Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Lilla Adam" Armchair from the Trivas Series for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950s




























Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Lilla Adam" Armchair from the Trivas Series for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The “Little Adam” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in 1958 by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The name is inspired by “Paradiset” – the Swedish name for Eden.
This armchair holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines with an air of romance. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist created the gentle, peculiar shape of this armchair that is only increasing in popularity even today. Thanks to her unique vision, this “Little Adam” has an unmistakeable backrest that flows down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low, therefore opening the seat, the chair still has the impression of hugging the sitter. The fully upholstered body elevates the visual comfort, with a stitch tufted backrest that is festooned with buttons arranged in a hill shape. This subtle form of decoration highlights the shape of the back by mirroring it, while also accentuating the light fabric by giving it extra depth. The stained and tapered wood legs pair perfectly with the organic form of the body. Contrasting the front legs, the back ones are lightly splayed to provide great structural stability.
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, this “Little Adam” armchair has become iconic. Thanks to the upholstery’s soft touch that complements the aesthetic of Hörlin-Holmquist’s design, this armchair is a perfect example of the gentle mid-century modernism Swedish design of the era is beloved for.
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:
27.95 in W x 29.13 in D x 29.13 in H; Seat Height 15.35 in; Arm height 21.25 in
71 cm W x 74 cm D x 74 cm H; Seat height 39 cm; Arm height 54 cm
About the Designer:
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England.
She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project.
"I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle, and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in."
Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture and style. Something that without a doubt inspired her own creations later in life while she still developed her own expression. She returned to Sweden where she attended Konstfack from 1948 and graduated from the school in 1952. She started working with Nordiska Kompaniet shortly after her graduation and became a lead designer. Her timeless and iconic ‘Paradiset Collection’ was created during her employment with Nordiska Kompaniet in 1956-1957 and holds a soft simplicity and a uniqueness in its appearance - light, clean lines and yet gracious with an air of romance.
Today, her designs are highly treasured collectibles. She is primarily remembered, for her ability to create designs for the modern home in the 1950s without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought - to stay true to her own unique and humanistic design vision. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen’s design language operates as a set of relations linking the everyday world - composed of objects, spaces, people - to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” The design duo’s company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design thanks to this sentiment.
While the duo solidified their careers with industrial production, more specifically the “AX chair” in the 1950s, this earlier model is perhaps even more stunning in many aspects. “Model 1748” is their most well-known fully upholstered chair, with a design that builds on the traditions of Danish cabinetmaking. The subtle decorative qualities and the simple lines deriving from the early 20th century design movements give this chair its elegance. This armchair shows the homely curviness that defined the design of the mid-century throughout Scandinavia. The back is lightly bent for ergonomic comfort, and have stylish button tufting. The tapered, stained beech legs complement both the shape of the armchair, and the bouclé upholstery.
Quality craftsmanship was of optimum importance for Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen, therefore they collaborated with the best cabinetmakers of the era. This chair was manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark’s most famous company of the time. Founded in Denmark in 1872, and proceeded to manufacture many of the classic icons of Danish Design in the following decades. With a classic look, storied design and solid quality, these chairs are truly soulful and timeless.
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:
27.55 in W x 31.88 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
70 cm W x 81 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
About the designer:
Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.
Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum (graduating in 1928). From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Danish master Kaare Klint (1888-1954). Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942.
In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs. Hvidt, whose design aesthetic was characterized as traditional throughout the 1940s, exhibited frequently at the Cabinetmaker's Guild exhibitions, as both a designer and architect.
In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, the pair designed the AX Chair, which solidified both of their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. It was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood.
From the 1970s, Hvidt & Mølgaard focused on architectural projects, which spanned office buildings and factories, as well as collective housing projects. They were known for their light, simple, and clear designs, which were carried out with precision. Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers. Their work can be found at New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery in Melbourne, and the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming armchair is evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. A functional anchor piece is all that is needed to introduce mid-century modern furniture to any interior, and this chair is perfect to fill that role.
