Mid-Century Modern Set of Four Stools in Cowhide, Europe ca 1950s (sold)






























Mid-Century Modern Set of Four Stools in Cowhide, Europe ca 1950s (sold)
Most of Europe has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th century, the country also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces to create simple and refined pieces like this set of stools.
These stools have a classic look that relies on the beauty of the materials. Smooth and unadorned, the design has functionality in its focus with four sculpted legs with profiled edges. The gently curved shape of the legs make each piece an ideal vanity stool, but they are just as aesthetic when standing together as a set, enhancing their characteristics. The curves are further accentuated by the dark stained legs with a versatile pattern and colour palette. The legs are the base for the main visual element of the design: the upholstered seat. The upholstered seats are visual treats, with an exquisite, soft fabric made of cowhide. The material is attention grabbing as it cascades over the wooden seats, providing both visual and physical comfort. Overall, this set is minimal and infinitely stylish; it seeks to complement its surroundings.
Form and function collide in these stools, a piece of furniture that is often underestimated. Designers define stools as jewels and statements in a space, and taking practicality into account, each piece of this set of four is perfect to add visual interest to any space.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The stools have been upholstered recently in premium cowhide. 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:
17.71 in ⌀ x 18.11 in H
45 cm ⌀ x 46 cm H
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Born in Paris into a family of craftsmen, Pierre Chapo was heavily influenced by the modernist movements of the 20th century, and more specifically, the Bauhaus. While also inspired by designers like Charlotte Perriand and Le Corbusier, his work was primarily focused on craftsmanship. Chapo’s passion for wood can be seen in all of his creations, from stools to dining tables, including this "S38A" bench.
Pierre Chapo designed the model in 1973. The piece is constructed out of French Elm, and it is a classic in the true sense of the word. The natural grain of the elm shines through, its authenticity being celebrated, rather than disguised or embellished. The curve of the bench offers fluidity and highlights the organic character of the piece. Not only does the elm ensure the longevity of the model but it also contributes to the durability. The three legs placed at the base of the bench make sure the two wooden elements that form the seat are stabilised. Not only this, but two stretchers are placed between the legs, securing each part of the model. This bench showcases incredible craftsmanship while presenting a unique charm; grounded, yet light, through the smart use of curves and the gap in the seat.
The three principles that motivated Pierre Chapo were material, form, and function. He measured his furniture by means of this golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material. This bench is a beautiful example of his ideals. The “S38A” model fits perfectly with other Chapo designs such as tables, but could also work very well on its own.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bench has recently been reconditioned. Minor scratches are present. Due to the age and nature of the material, the item may have marks and discolouration.
Dimensions:
57.87 in W x 23.62 in D x 17.72 in H
147 cm W x 60 cm D x 45 cm H
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
The term brutalism — which derives from the French word brut, meaning “raw” — was originally coined to describe an architectural style that emerged in the 1950s featuring monumental buildings, usually made of unornamented concrete, whose design was meant to project an air of strength and solidity. Similarly, in furniture design Brutalism inspired designers to create models with the same look of strength and style.
This rare Jean & Sébastien Touret oak bench is a beautiful example of this design movement, with a clear emphasis on the material’s natural qualities. This bench was created for a religious community of Loir et Cher -a department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France - from oak of the property.
The duo’s design has a strong architectural approach, and while it is very sturdy on first sight, the outstanding execution of the legs and the natural appeal of oak make this bench the embodiment of creative, elegant design. Much like in architecture, brutalist furniture has organic, unpolished shapes. The seat and back planks of this bench exemplify this characteristic, with uneven edges, letting the natural qualities of the oak shine. The use of the sizeable pieces of oak wood with a beautiful grain, and the visible joints and bolts give this bench a natural, elemental feeling. The body was created employing the “bois arraché technique”, a finishing method by which lacquer is rubbed onto wood.
It might go unnoticed, but nowadays, brutalist furniture is part of any modern interior design project. In the same fashion, glimpses of brutalist interior design are found in top interior design projects. Think about Kelly Wearstler‘s interior design projects, where both on residential and commercial interior design projects, the popular interior designer integrates brutalist furniture. Nevertheless, like Wearstler, most designers prefer brutalist furniture with organic shapes, just like this oak bench.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches on the wood and old woodworm marks.
