While at first glance this pair of Carl Malmsten’s “Hängsits” (Hanging Chair) chairs may seem blocky, the unique details make this pair a stunning representation of the Swedish designer’s craftsmanship and creativity.

The solid pine frames clearly indicate Malmsten’s educational background in architecture. Massive and airy at the same time, the frames feature subtle design elements, such as the curved arm- and backrest ends, and the slightly tilted backs. Malmsten stormed against functionalism, but his ideas often coincided with the rational and frugal style ideals nonetheless. This can be perfectly observed in these “hanging” chairs. The name of the model is inspired by the seemingly unsupported seat and back cushions, that “hang” between the pine frames. Thanks to this optical illusion, the chairs appear light despite the solid wooden body.

The chairs are branded with “CM” on their bottoms and belong among the rarer models of Carl Malmsten. The pair has been recently reupholstered in premium bouclé fabric, giving an elegant, modern look to this pair.

SOLD

Condition:

In good vintage condition. The pair has been reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric.

Dimensions:

22.83 in W x 27.28 in D x 30.51 in H; Seat height 13.18 in

58 cm W x 69.3 cm D x 77.5 cm H; Seat height 38.5 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. ~H.