Swedish Modern Upholstered Armchair by Axel Larsson (attr.), Sweden ca 1950s




























Swedish Modern Upholstered Armchair by Axel Larsson (attr.), Sweden ca 1950s
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
Axel Larsson was an incredibly productive Swedish furniture architect and designer with a more than 50-year long career. This armchair is a rarity, despite Larsson being most well-known for his furniture series designed for and mass-produced by SMF Bodafors.
This particular chair takes inspiration from the uplifting, pared-down aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The design consists of a smooth sculptural frame crafted in curved and stained wood that frames a finely tailored seat and back. The streamlined design of the wood structure immediately stands out for its pronounced lines and airy construction. It shows off the architectural precision put into both the design and into the execution. The curve of the arms and legs - formed of a single piece of wood - defines the look and is perfectly balanced by the straight stretchers connecting the legs. The other defining feature is the obtuse angle created by the reclined position of the back and the raised seat. This angle is also followed by the frame and as a result the aesthetic is dynamic but still exudes the functional cosiness of Swedish design. There is a clear emphasis on comfort, from the tilted back to the sculpted, wide armrests and the seat cushion. The light upholstery complements that dark stained wood by creating an apparent contrast both in colour and texture. Axel Larsson also designed furniture for individual carpenters in Stockholm; these were made in small numbers, and this armchair may be one of these rare designs.
Swedish Modern style is delicately scaled, using tapering legs and clever but simple solutions as seen on this chair as well. Subtitled “A Movement Towards Sanity in Design”, it also describes quality and the ability to lend grace to the daily chores of life.
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:
25.59 in W x 30.31 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 21.65 in; Arm height 25.19 in
65 cm W x 77 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 55 cm; Arm height 64 cm
About the Designer:
Axel Larsson was born in 1898 in Torp socken, Sweden. Larsson was a professional for more than 50 years and belonged to a handful of furniture and interior designers who played a major role and influenced the development of their professional sphere.
He grew up in Medelpad, and as a young carpenter's apprentice, he was given the opportunity to study further in Stockholm as a furniture designer through a scholarship from 1916 to 1920. In parallel with his studies at the Higher School of Art and Design, he was a furniture designer under Carl Malmsten during his work with furniture for Stockholm City Hall. During the 1920s, he made study trips to Europe, including the Paris Exhibition of 1925. Larsson started his own business in 1956, but continued working for the Swedish furniture factories in Bodafors. At this time, he also designed furniture for other companies, such as Balzar Beskow AB.
Larsson was an old-fashioned person in the sense that he did not strive to be seen himself. He was employed for 30 years at Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, which was seldom interested in marketing the individual designer but rather the company. When Larsson collaborated with building architects, the situation was the same. Likewise, his philosophy was that the expediency of a piece of furniture was essential, not a startling form. Even though he was not a pure-minded functionalist, the function was always in focus for his furniture and interior design. Furniture from his first major furniture series was shown at the Stockholm Exhibition in 1930. He created a high number of pieces of furniture and many significant furnishings for public premises. His major projects included Gothenburg Concert Hall, Park Avenue Hotel in Gothenburg and Folksamhuset at Skanstull in Stockholm.
A large part of his sketches and drawings are preserved in the Design Archive at Pukeberg glassworks, and he is represented at, among others, the National Museum in Stockholm and the Röhsska Museum in Gothenburg. ~H.
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Price category: 30,000 - 40,000 usd / eur
Swedish architect and furniture maker Axel Einar Hjorth worked as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from locations in the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and Utö.
The “Lovö” model, designed within the series of chalet furnishings, was initially launched by Nordiska Kompaniet in 1932. The series was a response to a new and growing demand for furnishings for leisure houses where the style was more informal. This chair is crafted from local pine wood, while the backrest features iron rivets. The juxtaposition between the pine and iron provides a rustic, sturdy and resilient feel, elevating the timeless look of the model. The chair combines a simple and honest form of the handcrafted style of traditional Nordic “allmoge” furniture, and the international 20th century Modernist movement. The result is a modest yet visually interesting design with a strong silhouette. The pine body is composed of a low, curved back that is slightly tilted in order to increase the sitter’s comfort - highlighting the functional nature of the chair. The seat features a loose, removable cushion, upholstered in a textural, striped fabric. Not only is the design of this model unique, but the colourful, cushion further increases the special character, ensuring remarkable charm. The design is completed by four square, straight legs, offering sturdiness.