Dimensions:
55.11 in W x 18.11 in D x 44.68 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
140 cm W x 46 cm D x 113.5 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Pierre Chapo was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's balanced lines, Corbusier's research on proportions and the Bauhaus. The three principles that motivated him were material, form, and function. Despite his love for the imperfect, he measured his furniture by means of the golden ratio and used elm wood as his preferred material, and this model is a beautiful example of his ideals in a material form.
This “S31 A” stool has the playful and majestic characteristics typical of Pierre Chapo's emblematic creations. Asymmetrical, yet perfectly balanced. Made from elm, this stool has a rustic style with architectural precision. This comes as no surprise, as Pierre Chapo trained as an architect in Paris and this knowledge becomes evident in his elaborate structural solutions. The joinery technique is unique yet simple, enhancing the honest design. Just as with art styles, culture and fashion, each region of the world had their own joinery styles. While each region’s techniques are vastly different from one another, they still followed the same principles, in that they would join the timbers in such a way that they couldn’t be pulled apart. This is also true for this stool, making it a durable and timeless piece. The smooth circular seat shows off the beautiful grain of the elm which not only highlights Chapo’s preference for the material but also his deep respect for it. Furthermore, the rounded shape is a lovely contrast to the sharpness of the legs.
Being functional as well as aesthetically pleasing, this stool is a great addition to set the tone of a space. Its design is archtectural yet simple in its material choice, there is nothing superfluous about it. It strips back the unnecessary, showcasing the essential beauty of the wood and its capabilities.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
15.94 in W x 15.94 in D x 17.32 in H
40.5 cm W x 40.5 cm D x 44 cm H
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This bench originates from 20th century France, and reflects the enduring influence of regional craftsmanship and traditional furniture-making techniques. French rural and provincial furniture from this period often emphasized durability, natural materials, and honest construction. Rooted in craftsmanship traditions, benches such as this one were commonly found in farmhouse interiors, kitchens, and entry halls, where practicality and warmth were valued. The design speaks to a timeless aesthetic influenced by handcraft, local materials, and generational woodworking knowledge.
The bench is constructed from solid oak, featuring beautifully turned legs that lend rhythm and visual movement to the silhouette. These elements introduce a subtle decorative quality while maintaining the piece’s honest, utilitarian character. The gently curved backrest adds both warmth and structural cohesion, echoing traditional seating forms found throughout the French countryside. Not only this, but the woven straw seat provides a striking textural contrast to the oak frame, offering lightness and warmth while remaining highly functional. The natural fibres introduce an organic softness that balances the strength of the wood, adding to the bench’s tactile appeal. The straw weaving shows careful craftsmanship, creating a surface that is both flexible and sturdy. Together, the solid frame and woven seat form a harmonious dialogue between robustness and delicacy. The proportions are compact yet inviting, allowing the bench to function comfortably as hallway seating, a kitchen accent, or an accent piece in an interior.
With its authentic materials and traditional construction, this oak bench embodies the rustic charm of French furniture. It offers both aesthetics and practical use, the bench stands as a timeless example of design shaped by craftsmanship and heritage.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The bench has recently been reconditioned. Minor dents and scratches. Due to the nature of the materials, the item may have some additional marks, and discolouration.
Dimensions:
46.65 in W x 22.05 in D x 31.69 in H
118.5 cm W x 56 cm D x 80.5 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.
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
This tripod chair has a simple composition that mixes the aesthetics of rural handicraft with international modernism.
While many postwar French designers were embracing new industrial techniques and mass production, some, like Alexandre Noll, personally selected his materials and handmade each unique piece. Like Noll, this chair’s designer paid little attention to trends, preferring to let the material guide the design, letting the shape of the wood be the main source of inspiration. Thanks to this, the chair has an organic form and a focuses on the solid wood as a material. Even at first glance, this chair has a startling rawness, but with its warm-toned and slightly asymmetrical body, it is a greatly-balanced piece. Sensitive touches enliven the design, visible in the careful craftsmanship, especially in the carved seat and tripod legs.
