Finnish Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, Finland ca 1950s
Finnish Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair, Finland ca 1950s
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The Nordic perspective on cabinetmaking is exceptional, and Finland is no exception, quite the opposite. Wood is omnipresent in the Nordics, and Finnish woodworking is world-famous for its traditions. The elegantly modern shape of this chair is evidence of Finnish craftsmanship, aided by great choice of materials.
This lounge chair is immensely elegant, while also keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century design. The design’s shape and solid wooden legs show the signs of a master cabinetmaker whose craftsmanship is a collection of musings and factual knowledge about the traditions of Nordic woodworking. Here, the beautiful light upholstery, the wooden frame, and the traditional craft of woodworking translate the primordial beauty of nature into a modern furniture design. The design aims to maximize comfort while putting an emphasis on elegance and function. This is most visible in the round, welcoming body, enhanced by the premium fabric the chair is covered in. The interesting textural variety and pattern of the fabric is the main decorative element, adding plenty of visual appeal. The short, tapered legs add a modern, organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous seat and back. The back legs are especially attention grabbing, with a deep curve that supports the chair.
Finnish master cabinetmakers 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 for the environment, this lounge chair stands the test of time thanks to both its aesthetic quality and build.
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.
Dimensions:
28.74 in W x 29.92 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
73 cm W x 76 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Finland declared its independence in 1917, began industrialization relatively late – in the early 1950s, and currently has a population of only around 5.5 million people. Seen in this context, the impact of Finnish design on architecture, industrial design, glassware, textile design, and handicrafts is even more remarkable.
Icons like Alvar Aalto, Kaj Franck, and Tapio Wirkkala have left their mark on the world. At the same time, brands like Artek, Iittala, Nikari, and Marimekko have transformed the way contemporary interiors look and feel thanks to collections of Finnish modern furniture, home accessories, and decorative items that capture the spirit of Finland. Understated, minimalist, sustainable, and focused on function, Finnish design uses nature as a major source of inspiration. Timelessness is a core concept, which is achieved by quality and by keeping the traditional aesthetic in the focus. Finnish design is more than just a pretty object. It is a way of living. Design here is woven seamlessly into everyday life and surrounds you wherever you go. Good design is timeless. When you find something that works you keep it. Nothing is too old. As the famous Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto once said: “Nothing is ever reborn but neither does it totally disappear. And that which has once been born, will always reappear in a new form.”
As the saying goes, Finnish design isn’t just something you see — it is something you experience. It begins the moment you step on Finnish soil, and follows you everywhere and stays with you long after you’ve left. ~H.
REQUEST PRICE HERE
Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Finnish designer, Carin Lisa Johansson-Pape, was among the most significant Finnish designers in the second half of the 1900s. She designed made for Stockmann and participated in New York’s World Fair of 1939 and the Milan Triennial IX. The 1940s marked a golden era for interior design, amidst a booming economy and a newfound sense of optimism. Designers like Johansson-Pape sought to create furniture that felt both modern and human, moving away from the stark metal and glass of the machine age toward objects that could bring warmth and comfort to domestic life.
The design of this pair is full of modern energy that has, and surely will continue to endure for generations thanks to its classic look, quality materials and evident quality of the craftsmanship. Chairs are often considered especially revealing of a designer's skill because of the strict limits placed on their design by the demands of the human body. With these chairs, Johansson-Pape arrived at a clearly-structured solution in which a high degree of coherence is maintained while the chairs appear visually light and open. She followed the mid-century modern philosophy guided by functionality and simplicity. The elegance and honesty of the frames is enhanced by the upholstery which complements both the shape and wooden legs gracefully. The streamlined body and soft fabric create not only a modern and elegant look, but also allows great comfort. The dark colour of the wood contrasts with the sheepskin upholstery creating visual interest while maintaining the perfect aesthetic balance of the chairs. This complementing nature can also be felt on a textural level, with sheepskin adding a tactile dimension through its soft, fluffy appearance, while the tapered legs add a modern, smooth feel.
Quality materials, organic curvature and innovative shape define the design of this pair. With the power to offer feelings of cosiness and comfort, these timeless chairs sit as well in contemporary spaces as they did in 1940s Finnish homes.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lounge chairs have recently been reconditioned. The wood has some scratches and stains. Due to the age and nature of the sheepskin, the chairs may have marks 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:
29.92 in W x 29.53 in D x 29.53 in H; Seat depth 22.05 in
76 cm W x 75 cm D x 75 cm H; Seat depth 56 cm