The “Sportstugemöbler” series had a lasting influence on Hjorth’s contemporaries, inspiring other big names within Nordic design, such as Carl Malmsten. From an international perspective, this series is the forerunner of later pioneering designs, so it comes as no surprise that these “Lovö” chairs became part of modernist design history.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. 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:
20.86 in W x 20.07 in D x 31.49 in H; Seat height 18.50 in; Seat depth 16.92 in
53 cm W x 51 cm D x 80 cm H; Seat height 47 cm; Seat depth 43 cm
About the designer:
Axel Einar Hjorth was born in a small Swedish village named Krokek, just outside Norrköping, on March 7, 1888. At the age of 20, he moved to Stockholm to study architecture and design at the Högre Konstindustriella Skolan.
Although he never graduated, in the 1920s Hjorth started working as a furniture designer for various manufacturers, such as H. Joop & Co., Myrestedt & Stern, Jonssons, and Nordiska Kompaniet. Hjorth’s designs from this period had neoclassical features combined with Swedish Grace. This romantic national style of Sweden was elegant and refined, yet simple. The anniversary exhibition of 1923 in Gothenburg marked the breakthrough of Swedish decorative arts, and made Axel Einar Hjorth a well-respected artist. From October 1926, Hjorth became the chief designer and architect of Nordiska Kompaniet department store in Stockholm. In the 1930s, Hjorth designed a furniture collection out of pine meant for serial production known as Sportstugemöbler (furniture for holiday houses).
Hjorth’s designs, from the luxury of neoclassicism to the severity of functionalism, are sharply distinctive in style, materials, and character. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Hjorth did not conform to the socially oriented ideas produced by Svensk Form (the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design). He played a significant role in the development of Swedish society as a whole, and particularly in Swedish industrial art.
Today Hjorth is often viewed as a precursor to the modern designs popularised by Charlotte Perriand, Jean Royére, Pierre Chapo, or Josef Frank. Recently, there has been a revival of appreciation for his work, showing his genius in a new light.
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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
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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming armchair is unique evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. Berga Möbler, later called Berga Form, began manufacturing furniture of the highest quality in 1896.
This armchair holds all the characteristics that define the manufacturer's style: soft, organic, playful, and sophisticated. The model is slightly tilted backwards allowing for a pleasant sitting experience. The tapered wooden legs add a touch of mid-century modern flair apart from being structurally integral, while the two front legs have a precise curvature towards the end; a feature which has become a distinctive feature of Berga Möbler's designs. The rounded backrest and armrests are just some of the elements that define the elegance of the chair. Slightly inclined towards the backrest, the armrests enhance the excellent seating experience, making this piece a great choice for any contemporary living space. The back is tufted with two large buttons that allow for a friendly and welcoming appearance. The cushioning is firm yet plush, perfectly balancing comfort and support. This attention to detail ensures that the armchair is beautiful and practical for everyday use.
Crafted with precision and finished with attention to detail and care for the aesthetic dimension, this armchair stands the test of time thanks to both their visual and material quality.
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 reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
29.52 in W x 33.46 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Seat depth 20.86 in; Arm height 23.62 in
75 cm W x 85 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45cm; Seat depth 53 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
While they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs solidified their place in Scandinavian design history as well. As this Swedish model proves, functionality can manifest in many forms, but it is always accompanied by both great material and aesthetic quality in Swedish design.
Taking influence from the golden age of modernism in Sweden and the 1930s’ cabin furniture, this rocking chair was made in the famous “sportstugemöbel” style, originally intended for Swedish summer houses. Solid pine was the preferred material in this specific style and some of the most prominent Swedish designers created models for these summer residencies, including Axel Einar Hjorth and Carl Malmsten. Functionality and longevity were the guiding principles for the style, and accordingly, for this rocking chair as well. The pine structure is very polished and firm, assembled with an expert joinery technique. The seat is ergonomically carved, and the edges are gently rounded for maximum comfort.
Åby furniture factory was located in Tjureda parish, in Sweden’s Växjö municipality. The company primarily manufactured pine furniture, including the “SMI 110” chair that has the same backseat as this rocking chair model.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches and marks on the wood.
Dimensions:
25.20 in W x 36.42 in D x 34.06 in H; Seat height 17.32 in
64 cm W x 92.5 cm D x 86.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This chair is a striking example of mid-century Scandinavian design, blending natural materials with industrial elements. The chair features a robust frame constructed from solid pine, which is known for its durability and warm, organic tones. The wood's natural grain is accentuated through a light finish, showcasing the Scandinavian aesthetics' emphasis on simplicity and connection to nature. The combination of pine and iron not only reflects the practical and resourceful design ethos of the 1940s but also demonstrates a harmonious blend of organic and industrial materials, characteristic of Swedish furniture design during this period.
The chair’s shape and construction show the signs of a master cabinetmaker. The beautiful light upholstery, the wooden frame, and the traditional craft of woodworking translate the primordial beauty of nature into this modern piece. 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 light fabric of the chair's cushions. The pine slats form a curved backrest, providing ergonomic support and comfort, while the iron components add structural integrity. The armrests feature a beautiful and unique wood grain, further enhancing the natural beauty of the material.