Swedish design is characterised by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. From the welcoming winged body and the solid wood frame to the upholstery, this chair expresses a quality of conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment. The distinctive shape is a result of the two “ears” or “wings” that encompass the sitter. Originally, the wingback style was created as a way to help shield a person from drafts of cold air and also to trap the heat from a fireplace. That is why wingback chairs are sometimes called fireside chairs, as it was a popular style of chair to have pulled up in front of or flanking a fireplace. This armchair additionally has the touches of mid-century modernism, with upholstery decorated with button tufting. The button tufting is arranged in a line that enhances the depth visually. Furthermore, the quality of the bouclé upholstery brings out the shape of this design, illustrating how the pairing of the work of a skilled cabinetmaker and luxurious materials create exceptional pieces. Made of solid wood, the front legs are spherical, and the back posts are more angular. It is this detail of the construction that gives the chair a more stylish and sturdy form.
The Swedish perspective on cabinetmaking is exceptional, which is why the country’s cabinetmakers’ craft remains world-famous. In combination with the unadorned styles of mid-century design, this armchair brings together the core characteristics of the style: gently rounded edges, solid wooden legs, and a generous fully upholstered body. The design also possesses the elegant homely curviness, an aesthetic balance that is only seemingly easy to achieve, but this piece exudes it.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The armchair has recently been reupholstered in a premium bouclé 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:
40.35 in W x 43.30 in D x 38.97 in H; Seat height 17.91 in; Seat depth 23.81 in; Arm height 23.62 in
102.5 cm W x 110 cm D x 99 cm H; Seat height 45.5 cm; Seat depth 60.5 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Italian designer Giancarlo Piretti emerged as a leading figure in postwar furniture design, known for combining technical ingenuity with sculptural forms. A longtime collaborator with Anonima Castelli, Piretti developed several groundbreaking pieces in the 1960s and 70s, many of which explored modularity, and ergonomics. His works, such as the iconic Plia folding Chair and Plia Table won multiple international design awards, and still find their home in museums word-wide, from Austria to the Czech Republic, Slovenia and the United States.
The “Alky” lounge chair, first released in the early 1970s, is among his most celebrated works and reflects the experimental spirit of the period while maintaining a strong sense of comfort and approachability. The chair showcases its signature curvilinear form, expertly upholstered in a soft off-white bouclé that enhances the chair’s inviting charm. The piece is organic, almost reminiscent of a cloud, both thanks to its plushy shape and soft fabric. The design features a continuous silhouette from backrest to seat to base, all supported by a lightweight aluminium structure. The sled frame rests on two aluminium feet, ensuring the stability of the chair. Its organic shape hugs the body and provides a comfortable sitting experience, highlighting Piretti’s attention to ergonomics. The design is balanced, as the textile surface adds warmth, contrasting the modernist structure with a sense of softness.
This “Alky” chair remains an example of 1970s Italian design and a perfect illustration of how form and function can harmonise effortlessly. Ideal as a statement piece in a living room, lounge, or studio, it offers timeless comfort and a sculptural presence that continues to resonate in contemporary interiors.
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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
26.38 in W x 32.28 in D x 27.56 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 22.05 in
67 cm W x 82 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 56 cm
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Price category: 1,000 - 2,500 usd / eur
Bridge Chairs - Fauteuil Bridge - from France are generally lightweight, often part of a set of matching chairs and bridge table. They were originally designed in the late 1930s for ladies for leisure activities, such as for games of bridge, afternoon tea, and gossiping. As this bridge chair exhibits, the models are stylish, well-made, and comfortable.
This solid oak “Fumay” is part of a dining group designed in 1965 by the world-famous French duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. As the version with arms, this chair’s frame is quite distinctive; the decorative elements on the backrest and armrest show an interesting curvature that is characteristic of the designer duo. These sculptural elements paired with the tapered legs are carved out of the blonde oak in an artistic way, testifying of the quality that the duo’s company, Votre Maison became famous for. The stretchers arranged between the legs at different heights in the fronts and sides are another clever detail. The genius of the design lies in these details that no matter how different, still complement each other. The sleek look is completed by the upholstered cushion in light bouclé fabric, that pairs beautifully with the colour of the blonde oak.
The French designers’ models are considered as a reference among the furniture of the 1950s through the 70s. This dining chair from the 60s gives a visual explanation why: the proportions, the subtle decorative elements, and the quality of woodworking is of the highest-quality, and the result is an immediately recognisable look that will never go out of style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This chair has 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:
22.04 in W x 20.86 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 18.11 in
56 cm W x 53 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 46 cm
About the designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boule where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the Twentieth Century, with Jacques’ son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the Ecole Boulle, having taken the reins in 1983.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This rare oak lounge chair is a delightfully unique piece even if measured against the other seating models in the repertoire of the French designer duo, Robert Guillerme and Jacques Chambron. This curving, spindle back model truly deserves the title of iconic, both in terms of quality and design. It visually represents the very reason Votre Maison, the duo’s company, significantly influenced French design history.
