Velour Two-Seater Sofa with Solid Wood Legs, Europe ca 1950s


























Velour Two-Seater Sofa with Solid Wood Legs, Europe ca 1950s
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
The designer of this sofa evidently attached great and equal importance to form and function. With an open design profile, this two-seater sofa carries with it some of the fundamental characteristics and ideals of mid-century modernism.
Clutter-free and disciplined, this low sitting sofa is as functional as aesthetically pleasing. Its round shape is reminiscent of the Artifort style in that it has a sinuous and expressive quality that is harmonious and organic. There is also a certain quiet power to the design that is pared-down to the essential, exuding simplicity and timelessness. The open construction is constituted of the generous seat cushion and the large back that flows towards the front to form the shell of the seat. This creates an inviting and open look which is a signature characteristic of mid-century modernism. Thanks to the sinuous, large surfaces, the velour fabric dominates the overall loo, accentuating the round shapes and curves. The short, splayed legs prevent the sofa from looking heavy by slightly lifting it off the ground, while their warm brown colour nicely compliments the elegant colour of the body.
Without any ornamentation, the focus here is on the round, flowing lines of the body and its upholstery. From the muted colour scheme to the material choices, this streamlined sofa is essentially mid-century modern and therefore, can add that cosy charm into any space.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The sofa is upholstered in a brown velour 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:
70.07 in W x 34.84 in D x 30.31 in H; Seat height 16.92 in
178 cm W x 88.5 cm D x 77 cm H; Seat height 43 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their users. The period from roughly the 1940s through the 1960s was a high point for Danish furniture makers, and this chair shows why.
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this lounge chair is a Danish delicacy with a unique look. With its classic shape paired with modern design elements, this model combines the best design characteristics of the 1940s. The large, enveloping backrest dictates the shape of this chair, as it forms most of the structure, including the armrests. The curvature creates an inviting and open look, enhanced by the soft velour upholstery. The inside of the upholstered back is sectioned with rope trimming, which creates a shell-like look. The thick, bun feet-like front legs are a pleasant touch. The warm brown colour of the stained wood nicely contrasts to the mustard colour of the velour, not to mention that thick wooden feet make a long-lasting, rock solid foundation for any chair. The chair’s back legs differ, they are straight, which is an eccentric detail that adds visual interest. Master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities, therefore this lounge chair provides support for the back and great sitting comfort.
Through decades of changes in styles and preferences, the various iterations of what has come to be called Danish Modern have managed to go on “speaking” to consumers, collectors, and design aficionados – and most importantly to users – in rapidly changing cultures. This early Danish mid-century lounge chair shows why: it has both a cosy and a luxurious appearance, exuding the craftsmanship of Danish master cabinetmakers.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. 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:
34.25 in W x 33.46 in D x 27.55 in H; Seat height 14.56 in
87 cm W x 85 cm D x 70 cm H; Seat height 37 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
In the 1950s, Italian design took a crucial turn from the technical, formal and artistic point of view. Designers took tips from names in contemporary art and architecture like Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer and F. L. Wright. A natural fit, considering that most of the Italian designers were architects and engineers.
This sofa aesthetically predates the great industrial era, with a more classic look and materials. With elegance and functionality at the core of the design, there is an unmistakeable Italian vibe to this piece. Like Scandinavian mid-century design, Italian design liked to blend form with function, which is evident here as well. The body is gently curved, with the three seats sectioned with the seat cushions. These give the sofa a cosy and modern look, while also emphasizing the main curve. The design is quite ‘social’ in the sense that it encourages interaction thanks to its shape. At the same time, the design is also very open, which is the result of the absence of armrests and its sheer size. The body is supported by six, symmetrically arranged tapered legs. The wooden legs add a detail that is characteristic of mid-century modernism.
Generally, Italian designers like shapes that are very fluid and pleasant. Because of their emotional and suggestive charge, they appear simple and yet complex at the same time. Here, the so-called banana shape, the tapered wooden legs, and the elegant, green velvet upholstery create this charge that is explicitly Italian.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Traces of wear and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has been reupholstered by a previous owner. Although the upholstery looks good at first glance, we would recommend reupholstering. 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:
94.48 in W x 28.14 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 17.71 in
240 cm W x 71.5 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 45 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This beautiful Swedish two-seater sofa is an early example of Nordic mid-century modern design and of outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their users. Swedish Modern is an inheritance coming from a rich tradition of beauty loving people who were courageous enough to break away from the past to entertain new forms of living.
