Pair of “Lata Greven” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s (sold)
































Pair of “Lata Greven” Armchairs by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1950s (sold)
By the 1920s, Carl Malmsten became one of the most sought-after interior and furniture designers in all of Sweden. As a furniture maker he expressed the old, inherited forms as well as the new, bold ideas with his language of design. “Lata Greven”, Swedish for Lazy Count, is Carl Malmsten’s most successful “count chair”. With a klismos-style curved back, this model was produced at O.H. Sjögren, a manufacturer that Malmsten often worked with.
This model is a simplified version of the “Jonas Love” armchair, which Carl Malmsten designed for the New York World Fair 1939. Sweeping curves with an organic impression and utmost quality are the main characteristics that define this pair of chairs. Even as a young designer in the early 20th century, Malmsten advocated artisanal furniture design based on local materials and traditions. “Break all edges thoroughly” was a frequent instruction on his drawings and nature was his great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found in his designs. This “Lata Greven” model is no different, with round, outward curving edges on the back and arms, and an upholstered, cosy seat and back. The organicity of the design is not broken by ornamentation, instead the charming green upholstery is utilised to highlight the shape of the chairs. The chairs are supported by slim, tapered legs made of solid wood with a stunning grain.
Carl Malmsten designed a number of so called “Grevar” (Counts) between the 1930s and 1950s and they were often commissioned for special people or projects. The chairs’ manufacturer, O.H. Sjögren is a furniture factory in Tranås in Småland, and has been active for over 110 years and is thus one of the oldest active furniture manufacturing companies in Sweden. Since the 1950s, O.H. Sjögren manufactured furniture designed by Carl Malmsten, where in the 1950s and 60s, he spent a lot of time to develop his furniture designs.
SOLD
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have been reupholstered by a previous owner. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
23.62 in W x 25.59 in D x 29.92 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Seat depth 18.50 in; Arm height 25.59 in
60 cm W x 65 cm D x 76 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 47 cm; Arm height 65 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
The “Oskar” armchair was designed in 1939; a busy year for Carl Malmsten as he also participated in the New York World Fair. It was at this fair where the expression “Swedish Modern” was coined, but Malmsten remained a traditionalist, mainly concerned with comfort in the home.
As with so many of Malmsten’s pieces of furniture, Oskar was modelled on an earlier design. This pair belongs to Carl Malmsten's earlier works, and the structures are made of solid pine from Swedish forests. As it can be expected from the “Master of Wood”, the frames are expertly designed, with ergonomic and aesthetic principles at their core. While these armchairs may seem less “Malmstenesque”, they already have the gentle curves that defined his later designs. This is especially visible in the flowing armrests that descend from the top, curling outwards to create a welcoming look. The gently bent backrests are tufted with dark yellow stitches that contrast with the light bouclé upholstery both in colour and texture to create a stylish, visually interesting look. The structures are supported by the tapered, solid pine legs that add an organic touch to the design. This chair model is reminiscent of the furnishings of the sitting room of Ulriksdal Palace, which was given to the crown prince and princess, Gustav and Louise, by the Swedish people in 1923. Malmsten was commissioned to create the decor for the room, and the Oscar armchair may have been a template for this period and perhaps that is why Carl Malmsten gave the chair a royal-sounding name.
The company known today as O.H. Sjögren was established as early as the 1870s. Carl Malmsten, who had hitherto only produced the most exclusive and unique furniture for a limited and affluent clientele, sought manufacturers who were able to produce his furniture in larger volumes without compromising the high demands he placed on craftsmanship and quality. He chose O.H. Sjögren, and together they developed and marketed the many items of upholstered furniture that have become classics today.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have 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:
28.74 in W x 29.92 in D x 37.4 in H; Seat height 16.33 in
73 cm W x 76 cm D x 95 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm
About the Designer:
Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.
In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local ingredients and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.
Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.
Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
By the mid 20th century, Carl Malmsten became one of the most sought-after interior and furniture designers in all of Sweden. As a furniture maker he expressed the old, inherited forms as well as the new, bold ideas with his language of design.