From every angle, the lounge chair’s design has unique solutions that are unmistakeable and blur the line between furniture and sculpture. From the oak frame to the sculptural legs, arms and backrest, this model is characteristic of the designers’ unique style, while also featuring details that are one-of-a-kind. Such a detail are the freestanding, sculpted armrests that form the front legs as well. This design element shows expert craftsmanship and creativity. The unusual backrest emerges from the seat like a throne. The spindles enhance this appearance, especially with the back cushion’s loops attached to them. The legs are similarly sculpted with great precision to serve a double purpose: an aesthetic role, and a functional one. Thanks to the ergonomic curves and thick, comfortable seat and back cushions, this chair is perfect for cosy lounging. The light bouclé fabric is a great choice, as it highlights the oak’s smooth surface and colour as well.
Guillerme drew the furniture designs for Votre Maison while Chambron played the part of salesman. The pair worked with master cabinetmaker, Émile Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. As this brilliant chair shows, well-crafted structures, polished wood and thick cushions created the now world-famous reputation of their seating designs.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. The cushions have 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:
28.14 in W x 30.51 in D x 34.05 in H; Seat height 15.94 in; Arm height 22.04 in
71.5 cm W x 77.5 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 40.5 cm; Arm height 56 cm
About the Designer:
Robert Guillerme graduated in 1934 from the École Boulle where he excelled in architecture and furniture design. After the Second World War he moved to Lille, in the north of France, where he decorated homes and designed furniture for the well regarded Rogier workshops.
In 1948, Guillerme was joined by his long-time friend, decorator Jacques Chambron in Lille. The following year Guillerme and Chambron met master cabinetmaker Émile Dariosecq, owner of a woodworking shop and the company Votre Maison was born. Together, they defined and imposed a new furniture concept. Thanks to their distinctive creativity, originality, and quality, the Votre Maison quickly became well-known.
The Votre Maison marked the history of French design. Guillerme drew the furniture designs while Chambron played the part of salesman, welcoming and advising clients. The power duo was complemented by Dariosecq, whose workshop took charge of the manufacturing. Together, they defined new furnishings concepts. Well-crafted chair back, polished wood and thick cushions make the reputation of their armchairs and sofas. Votre Maison continued to produce furniture right into the 20th century, with Jacques’s son Hervé Chambron, a designer and graduate of the École Boulle, having taken the over in 1983.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
During the mid-20th century, European designers turned their attention to rethinking domestic comfort and explored how new ideas of form and proportion could transform the experience of sitting and living. Moving away from traditional ornament and into a culture of experimentation, they began focusing on honest materials, balanced lines, and structure. This was a period when modernism evolved into a human-centered vision of modern living.
This lounge chair captures that spirit with its thoughtful interplay of geometry and tactility. The frame, crafted in solid wood with box joinery, celebrates craftsmanship while maintaining a striking simplicity. Its low, grounded stance gives the piece a quiet strength, while the broad seat invites relaxed, informal lounging. To complement the solid frame, the backrest features a circular cushion, an unexpected sculptural element that softens the chair’s rectilinear frame and adds visual interest without unnecessary embellishment. Upholstered in richly textured bouclé, the chair pairs a tactile, inviting surface with the clean lines of its wooden base, achieving a compelling balance between warmth and restraint. The traditional joinery details are left visible, underscoring the mid-century belief in structural honesty and the inherent beauty of well-made construction.
As a single piece, the chair is both understated and iconic, a reminder that modern design is not about excess, but about clarity and intention. More than just a functional seat, it reflects a postwar European ethos that embraced innovation while remaining deeply connected to craft and the human experience of comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches and dents in the wooden frame. The chair has been recently 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:
27.36 in W x 31.10 in D x 31.50 in H (including cushion); Seat height 16.93 in; Seat depth 20.47 in
69.5 cm W x 79 cm D x 80 cm H (including cushion); Seat height 43 cm; Seat depth 52 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This is a beautiful Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen designed model “FD 144” easy chair, made in Denmark in 1953. It was produced by France & Daverkosen Denmark.
This solid oak FD-144 Easy Chair by the designer duo, has distinctive, wide and imposing bent armrests. The darker teak wood on the armrests and legs emphasises the elegant lines of this chair. The back is supported with a series of slender spindles that stand out as the main design element of this model.