The main principles of Swedish Modernism centre around minimalism, simplicity, and functionalism. This sofa not only follows these principles, but also offers plenty of visually arresting qualities. Starting from the curved wooden armrests covered in fabric, the tufted backseat adorned with buttons in a diamond shape to the decorative carvings on the front legs. The clean and elegant lines of the design let the original upholstery and the solid wood legs and arms stand out. This is especially apparent in the front, where the arms and legs are formed from a single piece of wood. The expert Swedish craftsmanship, - rooted in traditional folk crafts - is clearly visible throughout the structure. The soft upholstery and the voluptuous, loose seat cushion guarantee comfort. The mix of the bold, yet restrained colours and the smooth edges and lines of the wood were used expertly to create an elegant, arresting piece.
Nordic textiles are beloved, people around the globe are fascinated by the eccentric and classic designs. However, it is rare to find a sofa with its original, stunning upholstery in such a good condition, which is why this model is an exceptional find.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa comes with its original upholstery or has 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:
64.56 in W x 31.49 in D x 34.64 in H; Seat height 17.32 in; Arm height 23.62 in
164 cm W x 80 cm D x 88 cm H; Seat height 44 cm; Arm height 60 cm
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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur
In December 2016, the term "hygge" was so popular that the New York Times ran an explainer on the concept. This ideal of comfortable conviviality can be expressed in many ways, including furniture and thus, this pair of beautiful armchairs.
Designers in the post-war period focused on simple, well-made pieces of home-grown and exotic woods alike such as teak and walnut. The teak frames of this pair are outstanding, both in visual and technical terms. The sculptural slats are arranged symmetrically to form the arms, flowing seamlessly into the legs. They also give the chairs an airy, light look despite being made of solid wood. The armrests have a beautiful curvature that ties in with the unique backs’ curve that is visible through the slats. The wooden detail under the seats however, follows the lines of the seat cushions, as they both face downwards. This creates a great visual balance between the straight and curved lines. The permanently reclined position of the backs assure comfort, aided by the soft green velour fabric the seats and backs are covered in. The light twisted cord trimming highlights the shape of the backs, also serving as subtle decorative elements. The legs are tapered in a characteristically Danish manner and frame the slats visually, creating a cohesive look.
While the arms are certainly the standout design elements of this pair at first sight, the teak frames are just as stunning with subtle brass screws and carefully sculpted shapes and forms. The high level of woodworking is apparent, making this pair a true mid-century masterpiece.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have 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:
26.18 in W x 29.13 in D x 33.07 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 24.01 in
66.5 cm W x 74 cm D x 84 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 61 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
The so-called “cocktail chair” is a smaller type of upholstered chair with an elegant shape, that looks especially stylish as a feature chair in any room, or next to a mid-century sofa or drinks trolley. It made its first appearance in the 1950s and is still an interior trend today, a look borrowed from hotel lobbies of the Art Deco period.
These chairs have a soft design edge that is immediately recognizable. The design has an unmistakeable shell body where the back cascades down to form the armrests. While the armrests sit low and curve outwards, therefore opening the seats, the chairs still have the impression of embracing the sitter. The fully upholstered bodies elevate the visual comfort, with a stylish felt green fabric with rich texture and colour variation. The stitched decorative element adds a lot of depth to the design, accentuating the thickness of the backs. As a genuine mid-century modern pair, the chairs are as much defined by their materials as they are by the silhouette. The interesting fabric is paired with dark glazed cherry wood frames and legs. Cherry wood has been popular among furniture makers due to its strength, durability and beautiful natural qualities such as its grain and colour. The tapered legs have a dark glazed colour that highlights their sleek look, contrasting to both the shape and colour scheme of the bodies.
Mixing the lightness and elegance of cocktail chairs with the weight of European historical furniture making heritage, this pair is sure to be the highlight of any room. Their straightforward design, enveloped in a stylish felt textile, is pure pleasure, both to sit in, and to behold.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have 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:
30.51 in W x 29.33 in D x 32.28 in H; Seat height 17.71 in; Arm height 23.03 in
77.5 cm W x 74.5 cm D x 82 cm H; Seat height 45 cm; Arm height 58.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This pair of spectacular armchairs by Swedish designer, Svante Skogh, is a rather rare example of the interior and furniture designer’s repertoire. With a creative and masterfully crafted wooden structure, these chairs deserve the limelight in Swedish design history.