“Jonas Love” is an iconic model that was the inspiration behind Malmsten’s several “count” chairs. With a klismos-style curved back, this armchair is timeless. Klismos chairs are known for sweeping lines and aesthetic beauty, as well as comfort offered by the concave back rest. These elements made this style popular with Carl Malmsten, who was outstandingly devoted to the Swedish culture he was brought up in. The “Jonas Love” model was originally designed by Malmsten for the New York World’s Fair 1939. “Break all edges thoroughly” was a frequent instruction on the designer’s drawings and nature was his great source of inspiration, therefore sharp edges or corners can rarely be found on his designs, including this chair. Moreover, wood was the most important material in Swedish mid-century design, therefore the dark blue upholstery highlights and complements the beauty of the wood rather than overpowering it. As this armchair exemplifies, blending functionality, good quality natural materials and organic colours with excellent craftsmanship is the key to the success of mid-century modernism. As an object, the chair reflects the mid-20th century pursuit of everyday beauty, objects designed not just to serve, but to enrich domestic environments.
The classic charm and versatility of this design allows it to be used as a desk chair, or in a curated corner. This chair can bring quiet sophistication to any setting. It is an ideal choice for a range of interior styles thanks to its thoughtful materials, and subtle craftsmanship.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item has marks, scratches, and discolouration. This chair 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:
24.41 in W x 24.02 in D x 31.50 in H; Seat height 16.54 in; Seat depth 19.69 in; Arm height 28.35 in
62 cm W x 61 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Seat depth 50 cm; Arm height 72 cm
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The ‘Oskar’ armchair was designed in 1939, the same year that Carl Malmsten participated in the New York World’s Fair. It was there that the expression “Swedish Modern” was coined, but Malmsten remained a traditionalist, mainly concerned with comfort in the home.
As with so many of Malmsten’s pieces of furniture, “Oskar” was modelled on an earlier design – his own or from previous generations. This armchair belongs to Carl Malmsten's earlier works, and the structure is traditionally made of solid pine from Swedish forests. As can be expected from the “Master of Wood”, the frame is expertly designed, with ergonomic and aesthetic principles at its core. While this armchair may seem less “Malmstenesque”, it already has the gentle curves that defined Malmsten’s later designs. This is especially visible in the flowing armrests that descend from the top, curling outwards to create a welcoming look. The gently bent backrest is tufted with dark yellow stitches that contrast with the light bouclé upholstery, both in colour and texture to create a stylish, visually interesting look. The structure is supported by the tapered, solid pine legs that add an organic touch to the design.
The design is reminiscent of the furnishings of the sitting room of Ulriksdal Palace, which was given to the crown prince and princess, Gustav and Louise, by the Swedish people in 1923. Malmsten was commissioned to create the decor for the room, and the ‘Oskar’ armchair may have been a template for this period, and perhaps that is why Carl Malmsten gave the chair a royal-sounding name. The company known today as O.H. Sjögren was established as early as the 1870s. Carl Malmsten, who had hitherto only produced the most exclusive and unique furniture for a limited and affluent clientele, sought manufacturers who were able to produce his furniture in larger volumes without compromising the high demands he placed on craftsmanship and quality. He chose O.H. Sjögren, and together they developed and marketed the many items of upholstered furniture that have become classics today.
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:
28.74 in W x 29.92 in D x 37.4 in H; Seat height 16.33 in
73 cm W x 76 cm D x 95 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm
About the Designer:
Carl Malmsten (December 7, 1888 – August 13, 1972) was a Swedish furniture designer, architect, and educator. Malmsten was born in Stockholm, Sweden. Malmsten's career took off when he won a competition in 1916 to design furniture for the Stockholm City Hall and shortly after in 1917, he exhibited alongside well-known Swedish architects such as Gunnar Asplund and Uno Åhrén.
In the 1920s he was invited to furnish a room for the crown prince, Gustaf VI Adolf, and his wife Louise in Ulriksdal Palace. He was honoured with an inaugural Prince Eugen Medal for design in 1945. Already as a young designer in the early 20th century, Carl Malmsten advocated an artisanal furniture design based on local materials and traditions, available to a wide audience at a reasonable price.