This armchair by Åby Möbelfabrik encapsulates the timeless appeal of Scandinavian design, where form meets function in a way that feels both natural and modern. Its enduring materials and clean lines make it a versatile piece that could easily complement various interiors, from rustic to contemporary. The armchair stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and innovative design principles that defined Swedish furniture making in the mid-20th century.
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:
28.34 in W x 29.13 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.53 in
72 cm W x 74 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 42 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This upholstered armchair reflects the quiet confidence of Scandinavian design from the 1930s, a period when modern ideas were being absorbed into more traditional forms. Swedish furniture of this era often balanced restraint with comfort, favouring clear silhouettes and honest materials over ornament. Rather than chasing novelty, designers focused on proportion, usability, and longevity, creating pieces that felt modern yet familiar.
This chair sits comfortably within that moment, bridging early modernist thinking with the warmth expected in domestic interiors. The armchair is defined by its solid wooden frame, which gives structure and presence without overpowering the soft upholstery. The straight, architectural arms frame the seat and back in a way that feels deliberate and grounded, while the slightly reclined backrest invites relaxed sitting. Upholstered in a dusty pink fabric, the chair gains a subtle softness that tempers the firmness of the wood. The fabric adds depth and tactility, catching light gently and emphasizing the slightly rounded edges. The proportions are compact but generous, making the chair feel supportive without appearing heavy. Every element, from the thickness of the cushions to the clean transitions between wood and fabric, suggests careful craftsmanship and an understanding of everyday comfort.
As both a functional seating piece and a design object, this armchair works easily in a range of interiors. Its calm colour palette and balanced form make it timeless, appealing to those who value character, quality, and subtle design. This is a chair meant to be lived with, offering comfort first while quietly carrying the design language of its time into the present.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Due to the nature of the wood, the item may have some marks, scratches, or discolouration. The chair has recently been reconditioned and 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:
26.18 in W x 33.66 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Seat depth 20.27 in; Arm height 23.62 in
66.5 cm W x 85.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Seat depth 51.5 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd/eur
Carl Malmsten’s life's work spans nearly sixty intense years and his legacy is considered a national treasure in Sweden. He created a number of furniture classics including this rare “Elder man” armchair.
His entire work is characterized by a close-to-nature philosophy which is deeply rooted in Swedish nature and commoner culture. A deeper knowledge of Carl Malmsten as a person means that his furniture can be seen not only as utilitarian objects, but also as artistic works with the ability to express a feeling or mood. This winged armchair carries with it that certain “Malmstenesque” that is characterized by gentle curves, a cosy appearance and of course, the highest quality craftsmanship. This is especially visible in the flowing armrests that descend from the top, curling outwards to create a welcoming look. The slightly bent backrest is tufted with dark brown leather stitches that contrast with the light bouclé upholstery both in colour and texture to create a stylish, visually interesting look. As it can be expected from the “Master of Wood”, the frame is expertly designed, with ergonomic and aesthetic principles at its core. To complete the mid-century look, the structure is supported by tapered, solid wood legs that add an organic touch to the design.
In the 50s, Carl Malmsten’s furniture were produced in small series in smaller workshops, which meant that the furniture became very expensive and thus inaccessible to most people. He then decided to select a number of producers who could produce his furniture in larger volumes without sacrificing quality, beauty, and practicality. In Tranås he came into contact with O.H. Sjögren which he considered fulfilled all the high demands he placed on the production of upholstered furniture.
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 34.65 in D x 41.34 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 21.65 in
73 cm W x 88 cm D x 105 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 55 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 “Stora Eva” chair model is from the timeless and iconic Paradiset Collection from the Triva Series, which was created in the 1950s by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time at Nordiska Kompaniet. Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and because of her uncompromising attitude, she became one of Sweden’s most renowned mid-century furniture designers.
Hörlin-Holmquist once remarked "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” and this armchair is an elegant example of that sentiment. Characterised by the best qualities of mid-century design, this chair can be incorporated into contemporary and traditional interiors, lending itself to a timeless, universal appeal. The elegant lines and shape of the backrest create a striking silhouette. The tufted buttons on the backrest serve as the only form of ornamentation, and add to the visual richness of the model. The soft white upholstery is complemented by the tapered stained wood legs. Tilted in the back, the slim legs have a classically modern look. This armchair model expresses a particular feeling of warmth and comfort with its friendly and rounded form. Standing at the intersection of form and function, this is a timeless model that will never go out of style.