The chair comes with two loose cushions that have been recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. Both cushions feature button tufting, giving a classic look. This chair is a Danish mid-century piece to its core, uniting functionality with and understated, yet interesting and elegant design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Re-upholstered in 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:
25.4 in W x 28.55 in D x 33.08 in H; seat height 16.93 in
64.5 cm W x 72.5 cm D x 84 cm H; seat height 43 cm
About the designer:
Hvidt & Mølgaard were the founders of the Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport.
Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum. From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Kaare Klint. Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs.
In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, they designed the AX Chair, which solidified their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. It was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood.
From 1970, Hvidt & Mølgaard focused on architectural projects, which spanned office buildings and factories, as well as collective housing projects. They were known for their light, simple, and clear designs, which were carried out with precision. Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen retired in 1975, designing over 256 pieces of furniture together over the course of their careers. Their work can be found at New York’s MoMA, the National Gallery in Melbourne, and the Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen. ~H.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish cabinetmaker lounge chair recalls the peak of Danish Mid-Century Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this model is exceptionally cosy and elegant. Curved chairs like this are statement pieces in any space, but they can also adapt to a variety of styles thanks to their universal appeal.
With its classic shape paired with modern design, the generous size, and fully upholstered body, this lounge chair is outstanding, even when measured to the many beautiful models created in Denmark during the mid-century era. The large, curved design is reminiscent of the Chesterfield style, with rolled arms and a curving back, short feet, and button tufting. While the impression may recall the historic style, it is its more streamlined, modern interpretation with fewer decorative elements and a much lighter colour palette. The stitches on the back create a scalloped look that sections the back, enhancing the voluptuous size. The Danish design idiom, among other things, was centred on gentle yet robust support for the spine - a quality that engender contentment and well-being, a defining characteristic of Danish culture. The visual appearance however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design, but also the exquisite craftsmanship under the fully upholstered body. The short, mismatched stained beech legs add a modern, organic feel, balancing out the voluptuous profile of the sofa. The front legs differ in their angle and shape from the back ones, adding visual interest, while the masterful sense of proportions and the soft upholstery guarantee functionality and comfort.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa 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:
37.2 in W x 40.55 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 16.33 in; Arm height 23.62 in
94.5 cm W x 103 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 41.5 cm; Arm height 60 cm
About the Designer:
This Danish-made sofa reflects the core traditions and ideals of Danish design. Mid-century pieces such as this sofa were of great design, using fantastic wood like teak or beech. The era was the heyday of the production by master craftsmen.
Mid-century Danish design is world-famous for the partnership between designer and manufacturer, resulting in ground-breaking creations. A master cabinetmaker is not a carpenter, as this was a rare breed of craftsman who had to be recognized by the Danish government after several years of toiling at his craft, as well as having to ace gruelling design competitions before becoming a master cabinetmaker. Since Denmark was a special instance of tempered industrialization, it managed to preserve sound traditions and continue to safeguard values of craftsmanship, materiality, and usability.
Today, Danish furniture is sought after by collectors for its classic looks, storied designs and solid quality, works that are truly soulful and timeless. ~H.
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
“Samsas” is for many the most associated model with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country manors and rustic styles. In this spirit, Samsas is today regarded as the most typical of Malmsten’s furniture.
In his work, Carl Malmsten often returned to his earlier designs, which he renewed and simplified. Samsas is such a product, which, when it was designed in 1960, had its roots in a model that was almost 40 years old. The original was the armchair “Konsert”, designed for the Stockholm Concert Hall in 1923. Leó Jóhannsson, long-time senior lecturer in furniture design, has described the armchair: “Samsas has everything required in an armchair: expression, comfort with a big form, fine lines and details – and the feeling of music”. As the name suggests (to get on well together), Samsas was designed to be a part of a cosy environment, and to bring people together. This armchair model is a part of a family, along with three different sofas to combine with each other. With a frame in solid pine, this armchair has a sturdy structure that was created to last. The upholstered body has a welcoming design with outward curving armrests, button tufted backrest, and a generous seat. The beautiful tapered, wooden legs add a modern detail that balances out the fully upholstered body. The light bouclé upholstery further adds to the warm and cosy aesthetic of this armchair.
Samsas is conceived as a model for pleasant socializing and as such, and it has been beloved for over 50 years. In other words, a timeless and durable model.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium bouclé fabric.
Dimensions:
28.34 in W x 32.28 in D x 33.46 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
72 cm W x 82 cm D x 85 cm H; Seat height 45 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.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
The first half of the 20th century saw the rise of brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. Danish cabinetmakers sought to combine comfort and elegance to achieve timeless designs that remain iconic examples of style and skill to this day.
