Scandinavian Tripod Wood Stool, Scandinavia ca 1950s (sold)




















Scandinavian Tripod Wood Stool, Scandinavia ca 1950s (sold)
Form and function collide in this stool, a piece of furniture that is often underestimated. Designers define stools as jewels and statements in a space, and taking practicality into account, this stool is perfect to add visual interest to any space. From Charlotte Perriand to Axel Einar Hjorth, wooden stools have been staples in European, especially in Scandinavian design history.
With a highly functional history and modernist look, this stool is a rare and stylish piece. The seat has a round and large seat to accommodate the sitter, which is supported by three legs that widen towards the end. The separate elements are all rounded, resulting in an aesthetic that is typical of the mid-century era. The round shapes also complement the visually arresting pattern of the oak, especially on the seat, where the grain immediately stands out. In line with the simplicity and functionality of the 1950s, this stool entirely focuses on its solid wood material and well-crafted, but simple lines. This stool was evidently constructed with great care; the joinery is seamless, and the surfaces are very smooth even on the legs. The maker of this stool not only had a preference for its main characteristics and material, but a deep respect as well. The functionality, longevity and clean lines of this oak stool are all in favour of the user, maintaining the focus on authentic simplicity.
Being functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, this stool is a great addition to set the tone of a space. The design is strong but subtle, with expert craftsmanship, thanks to which it can add depth as well as functionality to a space.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
9.05 in ⌀ x 10.62 in H
23 cm ⌀ x 27 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Torbjørn Afdal (1917-1999) is remembered as one of the most well-respected Norwegian designers of the postwar period. Afdal’s work is characterised by a refined understanding of material and form. Oftentimes the combination of art and tradition is evident in his creations, as he possessed the talent of utilising the natural properties of wood. This bench, which was crafted in collaboration with Harry Moen as part of the “Biri” collection, is a wonderful example of Norwegian mid-century design.
This bench’s style is effective without the need for heavy ornamental elements. Uncompromising on quality materials and craftsmanship, the design is focused on functionality. Norwegian craftsmen of the mid-20th century often produced simple, well-made pieces of homegrown woods such as walnut and pine. The pine frame of this bench is outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The wood’s light colour and the slender lines that make up the bench create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. The clean and elegant lines further let the upholstery stand out, while the organic shade of the leather highlights the mid-century modern connection to nature. Unlike designs from elsewhere, Norwegian and Nordic furniture pieces weren’t flashy but designed to be well-made and fit a warm, comfortable and welcoming home. Moreover, these desighers were of the firm belief that beautiful and functional objects needn’t be the preserve of the rich but should be accessible to everyone. Torbjørn Afdal’s creations were previously collected by US First Lady Jackie Kennedy for the White House, Japanese Emperor Hirohito, and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland, and continue to be sought after today.
Benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, or hallway. Craftsmanship and quality materials are among the few things that will never go out of style, therefore this bench could be an addition of a lifetime to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and marks on the wood. The bench has been reupholstered recently in a premium leather. 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:
62.40 in W x 19.68 in D x 32.68 in H; Seat height 17.72 in; Seat depth 17.32 in
158.5 cm W x 50 cm D x 83 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Seat depth 44 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
What makes wood so appealing besides its natural beauty is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. These mid-century stools, reminiscent of ones created by Krogenæs Møbler in Norway, exude craftsmanship and refined style.
Crafted from solid wood, these tripod stools bear the main design hallmarks of mid-century Scandinavian furniture: simplicity and functionality. There are a couple of design elements that set these stools apart, including their ergonomically carved seats, the splayed legs and the arched stretchers, which all add a touch of intrigue to their otherwise minimalist aesthetic. The masterfully crafted mortise and tenon joints further highlight the arches in the front. The subtle curvature and rounded edges that characterize this pair create a gentle and stylish mid-century modern look that is still based on the organic beauty and qualities of the wood itself. In the world of contemporary interior design, sculptural stools like these have surged in popularity as they can blend seamlessly into modern homes, offering not only practicality but also a sense of nostalgia and authenticity. This pair’s clean lines and cosy wood tones complement various decor styles. Additionally, their enduring appeal lies in their ability to bridge the gap between the past and present, paying homage to mid-century design principles while adapting to the needs of today's interiors. Stools are truly one of the most practical and stylish additions one can make to any room.