These chairs combine function and aesthetic in a striking manner, keeping the form in service of the user while keeping it elegant and modern. The union of the shell-shaped body and the back legs’ structure define this model. While made of entirely different materials, their lines manage to resemble and complement each other, resulting in a harmonious appearance. The back legs not only support the bodies, but also rise to form the support for the armrests. The clear lined frame of this pair contrasts beautifully with the angled seating and gives the pair an open and very photographical appearance. The armrests’ black paint is a small, but ingenious detail, that highlights their form and create a focal point. Due to the well-chosen proportions, angled back, and the high-quality of the design, the chairs are very comfortable.
In Sweden, “svensk design” (Swedish design) in particular 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.” Thanks to this sentiment, cabinetmakers, like Seffle Möbelfabrik, put an emphasis on soft elegance and functionality, making these chairs timeless in every sense of the word.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The black paint has partially worn off with time. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have 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:
26.77 in W x 32.28 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 15.35 in
68 cm W x 82 cm D x 81 H; Seat height 39 cm
About the designer:
Swedish furniture designer Svante Skogh is best known for his mid-century designs produced by Seffle (sometimes written as Säffle) Möbelfabrik. 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: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
Bejra Möbel was a Swedish manufacture operating in the first half of the 20th century in the Swedish town of Tibro, a well-known centre of the furniture industry in Sweden. Furniture from Bejra Möbel raised the level of design in Sweden and was often presented in the trade press. As this pair of armchairs show, their models were distinguished by excellent production quality and modern design.
This pair of armchairs has a clear preoccupation with mid-century modern design characteristics, including gently rounded lines, an open profile, and quality materials. There is a certain gentleness to the design, which many would call the ‘feminine touch’. The designer’s fascination with classic English upholstered furniture and style is clearly visible in these armchairs, however, the English inspiration is combined with Swedish ideals. The enveloping backrests dictate the shape of these chairs, as they visually form most of the structure. Similarly to club chairs - that are favourites for modernist enthusiasts - these chairs’ arms constitute a single piece with the backs, resulting in a wide design profile. The line tracing is very clear, with outward curving armrests, defined seats and button tufting. In service of comfort are the soft, fully upholstered bodies in a textured velour fabric in a warm pink colour. The design is just as focused on the aesthetics as on employing exquisite techniques and materials. These chairs provide a high level of comfort thanks to their gently enveloping backs and seat cushions. The light coloured, tapered wooden feet are unmistakeable Scandinavian elements of the design, adding the traditional organicity of wood to the look. The back legs are splayed, thus providing plenty of structural support.
The most traditional use for club chair-like models is in the living room, but they work especially well in an open floor plan. The early mid-century modern aesthetic of this pair lends itself well to most styles as it is timelessly elegant and high-quality in terms of materials and execution.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. These chairs come with their original upholstery or have 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:
30.31 in W x 31.1 in D x 28.54 in H; Seat height 16.14 in; Arm height 21.85 in
77 cm W x 79 cm D x 72.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm; Arm height 55.5 cm
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
“Danish Modern” is a recognized term around the world standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the 20th century. As this elegant three-seater sofa shows, the style is characterized by clarity in design and extremely high quality in craftsmanship and choice of materials.
Thanks to its subtle but pronounced curves, this sofa is inherently elegant while also keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century Danish design. The standout visual element is the scalloped back that echoes the legacy of Art Deco that had a lasting influence on the Nordic countries as well. Many of the well-known Danish architects felt the urge to try their hands at “Nordic Art Deco”, even though the style’s focus on luxury and decorative elements is in its nature in opposition to the ideas behind Danish design and constitutes a creative contradiction to the period’s streamlined modernism. Nevertheless, in combination with the unadorned style of Danish mid-century modern design, this sofa brings together the best of both styles. On the decoration front, besides the scalloped back and tufted buttons - the red twisted cord trim stands out, especially against the rose upholstery. The cord accentuates the curves and outlines the sofa visually. The visual appearance however, is not the only thing that echoes Danish design, but also the exquisite craftsmanship under the fully upholstered body. The tapered wood legs add a modern, organic feel to the sofa. The front legs differ in their angle and shape from the back ones that are lightly splayed for additional stability.