This upholstered armchair proves the success of the cabinetmaker’s pursuit. The craftsmanship is an immediately distinguishable; the chair’s sleek, yet classic look features a high back which is wide at the top but tapers in to draw the eye, highlighting two rows of tufted upholstered buttons. Not only is the body generously padded, but the slightly rounded backrest, as well as the tilted seat increase comfort even further. The chair is upholstered in a soft white bouclé fabric, providing the piece with a luxurious and textured feel, while contrasting the oak frame. The open and angular armrests complement the rounded plushness of the body, along with the simple tapered legs. The combination of the clean, honest design, high-quality materials, and understated sophistication makes this piece a standout example of Scandinavian furniture.
Danish cabinetmakers were, and are still world-renowned for their unmatched skill. This chair preserves the value and beauty of master craftsmanship, while creating a warm and welcoming look through the use of natural materials.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair comes with it’s 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:
28.74 in W x 31.1 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Seat depth 28.74 in; Arm height 24.01 in
73 cm W x 79 cm D x 94 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Seat depth 73 cm; Arm height 61 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This armchair is elegant and comfortable evidence of the mastery and artistry of the European cabinetmakers who defined mid-20th century modern seating. This chair is of the highest quality, both in terms of visual appeal, materials, and craftsmanship. Mid-century modern is notable for its blending of classic modern design with a slightly more updated feel. This armchair has a clean, comfortable style that is a prime example of the best qualities of mid-century modernism.
European furniture from the mid-20th century revolutionised the history of what we consider modern design today. Armchairs in particular have become unrivalled reference points in mid-century modern design. Cabinetmaker armchairs may seem similar at first sight, however, each model’s individuality becomes evident upon closer inspection. In this chair’s case, its sheer volume and welcoming shape stand out immediately. The synthesis that this chair has achieved between form and function is outstanding, aesthetics and utility coming together in a uniquely mid-century manner. The fully-upholstered wooden frame rests on dark wood legs, with brass caps on the front legs. Tapered, slightly splayed back legs support the chair, and provide visual contrast to the light upholstery. The focus is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its premium upholstery. The exceptionally textured bouclé fabric highlights the frame’s rounded edges, especially its voluminous arm- and backrest.
From every single angle, this armchair offers a stunning silhouette and rich texture. Above all, European designers believed that design could certainly be used to improve people's lives. This sentiment can be traced in the exquisite materials, the impeccable craftsmanship, and in the elegantly curved and rounded edges.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood. 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:
31.50 in W x 35.04 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 16.54 in; Arm height 23.62 in
80 cm W x 89 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 42 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
In Sweden, “svensk design” in particular operates as a set of relations linking objects, spaces, people to the cultural ideologies that motivate the persistence of a social democratically infused “way of life.” Thanks to this sentiment, the cabinetmaker of this chair put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making it timeless in every sense of the word.
The Swedish design movement has exercised a wide influence on modern architecture and interior furnishings internationally since the early twentieth century. As this beautiful high-back lounge chair shows, early mid-century modern designers and cabinetmakers not only prioritised outstanding craftsmanship, but also an aesthetic quality that honours the materials and their users alike. Swedish proponents of modern design ideals were able to cultivate their principles in a climate of relative calm with the long-term persistence of crafts traditions being especially formative. This craftsmanship is apparent in this lounge chair with a sinuous body that is as artistic as it is functional. The main principles of Swedish Modernism centre around minimalism, simplicity, and functionalism. This chair achieves to follow these principles while offering plenty of visually arresting qualities, including the high, curved back and exposed, sculptural arms that claw into the upholstery. The rich texture of the bouclé fabric accentuates the expressive shape of the frame that praises the maker’s sense of proportions. The short wood legs don’t take away from the robust, cosy appearance, instead they keep the design grounded and perfectly stable while also providing contrast with the beautiful colour. The expert Swedish craftsmanship is clearly visible throughout this piece, with impeccable woodworking and construction.
This beautiful, inviting lounge chair lives up to its Swedish heritage both in terms of visual and material quality. While its aesthetic is clean and functional, it has an eye-catching look with luxurious upholstery and cross stitches that make it an ideal accent piece as well.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the item may have some mark, scratches, and discolouration. 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:
29.13 in W x 37.79 in D x 39.96 in H; Seat height 14.76 in; Arm height 24.21 in
74 cm W x 96 cm D x 101.5 cm H; Seat height 37.5 cm; Arm height 61.5 cm