Characterized by functionality, simplicity and clean lines, Scandinavian design is all about harmony. As such, these stools are more than just functional furniture pieces; they are also conversation pieces, inviting guests to admire their design and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into creating them.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The pine wood has some scratches and marks.
Dimensions:
18.89 in W x 15.74 in D x 15.55 in H
48 cm W x 40 cm D x 39.5 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
A concern with the aesthetic design of crafts can be seen in the Scandinavian arts as far back as the Vikings. The first part of the new century saw a new wave of Norwegian design, humanistic in its approach, and focused on the aesthetic of everyday objects. This approach expressed the Scandinavians’ attitude towards their environment and is recognizable by its emphasis on unpretentious forms.
This highly functional bench’s mid-century style is effective without needing heavy elements. Uncompromising on quality materials and craftsmanship, the design is focused on functionality. The Norwegian manufacturer, Krogenæs, is well-known for the high-quality pine furniture. This bench is a great example with its simple and robust design joined by classic, traditional techniques. Albeit the piece is made of solid wood, the pine’s light colour and the slender lines create an airy feeling, while also retaining an overall impression of strength and durability. This is enhanced by the careful mixture of the tapered legs and the Asian-inspired Scandinavian-style joinery that uses nothing, but the wood itself. The richly textured shearling adds a lot of visual interest and comfort, ensuring the cosiness that Scandinavian design is beloved for.
From the joinery technique and woodworking, every detail reveals the quality craftsmanship of the experts at Krogenæs Møbler. The most charming thing about this Norwegian bench however, is that it has classic elements reflecting its history, while lending itself easily to a modern interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some marks and scratches on the wood. The bench 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:
35.43 in W x 12.2 in D x 16.92 in H
90 cm W x 31 cm D x 43 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Art Deco furniture is a great way to add drama and sophistication to any room. It’s a style often used to add a modern yet timeless touch to living rooms and bedrooms. Whether you love the glamour of bold colours and patterns, or prefer the elegance of muted tones and sleek lines, Art Deco furniture can bring your vision to life.
In an era marked by unprecedented cultural dynamism and bold artistic expression, the Art Deco movement emerged as a testament to modernity and sophistication. This period witnessed the creation of exquisite furniture pieces that epitomized the union of form and function, with this Art Deco stool standing out as a prime example. This stool has a classic look that relies on the beauty of the materials. The wood's warm tones and distinct grain add a touch of natural beauty to the otherwise modern impression.
Stools, typically overlooked in comparison to larger furniture pieces, played a crucial role in the Art Deco interior. Their compact size and versatility made them ideal for multi-functional spaces, embodying the modern ethos of efficiency and adaptability. Today, stools are experiencing a resurgence in popularity as contemporary design embraces the concept of versatile and space-saving furniture.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This stool comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. 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:
25.20 in W x 13.58 in D x 20.87 in H
64 cm W x 34.5 cm D x 53 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Swedish and Scandinavian designers of the 20th century often took inspiration from the beauty of natural world, translated into their use of organic elements in interior spaces. This bench is a perfect example of this, as it embodies the visual benefits of an understated design.
This bench is a testament to the emphasis on simplicity and organic form, prioritising clean lines and unadorned surfaces, embodying the ‘less is more’ principle. The frame is made of birch, mixing the aesthetics of traditional handcraft with international modernism. Featuring fourteen symmetrically-arranged wooden birch spindles—a design trait of Nesto Möbel— that slightly incline backwards, this bench provides a comfortable seating experience. The craftsmanship is evident in the joinery and smooth finish, highlighting the natural beauty of the birch wood. The neat finish also further emphasizes the beautiful grain pattern and warm tones of the wood giving the piece a rich, inviting appearance. The tapered legs follow the practical simplicity of the pins on top.
Benches serve as multi functional pieces, both for their social quality but also as sculptural elements to elevate any contemporary interior space. This bench is an exceptional addition, embodying the natural world and exemplifying the enduring charm and warmth of 20th century design, underscoring the timeless appeal of this iconic design era.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor marks and scratches.
