of matching chairs and bridge table. They were originally designed in the late 1930s for ladies for leisure activities, such as for games of bridge, afternoon tea, and gossiping. As this bridge chair exhibits, the models are stylish, well-made, and comfortable.
This solid oak “Fumay” is part of a dining group designed in 1965 by the world-famous French duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. As the version with arms, this chair’s frame is quite distinctive; the decorative elements on the backrest and armrest show an interesting curvature that is characteristic of the designer duo. These sculptural elements paired with the tapered legs are carved out of the blonde oak in an artistic way, testifying of the quality that the duo’s company, Votre Maison became famous for. The stretchers arranged between the legs at different heights in the fronts and sides are another clever detail. The genius of the design lies in these details that no matter how different, still complement each other. The sleek look is completed by the upholstered cushion in light bouclé fabric, that pairs beautifully with the colour of the blonde oak.
The French designers’ models are considered as a reference among the furniture of the 1950s through the 70s. This dining chair from the 60s gives a visual explanation why: the proportions, the subtle decorative elements, and the quality of woodworking is of the highest-quality, and the result is an immediately recognisable look that will never go out of style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
22.04 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
56 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 46 cm
About the designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boule where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the Twentieth Century, with Jacques’ son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the Ecole Boulle, having taken the reins in 1983.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This rare oak lounge chair is a delightfully unique piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This curving, spindle back model truly deserves the title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. It visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the duo’s company, significantly influenced French design history.
From every angle, the lounge chair’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakeable and blur the line between furniture and sculpture. From the oak frame to the sculptural legs, arms and backrest, this model is characteristic of the designers’ unique style, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail are the freestanding, sculpted armrests that form the front legs as well. This design element shows expert craftsmanship and creativity. The unusual backrest emerges from the seat like a throne. The spindles enhance this appearance, especially with the back cushion’s loops attached to them. The legs are similarly sculpted with great precision to serve a double purpose: an aesthetic role, and a functional one. Thanks to the ergonomic curves and thick, comfortable seat and back cushions, this chair is perfect for cosy lounging. The light bouclé fabric is a great choice, as it highlights the oak’s smooth surface and colour as well.
Guillerme drew the furniture designs for Votre Maison while Chambron played the part of salesman. The pair worked with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. As this brilliant chair shows, well-crafted structures, polished wood and thick cushions created the now world-famous reputation of their seating designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
28.14 in W x 30.51 in D x 34.05 in H; Seat height 15.94 in; Arm height 22.04 in
71.5 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 40.5 cm; Arm height 56 cm
About the Designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
During the mid-20th century, European designers turned their attention to rethinking domestic comfort and explored how new ideas of form and proportion could transform the experience of sitting and living. Moving away from traditional ornament and into a culture of experimentation, they began focusing on honest materials, balanced lines, and structure. This was a period when modernism evolved into a human-centered vision of modern living.
This lounge chair captures that spirit with its thoughtful interplay of geometry and tactility. The frame, crafted in solid wood with box joinery, celebrates craftsmanship while maintaining a striking simplicity. Its low, grounded stance gives the piece a quiet strength, while the broad seat invites relaxed, informal lounging. To complement the solid frame, the backrest features a circular cushion, an unexpected sculptural element that softens the chair’s rectilinear frame and adds visual interest without unnecessary embellishment. Upholstered in richly textured bouclé, the chair pairs a tactile, inviting surface with the clean lines of its wooden base, achieving a compelling balance between warmth and restraint. The traditional joinery details are left visible, underscoring the mid-century belief in structural honesty and the inherent beauty of well-made construction.
As a single piece, the chair is both understated and iconic, a reminder that modern design is not about excess, but about clarity and intention. More than just a functional seat, it reflects a postwar European ethos that embraced innovation while remaining deeply connected to craft and the human experience of comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and dents in the wooden frame. The chair has been recently reupholstered in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
27.36 in W x 31.10 in D x 31.50 in H (including cushion); Seat height 16.93 in; Seat depth 20.47 in
69.5 cm W x 79 cm D x 80 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 52 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This is a beautiful Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen designed model “FD 144” easy chair, made in Denmark in 1953. It was produced by France & Daverkosen Denmark.
This solid oak FD-144 Easy Chair by the designer duo, has distinctive, wide and imposing bent armrests. The darker teak wood on the armrests and legs emphasises the elegant lines of this chair. The back is supported with a series of slender spindles that stand out as the main design element of this model.
The chair comes with two loose cushions that have been recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. Both cushions feature button tufting, giving a classic look. This chair is a Danish mid-century piece to its core, uniting functionality with and understated, yet interesting and elegant design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Re-upholstered in premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.4 in W x 28.55 in D x 33.08 in H; seat height 16.93 in
64.5 cm W x 72.5 cm D x 84 cm H; seat height 43 cm
About the designer:
Hvidt & Mølgaard were the founders of the Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.
Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum. From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Kaare Klint. Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs.
In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, they designed the AX Chair, which solidified their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. It was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood.
From 1970, Hvidt & Mølgaard focused on architectural projects, which spanned office buildings and factories, as well as collective housing projects. They were known for their light, simple, and clear designs, which were carried out with precision. Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers. Their work can be found at New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery in Melbourne, and the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
In Sweden, “svensk design” in particular operates as a set of relations linking objects, spaces, people to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, the cabinetmaker of this chair put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making it timeless in every sense of the word.
The Swedish design movement has exercised a wide influence on modern architecture and interior furnishings internationally since the early twentieth century. As this beautiful high-back lounge chair shows, early mid-century modern designers and cabinetmakers not only prioritised outstanding craftsmanship, but also an aesthetic quality that honours the materials and their users alike. Swedish proponents of modern design ideals were able to cultivate their principles in a climate of relative calm with the long-term persistence of crafts traditions being especially formative. This craftsmanship is apparent in this lounge chair with a sinuous body that is as artistic as it is functional. The main principles of Swedish Modernism centre around minimalism, simplicity, and functionalism. This chair achieves to follow these principles while offering plenty of visually arresting qualities, including the high, curved back and exposed, sculptural arms that claw into the upholstery. The rich texture of the bouclé fabric accentuates the expressive shape of the frame that praises the maker’s sense of proportions. The short wood legs don’t take away from the robust, cosy appearance, instead they keep the design grounded and perfectly stable while also providing contrast with the beautiful colour. The expert Swedish craftsmanship is clearly visible throughout this piece, with impeccable woodworking and construction.
This beautiful, inviting lounge chair lives up to its Swedish heritage both in terms of visual and material quality. While its aesthetic is clean and functional, it has an eye-catching look with luxurious upholstery and cross stitches that make it an ideal accent piece as well.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some mark, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.13 in W x 37.79 in D x 39.96 in H; Seat height 14.76 in; Arm height 24.21 in
74 cm W x 96 cm D x 101.5 cm H; Seat height 37.5 cm; Arm height 61.5 cm