Nature was Carl Malmsten's foremost teacher and source of inspiration. He conveyed his love of craftsmanship as a teacher in his own schools, at Olofskolan in Stockholm, Capellagården on Öland and the Carl Malmsten school on Lidingö, today a branch of Linköping University and one of the country's leading design colleges. As a debater, Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but in retrospect it can be seen that his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals of function.
Malmsten has had a lasting influence on Swedish furniture design through the two schools he founded—the Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies (Carl Malmstensskolan), which has been a part of Linköping University since 2000, is situated on the island of Lidingö on the outskirts of Stockholm. Carl Malmsten spoke about the importance of tradition, craftsmanship and the nation. His furniture was in many ways a product of the thoughts and ideals of the time, they have a timeless quality that makes them just as relevant and loved today.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Mid century lounge chairs often explore the balance between structure and comfort, especially through the combination of solid wood and upholstered seating. Designers in this period - like Folke Ohlsson - moved away from fully rigid, heavy forms and allowed open construction to contribute to the overall visual impression.
This armchair follows that approach through its use of the wooden frame and upholstered body. The structure is defined by a sculptural wooden base that wraps around the lower part of the chair, offering a sturdy base and visual outline to the piece. The legs are thin and slightly angled, giving the chair a stable stance without overpowering the silhouette. Above, the seat and backrest are upholstered in green leather, with a cushion and headrest that create a layered and comfortable look. The leather’s colour complements the warm tone of the wood. At the same time, the material softens the geometry of the frame through its smooth and sleek look. What makes this piece stand out is that it balances comfort and structure, in line with timeless mid-century modernism. This model can be easily styled in a reading nook or as an accent chair in a living room, offering both comfort and a strong visual presence.
Folke Ohlsson was one of the first Swedish designers who managed to bring “Swedish Modern” design to the United States’ market successfully. According to the story, when Ohlsson arrived in the United States, he took his suitcase and cardboard to hotels all over the country inviting salesmen, department stores, and decorators to view his miniature designs and watch as he disassembled and reassembled his chair design. He quickly became notorious for his patented “knock-down” construction that reduced shipping and storage costs and helped to make the Swedish company Dux a household name in the USA.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The item has recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The item has recently been reupholstered in premium leather. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
34.64 in W x 32.28 in D x 36.22 in H; Seat height 17.12 in; Seat depth 18.89 in; Arm height 19.88 in
88 cm W x 82 cm D x 92 cm H; Seat height 43.5 cm; Seat depth 48 cm; Arm height 50.5 cm
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Price category: 12,500 - 15,000 usd / eur
Art Deco, the glamorous and influential design movement that emerged in France during the early 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. Characterised by its bold geometric shapes, rich materials, and glamorous aesthetics, Art Deco transformed the way we perceive interior spaces. It was a testament to the fusion of form and function, and this ethos is beautifully exemplified in this pair of armchairs.
This pair demonstrates a confident silhouette in which every structural element contributes to the overall design. The chairs are built on substantial plinth bases that anchor the composition, while the upholstered seats and backrests provide comfort. Their defining feature is the sweeping curved wooden supports that rise from the base to form the armrests, creating a continuous structural line that contrasts with the strong angles of the back panel and base. This elegant curve introduces movement to the otherwise geometric design and highlights the craftsmanship required to shape the wood. The armrests are slender and smooth, preserving the visual lightness of the upper section despite the generous forms. Wooden veneers wrap the body, the warm grain complementing the muted olive upholstery with its soft texture. Viewed from the side, the combination of the curved supports, straight back panel, and block-like base creates a layered profile that is both sculptural and highly functional.
Comfort and craftsmanship are equally central to the design of this pair. They possess the quiet confidence characteristic of European Art Deco furniture, making them equally suited to vintage interiors and contemporary spaces that appreciate timeless design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chairs have recently been reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chairs have recently been 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:
28.14 in W x 34.05 in D x 34.84 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 21.85 in; Arm height 23.81 in
71.5 cm W x 86.5 cm D x 88.5 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 55.5 cm; Arm height 60.5 cm