The craftsmanship displayed in this armchair is a testament to the high standards of Swedish design in the mid 20th century, reflecting the technical skill and artistic vision of both Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and Nordiska Kompaniet.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor scratches on the wood. 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:
28.34 in W x 32.67 in D x 38.38 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Seat depth 18.70 in; Arm height 22.44 in
72 cm W x 83 cm D x 97.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Seat depth 47.5 cm; Arm height 57 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This spectacular “Pallas” chair by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh dates to 1954 and is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure, this lounge chair praises both Skogh and Asko.
The design combines function and aesthetic masterfully, keeping the form in service of the user while maintaining an elegant and modern look. The union of the shell-shaped, upholstered body and the sculpted wooden structure define this chair. The body “sits” on the black painted frame, as if the wood was constructed over the shell. This shows the Swedish design’s and the Finnish manufacturing’s quality. The chair is slightly raised towards the front, which is further accentuated by the armrests. Together with the seat cushion, this angle assures great sitting comfort, a feature that Scandinavian designers were particularly concerned with. The legs not only support the body, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clean lines of the black painted birchwood contrast beautifully with the body that is upholstered in a grey wool blend fabric. The pairing of colours and materials creates an open and very photographic appearance. Due to the well-chosen proportions, colour scheme and angled profiles, this lounge chair is uniquely elegant.
Asko - Finland’s market leading furniture manufactory from the 1930s - worked with many renowned Scandinavian designers during the mid-century era, among them Swedish master, Svante Skogh. This “Pallas” lounge chair was manufactured together with a sofa during the 1950s, and remain quite rare.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chair has been reupholstered recently in a premium wool blend 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 29.92 in D x 30.9 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 23.22 in
70 cm W x 76 cm D x 78.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
Swedish furniture designer Svante Skogh is best known for his mid-century designs produced by many of the most renowned Scandinavian manufacturers, among them Asko Finland, Seffle (sometimes written as Säffle) Möbelfabrik, and Klings Alingsås. Throughout his career in the 1950s and 1960s, he worked with a number of furniture producers.
Despite his famous designs, not a lot is known about the designer. His designs ranged from coffee tables to seating, such as his famous Bodö Series from 1957. Many of Skogh’s designs have survived and are highly sought after on the vintage market today. ~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
While they play a prominent role in both architecture and pop culture, rocking chairs solidified their place in Scandinavian design history as well. As this Göran Malmvall model proves, functionality can manifest in many forms, but it is always accompanied by both great material and aesthetic quality in Swedish design.
The “Svensk Fur” line is 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 model was sold at Ferd. Lundquist in Gothenburg, the largest and most well-known department store in Gothenburg at the time. As part of the highly collectible Svensk Fur (“Swedish Pine”) series, this rocking chair has a Minimalist rusticity akin to the pieces of the contemporaneous Sportstugemöbler furniture. Both lines were inspired by traditional Swedish carpentry, transforming the utilitarian provincial furniture into more refined profiles that appealed to a higher end customer. Solid pine was the preferred material in this specific style, and Malmvall managed to form this otherwise simple material into gentle, elegant shapes. The rockers are especially appealing, elongated in the back to create a beautiful curve. The screws are left visible, enhancing the rustic look, while the added upholstered seat pillow provides comfort and visual softness to the wooden structure.
Karl Andersson & Sons have been manufacturing quality and designer furniture since 1898. Everything has been manufactured in Huskvarna for four generations. As Karl Andersson's youngest son, Göran Malmvall’s furniture pieces, including this rocking chair, were produced by the family company.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
25.19 in W x 33.07 in D x 29.92 in H
64 cm W x 84 cm D x 76 cm H
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.
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
This lounge chair by Swedish designer, Gösta Jonsson, exudes quality and personality from all angles, and is the designer’s most famous model. The basic Swedish design principles are all present and upholstered in soft and stylish sheepskin.
With organic forms and harmonious proportions, this model is an excellent example of great Swedish design from the era. Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair has a classic shape, paired with a modern edge. The generous seat and back are welcoming, with the latter curving in such an angle that the sitter is “hugged”. The large, curved backrest features tufted buttons and follows the curve of the equally generous seat, creating a harmonious look. The backside of this chair is quite striking, as it is created from a single piece stemming from the base. The sheepskin used for the upholstery is the ultimate material for comfort, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It elevates the sheer size and shape of the chair, especially its back, beautifully. At the same time, the wood also remains in the focus, as it is the most important material in Swedish mid-century design. The solid, stained wood legs are tapered to lighten the look, but are thick enough at the top to provide adequate joinery strength.
The artisanal production quality shows throughout this chair and takes the Swedish idea of furniture that last for generations seriously. The harmony of craftsmanship, the materials and the design makes this lounge chair ideal for any interior and style.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Item may have some marks, scratches, and discolouration. The chair has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be reupholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
30.7 in W x 34.64 in D x 27.95 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
78 cm W x 88 cm D x 71 cm H; Seat height 41 cm