The aesthetic of this tripod chair is somber, giving importance to eerie organic and rugged shapes. Through its eccentric geometries and expressive forms, this chair is the perfect piece to add visual and elemental interest to any interior.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
14.76 in W x 17.51 in D x 31.49 in; Seat height 18.3 in
37.5 cm W x 44.5 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 46.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This Art Deco bench, crafted circa 1930s, is a refined example of the movement’s ability to merge architectural strength with functional elegance. Emerging after the landmark 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Art Deco celebrated modern craftsmanship, bold geometry, and a sense of luxury rooted in proportion and materiality. This bench reflects those ideals through its sculptural simplicity and precise construction, offering both visual presence and everyday utility.
The design is defined by its rectilinear form and robust wooden frame, emphasizing clarity of line and honesty of material. The wide backrest and the seat highlight the natural grain of the wood, allowing the richness of its surface to become the main decorative element. The legs are structured, offering stability, while their squared impression staying true to the visual rhythm of the bench, aided by the vertical ridges alongside the front side of the legs. Subtle carved detailing at the joint points introduces a touch of ornament, with the geometric forms being reminiscent of rosebuds, restrained yet expressive. The proportions are carefully considered, providing function while maintaining the strong architectural outline that makes the piece so visually striking.
This bench exemplifies the Art Deco commitment to balancing utility with elegance. Its sculptural form and enduring materiality allow it to serve as both practical furniture and a statement of design history. Nearly a century after its creation, it remains a timeless expression of French craftsmanship and the enduring modernity of the Art Deco movement.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
78.74 in W x 20.07 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 17.51 in; Seat depth 17.519 in
200 cm W x 51 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 44.5 cm; Seat depth 44.5 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Derived from the French "brut", meaning raw, Brutalism describes the architectural style that emerged in the mid-20th century, featuring minimalist constructions that showcase bare materials and structural elements over decorative design. It originated post–World War II, when low-cost housing and government buildings were composed of mainly raw, unrefined materials. Similarly, in furniture design, Brutalism inspired creators to follow the same look of deliberate simplicity, rawness and strength.
Brutalism’s departure from the ornate and intricate styles of the past is visibly embraced in this pair’s choice of materials. The pair of benches convey honesty through the crudity of the typical rustic French mountain style of mid-century Alpine States. The natural grain of the wood shines through - its authenticity being celebrated, rather than disguised or embellished. The benches' curve, reminiscent of Pierre Chapo’s work, offers fluidity and highlight the organic character of the pieces. The materials and design contribute to the benches’ durability, ensuring longevity in form and function through their six sturdy legs and wooden reinforcements. The mix of deep wood tones and visible metal hardware provide a beautiful artisanal character, while fulfilling the benches’ primary purpose of offering a convenient and comfortable place to sit.
These benches feature the core marks of Brutalism: unornamented, exposed joints and raw wooden surfaces. They intertwine logical functionality with aesthetic boldness, resulting in both a striking and practical bench pair as well as a decorative piece, complementing any modern space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor marks and scratches on the wood.
Dimensions:
50.78 in W x 19.09 in D x 17.71 in H
129 cm W x 48.5 cm D x 45 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: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The 1950s in France was a very versatile decade, the era’s design projects had a wide range both aesthetically and material wise. The modernist solid wood models were mostly created by hand, including this bench, showing the organic and modern approach to design.
This bench has an almost brutalist look that allows the distinctive back and the stained elm wood to guide the design. The design is defined by the long horizontal lines, the impeccable joinery, and the natural, raw beauty of the material. It can be incorporated into any space thanks to its classic look, not to mention its functionality; benches in general can be placed in any space, including the living room, bedroom, hallway or even outside. The design has a startling rawness and has a preference for the material to set the tone of the overall aesthetic, which is somber, giving importance to the craftsmanship that formed it into its eerie organic shape. French furniture manufacturers are still regarded as some of the best of the mid-century era and are especially known for impeccable joinery and woodwork (think Guillerme et Chambron or Pierre Chapo for example).
The designer generation active during the mid-20th century created some of the most iconic wooden furniture designs of the whole century. This Aranjou edition table is a beautiful example of how successfully they managed to merge traditional craftsmanship and materials with an essentially modern approach to design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some small marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
78.74 in W x 16.53 in D x 33.85 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
200 cm W x 42 cm D x 86 cm H; Seat height 44 cm