Dimensions:
46.45 in W x 18.89 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 16.33 in; Arm height 29.92 in
118 cm W x 48 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 41.5 cm; Arm height 76 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This “kubbstol” or “kubbestol” is a traditional Scandinavian chair made from a log. The kubbestol was quite common in some districts of Norway from about 1750 to 1960, where it was usually made from logs with significant girth and three to four feet in length.
The tree trunk was hollowed out so that the base (from the seat down) would be cylindrical while the back of the chair continues upward from the seat in a curved shield that makes the chair both snug and comfortable. Most, but not all, kubbestols were decorated with carving, painting, or some combination of the two. This chair has beautiful folk patterns hand carved into it, with visible, raw craftsmanship. Carved and painted decorations would differ from district to district and styles changed over time. While the log is seemingly roughly shaped, this chair is surprisingly comfortable, as functionality has been historically important for Scandinavian furniture makers. The kubbestol was often placed next to the open-hearth fireplace or next to the bed, and it was reserved for the head of the household. Large, impressive farmhouses might have had several richly carved and painted kubbestols as a display of wealth and status.
These days the log chair has become a symbol of Scandinavian roots for many families with ties to Norway, Sweden, or Denmark. The kubbestol is a reminder of our rural heritage and a time when most things in and around the home were made by hand from materials found in nature. Essentially a chair hewn from a tree trunk, this chair is as closely associated with Norway as Peer Gynt, and may have led just as many lives and have just as many tales to tell.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has cracks and marks and discolouration. The hand carved patterns remain in good condition.
Dimensions:
17.32 in W x 21.06 in D x 25 in H; Seat height 14.17 in
44 cm W x 53.5 cm D x 63.5 cm H; Seat height 36 cm
About the Design:
The earliest records of the kubbestol/kubbstol in Scandinavia are in the form of small silver amulets: one from a burial site on the island of Björkö to the west of Stockholm, which dates to the 9th century, and two found amongst a collection of money and jewellery unearthed at Fölhagen on the Swedish island of Gotland and dated to the 10th century.
The three small silver amulets which bear an uncanny similarity, and alongside several other amulets depict the so-called kubbstolar. They are kept today by the Statens Historiska Museum (The Swedish History Museum) in Stockholm. In addition to silver amulets the Statens Historiska Museum also has two amulets in amber, one each from Björkö and Gotland.
Whereby it is important to remember that a representation of a kubbstol created in 9th and/or 10th century Sweden shouldn’t be confused with the physical existence of the kubbstol in 9th and/or 10th century Sweden. That while it strongly implies, they almost certainly were physically in existence in Sweden; they alone confirm that kubbstolar were known in Sweden, and presumably had an importance and significance. Why else use them as amulets, and as amulets crafted from precious, valuable, materials? In 1916 Bernhard Salin noted that “due to lack of time and space, I have to refrain from considering the interesting question of why the kubbstol during the Viking Age was made in the form of a pendant.”
The kubbstol can also be found on a carving originating from the Sanda churchyard according to Hugo Junger, who argues that the enclosed space in which the three figures in the top part of the carving find themselves, is Valhalla, that famed residence where slain, and favoured, Nordic warriors enjoyed the afterlife. While Odin’s chair is only decipherable with an excellent and biased imagination, Frigg’s chair is very clearly a kubbstol. And if Frigg and Odin furnished Valhalla, or perhaps just their private rooms and/or the public reception rooms, with kubbstolar, then that not only makes the kubbstol one of the original seats of power, but bequeaths the kubbstol an importance and significance that justifies amulets crafted from precious, valuable, materials.
Exactly what that significance is and was, other than, potentially, a simple symbol of the power of Odin and/or Frigg, we know not. As with all items of vernacular furniture the search for origins invariably leads one to supposition and fantasy, rather than your actual facts. However, the kubbstol became a symbol of Scandinavian history and culture, with a unique appearance and craftsmanship that contains history just like a book. ~H.