Today the best pieces of Danish modern furniture have taken on a second life as collectors’ items. Exemplified by this sofa are the reasons why: timeless elegance and impeccable craftsmanship completed by a distinctive cosiness that is Danish to the core.
Condition:
In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa 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:
68.11 in W x 29.13 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 15.74 in; Arm height 23.22 in
173 cm W x 74 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 40 cm; Arm height 59 cm
About the designer:
The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.
Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.
Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.
The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this sofa– are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.
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Price category: 5,000 - 7,500 usd / eur
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna sofa created by Lahti Lepokaulusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Anttila. Famous for its suspension and structure, this model quickly became beloved in Finland.
Due to a shortage of material, the interior design in the 1950s was plain, even spartan. The typical features of furniture of the era were tapered legs and the use of hardwood materials, with an overall restrained aesthetic. Aake Antilla was one of a group of people that established Lepokalusto in 1953. Antilla was in charge of designing all of the furniture in the first few years - that included this chair - which immediately caught the attention of the press. With its attention grabbing colour and shape and exceptional comfort, it is no wonder why. Gentle, rounded lines characterize the design with a solid wooden structure that is seemingly quite simple. In reality, the engineering is quite remarkable, from the way the legs are formed to how the back connects to them and supports the upholstered back cushion. It is very precise work that praises Lepo’s craftsmen and shows just how important prerequisites a well-researched structure and the anatomical proportions were for Anttila.
Lahden Lepokalusto, which began to manufacture upholstered furniture using the “world-renowned Epeda method.” The Susanna sofa already appeared in the company’s first printed catalogue, foreshadowing the success the company would soon achieve.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some scratches and marks on the wood. This sofa 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:
63.77 in W x 24.6 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 16.14 in
162 cm W x 62.5 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 41 cm
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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur
This Howard Keith “Bambino” armchair is a piece of history of a company, HK Furniture, and mid-century British design. By absorbing creative influences from abroad, but formulating a distinctive home-grown approach, Howard Keith was among the British designers to pioneer the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, whilst maintaining links with the vernacular tradition.
The Bambino chair was produced in Keith’s factories in the late 1940s and early 50s. Like the first models, this chair is also constructed of solid beech and is fully upholstered. The shapes and curves of this chair are very pronounced and harmonious. Sculptural form was an important design element for post-war British design, and that is clearly a guiding principle in this Bambino chair as well. It is most evident in the beech arms and the winged back that complement each other’s curves. With classic button tufting, the back has an elegant look, enhanced by the original light upholstery. The sculpted arms run from the very base of the seat, which is a neat detail, especially from the side views. The chair is supported by tapered legs that add to the classic, yet sleek design that defines this Bambino.
Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products early on. Having appeared in the film ‘Rocketman’, the Diplomat sofa might be the flagship design for HK, nonetheless, the Bambino is their most coveted chair design. Taking into account its traditional elegance and quality, it is easy to understand why.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Some minor scratches on the wood. 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:
27.16 in W x 33.46 in D x 35.03 in H; Seat height 15.74 in
69 cm W x 85 cm D x 89 cm H; Seat height 40 cm
About the Designer:
Howard Keith was born Hans Krebs in 1902 in Germany and changed his name when he came to England around 1933, presumably to escape Nazi Germany.
Founded in 1933 by Howard Keith, HK established a name for high-quality upholstered products. Howard Keith was a designer and maker of stylish upholstered furniture producing designs for a great number of companies. Chairs like the Encore, Viking and Bambino and lounge seating such as Diplomat and Cloud ensured Howard Keith’s position as one of the country’s top furniture designers in the 1940s and 50s. Keith’s company was highly successful in making modern designs for domestic sofas and chairs well into the 1970s, before becoming one of Europe’s top high-end contract upholstery manufacturer. HK designs provided furniture for the QE2, Marlborough House, The Royal Train during the Queen’s jubilee year, the States of Jersey Parliament, the Stock Exchange Boardroom, BP’s headquarters and supplies leather seating for the Portcullis House, new parliament building at Westminster.
In the 1970s, HK started manufacturing high-end conference tables and executive desks and became known for craftsmanship, quality and design winning contracts for major blue-chip organizations such as The Bank of England, The Stock Exchange, Barclays and BP. In 2000, HK made the news desk for BBC South East. Today, the company still specializes in high-quality, custom-made executive and conference room furniture. ~H.