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
This stool is aesthetically, a tempered Modernism in design: clean forms without exaggeration with the high-quality work of Danish cabinetmakers. Humble in its material and size, this pine stool still draws attention thanks to its distinctive look and personality.
In the absence of heavy ornamentation, this stool takes pride in its material’s natural qualities. Pine wood became the bamboo of the north in the sense that it lasts at least a hundred years — that’s how long it takes for a pine tree to grow into the lengths when it’s ready to harvest. With its restrained, light colour palette peppered with gnarly knots, pine furniture have been favoured in Scandinavia for centuries and there is a contemporary renewal of interest and appreciation as well. This tripod stool shows why: standing on tapered legs, the seat displays the beautiful patterns of the wood and the simple, elemental joinery technique. The distinguishing feature however, is the shape of the seat. The front side is scalloped with gently rounded edges, creating a modern, stylish look. The construction strips back the unnecessary, showcasing only the essential elements of it. The wood is left in its natural form as much as possible, while also prioritizing functionality and longevity.
Alongside the touchstones of simplicity, functionality, and comfort, Danish design utilizes light, creates use of natural materials, and integrates with nature. This sort of northern minimalism allows people to invite peace into their home without creating a space that is uninviting or cold. Similarly, this stool is full of vitality without being chaotic or overworked.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
16.73 in W x 13.18 in D x 14.17 in H
42.5 cm W x 33.5 cm D x 36 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Designed by Børge Mogensen in 1955, the “J27” stool remains a solid and practical piece. With a multitude of purposes, form and function remain at the forefront of this design. Almost everyone in Denmark has experienced Børge Mogensen’s designs – from the well-known, modern FDB furniture - like these stools - to countless classics that have furnished both homes and public spaces in Denmark.
This pair of solid beech stools by Danish master, Børge Mogensen, has an outstanding balance with a classic, timeless design. These “J27” models mirror Mogensen’s ideal, which was to create furniture with a restrained aesthetic that serve people. With a clear statement of simplicity, quality and respect for materials, this pair of stools is a great example of Danish Modern design. The functional elements converted into decorative features is characteristic of Mogensen’s design aesthetic. As such, the holes on the seats and stretchers are not only important utilitarian and structural features, they are also visually appealing details that give plenty of character to these stools. Mogensen’s present design was executed by FDB Møbler, the Danish manufactory established in 1942, with a heritage of unfaltering dedication to the perfection and progression of the design craft.
Børge Mogensen believed that furniture should fit the human being, rather than the other way around and that functional quality furniture is paramount. For the book by the bed or when an extra guest needs to be squeezed in at the dining table, this pair of stools is perfect as it is both practical, decorative and thoroughly well-designed.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
13.77 in W x 13.38 in D x 18.11 in H
35 cm W x 34 cm D x 46 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Minimalism may be currently in fashion, but there is one iteration of clean design that will never go out of style which is Scandinavian Modernism. It is no small achievement to be able to exercise restraint in décor choices, while still managing to make a space feel cosy.
The Swedish Modern style is so popular because it speaks to both our tidy tendencies and our desire to live in inviting and comfortable settings. Warm wood tones and sepia hues are popular in Scandinavian interior design because they make a room feel sunny and bright without using overwhelmingly bright colours. Pinewood is perhaps the most defining natural material of traditional Swedish cabinetmaking. “Furu” (pine) is a wood that creates healthy and sustainable interiors with modern expressions, which contributes to the wood's strong progress even nowadays. When world-class designers choose to work with pine, it is a sign that it is a type of wood that has an obvious place in modern interiors. This stool has a perfectly understated design that lets the material stand out. While the structure evidently serves functionality at its core, there is a feature that serves a purely aesthetic role. The carved parts connecting the seat and the legs are - in a way - the most Swedish feature of the design, showing that there needs to be balance, not just structural, but also visual.
Pinewood is comfortable and tactile. Wood interiors not only smell good, they also have a calming effect on us humans. That wood contributes to healthier indoor environments is an added bonus. This has been well-known for centuries in Scandinavia, and luckily, the rest of the world has been catching on.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
18.11 in W x 10.23 in D x 17.32 in H
46 cm W x 26 cm D x 44 cm H
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Price category: 500 - 1,000 usd / eur
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this oak stool. In earlier days, similar “shoemaker” stools were often used in the home for informal seating, and this tradition is making a comeback.
The design is principally simple and functional, letting the natural beauty of the oak wood and simple artistry be in the focus. From Mogens Lassen to Arne Hovmand-Olsen, multiple Danish designers created tripod stools during the mid-20th century. Nonetheless, the stool as a piece of furniture is often still underestimated, even though it can be a statement piece in any interior. Form and function collide in this model, and it resembles the beloved ‘Shoemaker Chair’ by Form & Refine, the genuine Danish design classic that was released in 1936. Just like in that model’s case, the three-legged design is inspired by the traditional cobbler’s stool. The most important was the seat’s ergonomic design, as the user spent a considerable amount of time sitting on it, therefore this stool has an ergonomic so-called tractor seat. The legs are tapered and connected by stretchers to provide a firm base for the seat and the sitter. Each separated element of this stool is rendered out of one large, solid piece of wood, showcasing the maker’s skills in woodworking, which is also very apparent in the smoothness of the surfaces and the joinery.
This early mid-century piece has the main characteristics Danish design is famous for. From the sculptural shape to the functional design and the great craftsmanship, this stool is a great accent to any space, and could become an heirloom piece thanks to its visual and material qualities.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has a nice patina.
Dimensions:
19.29 in W x 11.61 in D x 18.89 in H
49 cm W x 29.5 cm D x 48 cm H
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this milking stool. In earlier days, similar stools were often used in the home for informal seating, and this tradition is making a comeback.
The design is simple, yet stylish, letting the natural beauty of beech wood and simple artistry be in the focus. From Mogens Lassen to Arne Hovmand-Olsen, multiple Danish designers created tripod stools in the mid-20th century. Despite this, the stool is often still underestimated as a piece of furniture, while it can be a statement piece in an interior. Form and function collide in this stool, as the three-legged design was inspired by a traditional cobbler’s stool. The most important was the seat’s ergonomic design, as the user spent a considerable amount of time sitting on it. The legs are tapered, providing a firm base for the seat and the sitter. The visual element that makes this particular stool distinct is the carving on the legs. Each leg has three “rings” carved into them, which is an elementary form of decoration, yet very effective in this case. Furthermore, it showcases the maker’s skills in woodworking, which is also very apparent in the smoothness of the seat.
This mid-century piece has the main characteristics Danish design is famous for. From the sculptural shape to the functional design and the great craftsmanship, this stool is a great accent to any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some cracks and marks.
Dimensions:
19.68 in W x 13.77 in D x 15.74 in H
50 cm W x 35 cm D x 40 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The “Svensk Fur” bench is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork.
The Svensk Fur designs are often compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though it is an exceptional design on its own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. This bench holds a strong expression with its sturdy shaped, organic design, which is dominated by the natural beauty of the material. The backrest is formed by a straight line that slightly curves near the edges. This curvature is followed by the armrests that curve outwards at the ends, creating visual interest. The joinery is visible throughout the bench, and features both bolts and seamless wooden dovetail joinery which is always a sign of quality craftsmanship. The wide backrest showcases the solid pinewood’s beautiful pattern, reinforcing the rustic feel of the bench along with the conical legs that are gently tapered and tilted to support stability. The seat cushion was created specifically for this bench and is upholstered in a premium fabric with a pattern that adds to the rustic feel.
In 1898 Malmvall’s father, the master carpenter Karl Andersson started making well-made and durable furniture in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Many pieces of furniture from Karl Andersson & Söner are classics and can be seen in the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, among other places.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The added cushion is upholstered 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:
47.24 in W x 23.42 in D x 34.05 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
120 cm W x 59.5 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
About the Designer:
Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer.
Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet series, first created in 1972 and already a modern classic.
The manufacturer, Karl Andersson & Söner was established in 1898, when carpentry master Karl Andersson started to produce “durable and sustainable furniture” in his parents' home in the village of Berghem between Huskvarna and Gränna. Over a hundred years later, the historic company still manufactures quality furniture and designer furniture in their own modern factory in Huskvarna. ~H.